Grey’s Anatomy Review: Bottle Up and Explode! (Season 18 Episode 5)

Another crossover, another major character death. This is clearly a pattern.

On Grey’s Anatomy Season 18 Episode 5, “Bottle Up and Explode!” the second part of a crossover event with Station 19, the doctors deal with the fallout of a pipeline explosion. 

It’s ultimately one of the better crossovers between the two series in terms of connecting several key characters from each show. And even if you’re not an avid watcher of Station 19, Miller’s death still hits hard, especially when you see it through the eyes of Ben Warren.

In fact, one of the things that works so well about this crossover is how much it focuses on Ben and Bailey. Ben Warren is the character that essentially led the spinoff series to begin with, moving from his role at Grey-Sloan Memorial to a new role as a firefighter.

The crossover gives us a rare opportunity to really see Ben and Bailey interact on a level that we simply aren’t treated to as often on Grey’s Anatomy anymore.

Ben’s reaction to Miller’s death is both emotional and pragmatic as he realizes the responsibility he has to Miller’s daughter. And Bailey’s reaction to seeing that Ben is very much alive is bittersweet, because it just means someone else has died instead — someone that Ben is extremely close to.

There’s mild conflict in Bailey learning what Ben has committed to, largely because it feels like an emotional risk for her. But between Jo’s reaction, exclaiming how beautiful it is that this little girl will still be given a loving home, and seeing Pru in person, she accepts the idea fairly quickly.

It’s a really emotional scene to see Bailey consoling Pru, opening her heart right up to her without hesitation. 

To have a character death from Station 19 affect change for a character on Grey’s Anatomy is also really interesting storytelling, and it’s a satisfying way to use a crossover event.

I’m also appreciative of the fact that one could watch this episode of Grey’s Anatomy without having seen the corresponding episode of Station 19, and they’d probably follow everything just as well. 

Though if the next major crossover event results in a character from Grey’s Anatomy dying, I’m going to be upset. Let’s break the pattern for the next one, yeah?

“Bottle Up and Explode!” allows explore trauma in a really significant way. The pipeline explosion is felt by the doctors at Grey-Sloan, and it triggers Owen’s PTSD, especially since he’s right in the middle of working with a group of veterans. (It seems noteworthy that this episode aired on Veteran’s Day as well.)

So Owen has already been reliving things a bit more deeply, but then to feel the ground shake in this way, he’s right back to a dangerous place in his mind. This is a version of Owen Hunt that we remember from back when he was in a relationship with Cristina. Remember the ceiling fan?

I’m glad to see that Grey’s Anatomy is exploring trauma for Owen again in this way, but it’s doing it while also showing some real growth.

Owen visibly struggles, yes, but he’s able to cope. He has strategies he’s able to access, plus support from Teddy. And he’s channeling his energy to be able to help the veterans he’s been working with as well.

That both Teddy and Megan are around when this happens is interesting too. The explosion affects all of them, and Megan’s concern for Farouk adds another layer of emotion. 

Though I will say that as much as I like having Megan back (Abigail Spencer is great in this role), and the opportunities that offers for Owen, it’s disappointing that her return means she doesn’t have that happily ever after with Riggs. 

Elsewhere, Meredith and Amelia are working at the clinic, and they bring in a familiar face to help with the trial temporarily. It’s a little funny that Tom Koracick returns so soon after his exit, but it’s a nice touch.

Because of course Amelia and Meredith would call on him for help with this project. It only makes sense. 

Tom’s presence allows us to learn a bit more about Peter Gallagher’s David Hamilton, not to mention Meredith’s ability to stand up for him. The fact that Meredith has become a lot like her mother, though maybe in a better way, is really a nice payoff for her character. 

There’s also obvious chemistry between Amelia and Kai Bartley (E.R. Fightmaster). There were hints at that from the moment the two met, but their conversations on this episode make it crystal clear. I do like the subtly here when it comes to Amelia’s sexuality, and I’m curious to see where this will go.

That said, I’m also over here thinking about Link and Scout back in Seattle.

Though Link and Jo have already put together a family of their own, it seems, which feels natural for these characters. Among the episode’s most heartwarming moments is Link’s response to Jo when she wonders aloud, what will happen if she dies? 

Link: I’ve got Luna. That’s not even a question, okay? I’ve got her.

The connection that they’ve made is actually among many new connections among the characters, which is at the heart of the episode. Meredith’s voiceover talks specifically about cells seeking out other cells in the same way humans seek out connections with other humans.

Amelia and Kai, Meredith and Nick, Megan and Hayes, even Richard and Winston have these moments. And of course, Bailey and Ben have their new connection with Pru. 

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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