Grey’s Anatomy Season 19 Episode 2 Review: Wasn’t Expecting That

Grey’s Anatomy has really turned things around, hasn’t it?

On Grey’s Anatomy Season 19 Episode 2, “Wasn’t Expecting That,” the interns scramble to figure out a medical mystery, much like the interns of Grey’s Anatomy Season 1 once did. 

It all has that feel, and the episode focuses mostly on the medicine, the patients, and the doctors, with very little time attributed to anything outside of Grey Sloan Memorial. With that comes a new energy and another reminder of what the early seasons of Grey’s Anatomy were like. 

The new interns all have something different to offer, and they’re some of the most well-fleshed-out interns we’ve gotten in a long time. That we’re allowed to see more of their personal lives and interactions with one another is helpful in that regard, and goes back to the idea of this feeling like something of a Grey’s Anatomy reboot.

Lucas is doing his best to hide the fact that he’s related to Amelia, but that’s only causing a different sort of stir among the others. It will be interesting to see how that continues to play out, especially as Amelia sees he has a need for a place to stay and maybe a homecooked meal every once in a while. 

Mika Yasuda shares a similar struggle when it comes to a place to leave, and I can see that eventually leading to a conversation about the economy, student loans, etc.

Meredith pointed out on Grey’s Anatomy Season 19 Episode 1 that this group of interns was chosen because of their stories, their grit, and their struggles. We’re clearly already getting a chance to see what some of that means.

That’s also true for Simone, who may just have an interesting way to relate to Meredith Grey. (How great is it to see the legendary Marla Gibbs on this series, by the way?)

The interns learn they need to have each others’ backs as well. Simone is told she should go to comfort Jules, who’s had an emotional day thanks to the amputation she had to perform. The two get a chance to bond, then bring some of that comfort back to the rest of their group — stuffed animals for everyone.

It’s an endearing scene that’s all about found family, one of the most important themes Grey’s Anatomy has always had. 

Schmidt is also doing his very best as the new Chief Resident, even though the job is turning out to be more than he bargained for. To go from being called “Glasses” to saying “Don’t drop anything inside of a patient” to the group of interns he’s in charge of is a really satisfying evolution for his character. 

He does make a run to the bar to beg Taryn Helm to return to her job at the hospital, and she’s having no part of that. It’s not the first time we’ve seen a doctor decide to work as a bartender for a bit, which makes that another fun callback. 

I have a feeling she won’t be gone long, especially considering that she’s evolved into such a confident person herself. 

The Meredith and Nick stuff is the only part that feels off for me, perhaps because of the time jump. Nick assuming he’s being attacked for all his changes as Residency Coordinator rings a bit false, both in terms of his reaction to Meredith and his reaction to Richard. 

The explanation he finally gets from Meredith about why she didn’t go after him, though, is entirely in line with her character. It’s not surprising that she reacted to him in that way considering everything we’ve seen from her over the years. Add to that the trauma she’s experienced, and it makes perfect sense for her. 

I’m glad to see they’re able to resolve things pretty swiftly and that this tension isn’t drawn out, especially considering that Meredith doesn’t have too many more appearances left this season. 

She’s still acting as Interim Chief, and she’s proving to be one heck of a great leader in that role.

Her being behind that desk is one thing, but then watching her teach two interns during a critical moment for a patient — there really isn’t much that could be more satisfying than that when you consider the overall development of her character. 

This brings me to the most impactful part of the episode — its final few moments. Zola is giving a major presentation, already proving herself to be an exceptional girl who will likely follow in her mother’s footsteps. Her presentation, for better or worse, is on her grandmother, Ellis Grey. 

Only she doesn’t make it far into the presentation. It seems like this could be due to some stage fright at first, but then, she gets choked up as she talks about Ellis’s Alzheimer’s and how, because that’s genetic, her mother and aunt will end up dying from Alzheimer’s too.

It’s a gut punch that was bound to happen sometime, and another way to bring Meredith’s story full circle this season. Her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis has always been a major part of who Meredith is.

It’s why she was so interested in the work she was able to do in Minnesota. So for Zola to begin to have a real understanding of this is a powerful way to continue a story that’s now 19 years in the making. 

Other thoughts:

• Even though I do think some of the Owen and Teddy storyline was resolved too easily, what’s come of it has turned out to be really interesting. The fact that they are now broke because of it and have a new conflict between themselves is interesting to watch, and it even provides a little levity. 
• I love that Jo and Bailey are meeting up for play dates, and I really enjoy seeing this side of Bailey. 

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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