Grey’s Anatomy Review: Put the Squeeze on Me (Season 18 Episode 13)

Meredith Grey gets an offer she may not be able to refuse on Grey’s Anatomy Season 18 Episode 13, “Put the Squeeze on Me.” After the success of David Hamilton’s surgery, it’s not surprising. And Hamilton certainly drives a hard bargain.

Moving to Minnesota permanently for this position would allow Meredith the opportunity to do the kinds of research she’s always wanted. That includes research on Alzheimer’s Disease, and there’s maybe no other possibility for Meredith’s career that would be more satisfying than that.

Nick is also a factor. Moving would mean the chance at a real relationship with him, and it would also mean an opportunity for his own career and research he’s been hoping to have funded. No pressure.

This all makes it feel like a final season of Grey’s Anatomy, but we know it isn’t. Still, we must be working toward some sort of ending for Meredith Grey’s story. 

All of this has been interesting for her character, and I like the direction it’s gone in. My one complaint remains, though. It feels odd and unsettling that Meredith is spending so much time away from Grey-Sloan and from other key members of the cast.

That was the case when she was unconscious during Grey’s Anatomy Season 17, with all of her beach scenes, and now, she’s just physically in a different place. It’s created an uncomfortable disconnect. 

Now, the episode does end with her back home to spend time with her children, and she brings Nick with her. This is taking their relationship to the next level, and it does feel like they could all be a family. It winds up being a pretty emotional moment to see how well he relates to the kids right from the start.

Meanwhile, at Grey-Sloan, there’s a python that could easily give one nightmares. It’s the shocking sort of case that brings back that fun tone from the early days of the series, especially as the doctors work together to uncoil the thing around the patient.

Bailey squirts it in the face while Link, Winston, and Wright pull it off — all amazed and a little terrified after pulling it off. Link’s face really says it all, and it’s a nice comical moment for him. 

What that moment also makes clear, unfortunately, is that Grey’s Anatomy has a chemistry problem. With so many new faces and so many long-standing characters now out of the mix, the group dynamic feels a bit disjointed.

Add to that, so many important stories are taking place elsewhere. I’ve mentioned Meredith’s story already, but now with Owen at home doing physical therapy as well, there’s too much going on at once.

Individually, though, all of the stories are interesting and done well. Owen and Teddy’s fight has so many layers, and listening to Teddy explain why she’s so upset with Owen is powerful. Then, they hit a turning point when Owen leaps from his chair to go after Teddy without even realizing it — he’s just walked! 

I suspect it’s still a long road ahead here. I hope it is, only because this story has such potential and shouldn’t be resolved that quickly. 

One thing that works well in this episode is getting to see more of Ben and Bailey’s relationship.

Bailey has apparently sent a signal to the new resident who is so clearly enamored with her, and that realization is tough to handle. It is fun to see Bailey react to Jordan Wright over this. She’s embarrassed, surprised, and maybe a little delighted. 

More than that, she’s able to have such honest conversations with her husband, including her worry that they haven’t been making enough time for their marriage.

These two have been such a long-standing, important couple on Grey’s, and they also ultimately connect Grey’s Anatomy with Station 19. It’s nice to see their chemistry is as strong as ever.

Other thoughts:

• Skylar Astin makes his first appearance on this episode, and his character is immediately likable. He could be a great choice of love interest for Jo.
• Amelia and Link have a small moment on this episode that makes me want to hold out hope for them just a little longer. 
• I’m sad to see Richard questioning himself, and I wonder if we’re working toward an end for his story too.

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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