Grey’s Anatomy Review: I’ll Cover You (Season 18 Episode 17)
The season is slowly but surely reaching its end on Grey’s Anatomy Season 18 Episode 17, “I’ll Cover You.”
Grey’s Anatomy is missing the cohesive storytelling, and enticing drama needed to keep us interested. We have tuned in for 18 years, but I wonder where the story can go from here.
The residency program is crumbling, but the narrative approach to telling it makes for frustrating arguments and very little teamwork. For a series centered around one hospital, it’s shocking that these issues aren’t connecting more of the characters.
“I’ll Cover You” plays on a previously used comedic trope — a character accidentally getting high on cannabis.
While Richard Webber taking drugs should be concerning, given his history with substances, the storyline attempts to play mostly for comedy.
However, the series has attempted this before, in a much more successful episode. Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 Episode 20, “Judgment Day,” is a better example of how to play with the idea of stoned doctors running around the hospital.
“Judgment Day” delivered excellent comedy and major bombshells, making it a fan-favorite episode, but “I’ll Cover You” leaves us with one epiphany and a reveal that comes out of nowhere.
Catherine has been largely absent, but we learn that her cancer is back and serious. This very unexpected turn will inevitably create an emotional arc for Richard and bring Jackson and April back for an episode. However, it still feels forced.
While Meredith is off dealing with Richard, Nick is stepping up to the plate and proving that he’s a great teacher.
As a huge fan of Meredith and Nick’s relationship, I think it’s lovely that he’s volunteering his time and talents to help save the program since it’s crucial to Meredith.
However, after hearing Meredith discuss her reasons for wanting to leave, especially as she describes the city as “haunting,” part of me thinks she has earned the right to go and start over somewhere new.
She has done so much for medicine at Grey Sloan, suffering immense losses in the process. Why should she be tied down for life when many of her peers have moved on?
Grey’s Anatomy wouldn’t be the series it is without Meredith Grey, so the mentions of life outside of Seattle feel premature until an end is decided.
I mentioned earlier that this season lacks enticing drama right now, including Winston’s drama with Wendell and whatever is happening with Jo and Link.
It’s excellent that Winston is getting a backstory, but Wendell is infuriating. His presence is causing unnecessary tension for Winston and Maggie and wasting screen time on his constant lies.
Plus, it seems unlikely that this conflict will be resolved satisfyingly. Will Winston remove Wendell from his life, or will Wendell finally get it together?
Now for Jo and Link. Todd is the bubbly sweetheart that Jo deserves in her life, so it’s frustrating that this drama with Link won’t fizzle out.
Plus, Link has never been more unlikable. It’s genuinely a fall from grace for a character who started out so lovable and kind. Now, he’s a bit pathetic and way too angry at the women in his life for dropping him.
JAMES PICKENS JR., CATERINA SCORSONE
The last major storyline from “I’ll Cover You” is Teddy and Owen’s family developments.
Even though it feels sudden, Grey’s Anatomy takes a well-written approach to Teddy and Owen’s response to Leo’s identity.
Teddy is doing her best to support Leo and educate herself as she needs, which is all you can ask for when a mother is grappling with something new and uncertain. It’s great that they found people to help explain the best approach to supporting their child.
Plus, it’s sweet to see Amelia provide advice from her own experiences and relationship with Kai. Teddy and Amelia have come so far, and Amelia has a relationship with Leo too.
Even though “I’ll Cover You” ends with an unexpected reveal, the episode struggles to fully engage us. As the season winds down, it’s slowly moving forward with a few consistent but boring storylines.
Grey’s Anatomy needs to amp up the excitement and bring its core characters back into one plot as it heads into the season finale.
Stray Thoughts
- Did anyone else think Link’s hookup was Amelia? It’s the hair, right?
- Jo is way too overworked to properly operate.
- Prue is so cute, and I love that Bailey finds such joy in raising her.
- I’m happy that Schmidt is back! Finally, he’s getting the push he needs to find his confidence again.
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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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Julia Paino
Julia is a TV and pop culture enthusiast who gets too emotionally invested in her favorite characters. She loves making people laugh and is always down for a Taylor Swift sing-along. She is firmly on Team Stefan and has been since 2009. Follow her on Twitter @juliampaino!