Grey’s Anatomy Review: Breathe (Season 17 Episode 10)

Meredith’s beach is the gift that keeps on giving.

On Grey’s Anatomy Season 17 Episode 10, “Breathe,” not one, but two ghosts from the past visit Meredith on that beach. Previews told us Meredith’s sister Lexie would appear on this episode, but the surprise is that when she visits, she doesn’t show up alone.

Mark Sloan makes an appearance as well, and at least as far as Meredith’s beach is concerned, Mark and Lexie are still together, happy. That fact alone makes this episode memorable.

To have both characters return is a treat, and to see that they wound up together forever is a really special kind of closure after such a tragic ending for both of them. This season has certainly had its ups and downs, but these returns are just good for the soul. 

It’s a testament to the series as a whole that it can pull this sort of thing off with such emotional impact, too.

Granted, there’s been so much tragedy on Grey’s Anatomy that if there’s going to be a beach that allows Meredith to visit with her dead friends and family members, she’s got plenty of options. 

Both characters embody exactly who they were years ago, but each with a little more wisdom. It’s pretty remarkable how both Chyler Leigh and Eric Dane are able to slide back into these roles so nicely, especially considering the technology used to make it possible for Leigh to be there in the first place. 

It makes a lot of sense to me that Mark would be the most direct in telling Meredith it’s too early for her — that it’s not her time yet. Mark and Meredith always did understand each other well, and that translates here. 

Lexie, meanwhile, exudes positivity and love, while also offering rational advice. They both have wisdom to share and they urge Meredith not to waste any time.

They also tell her they never left her. And sometimes Mark is right there shouting in her ear.

There’s a little more insight into the realities of the beach. We know from Derek that the sand isn’t real, which Mark re-iterates. We know Meredith is in control.

But Meredith admits she doesn’t know how to get back to the real world. That’s an answer none of the loved ones she’s seen on the beach have been able to give. She’s clearly got to figure that one out on her own.

It remains frustrating that this dreamy, happy, beach Meredith is so content on the beach, though. There’s not much motivation for her to try to go back, but that simply doesn’t make sense, as I’ve said several times throughout this season.

This makes sense for the dark and twisty Meredith we knew many seasons ago — the one who risked her life too often and seemed to have a bit of a death wish.

But the Meredith we know now is different. She has children and she cares deeply about changing the world. Sure, the beach may offer her some peace, and if anyone deserves that peace it’s her, but she’s all too content to be there waiting to see who else will come say hi to her. 

Mark and Lexie’s advice does seem to make an impact by the end of the episode, while, in the hospital, the doctors are working to get Meredith breathing on her own. And they succeed.

It’s the big win that everyone needed, and honestly, I could watch Richard Webber’s joy radiate like this all day. In true Grey’s Anatomy fashion, the doctors have their own little dance party to celebrate.

Of course, it’s a win that Meredith is able to breathe on her own, but it also means they may be able to save another life. This episode focuses on the lack of resources. With more patients needing ventilators, they begin to run out.

A mother and daughter both suffering from COVID add to the emotion of the episode when the doctors find themselves having to choose who gets that help. It’s Maggie, however, who comes up with the perfect solution. 

I really enjoy seeing these moments where the doctors are able to get creative and solve problems in innovative ways, and it’s such a great moment when Maggie’s plan works — and she’s rightfully celebrated for it. 

There’s plenty more cause for Maggie to celebrate, too. Maggie’s relationship with Winston has been present all season, though admittedly, it hasn’t been the most interesting thing to watch.

Especially considering the character returns, DeLuca’s death, and all of the other general chaos, it’s been in the background. 

But somehow that doesn’t take away from the endearing proposal. Winston doesn’t want to go back to Boston, which he’s scheduled to do. Instead, he proposes to Maggie in the hospital parking lot.

She’s shocked, but she doesn’t hesitate one bit. Some joy like this for Maggie is well-deserved, and I think it will continue to be fun to watch.

Other thoughts:

• We’re slowly learning more about McWidow. Irene, his late wife’s sister, is a patient at the hospital on this episode, and while that all takes a bit of a backseat to the other excitement as well, it’s enough to help us continue to become invested in him.
• Cristina is present on this episode as well. She’s checking in on Meredith via texts with Owen, and she insists on specific details and photos of statistics. I really appreciate how they keep her character alive with these kinds of details. I also wouldn’t be surprised if a cameo from Sandra Oh is coming soon. Just saying.
• The compassion Owen shows for Tom about his survivor’s guilt — a small detail but an important one — is really nice to see. 

What did you think of this episode of Grey’s Anatomy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC.

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