Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 7 Review: If You Leave

In what is the best episode of the season so far, Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 7, “If You Leave,” takes the unexpected route for a show that’s become known for killing off beloved characters at a moment’s notice.

Granted, that hasn’t been the trend for several years now, but it’s still saying something that it’s surprising when a character doesn’t die. 

It’s not the near-death experience that makes it surprising, necessarily, but the fact that it’s coupled with the knowledge that Midori Francis, who plays Mika Yasuda, is exiting the show this season. So, when her life is on the line, it’s easy to believe that she won’t make it. 

Instead, though, Grey’s Anatomy does the more surprising thing in this circumstance and has her survive, thanks to the hard work of all of Yasuda’s mentors, particularly Bailey.

Most of the episode is centered on the doctors coming together to save Yasuda, and that itself makes for an entertaining, heartfelt hour of television.

It’s that fast-paced, suspenseful action coupled with the teamwork and high stakes that keeps us on the edge of our seats, and it’s something we should really see more of just in general.

Meanwhile, Yasuda’s peers gather around her, offering strength in a different way. Seeing them all come together the way they do is endearing and heartbreaking, and it really cements them all as a group.

It allows for some excellent performances, too. Adelaide Kane brings the right amount of emotion for Jules, both in her desperation to try to get to Yasuda while the other doctors are working on her, and in her more somber tones when she talks with Simone.

Niko Terho’s performance is powerful as well, with a different kind of heartbreak when he refuses to give up on Chloe, Mika’s sister.

It’s Chloe who doesn’t make it, a heartbreaking twist considering how hard Mika was already working to save her sister’s life. 

Following Mika’s surgery, the episode shows time sped up, with the doctors all going in and out of Mika’s room to treat her or just be with her. It’s an interesting stylistic choice that works well to help us understand the passage of time and see how much everyone cares for her.

Then, speaking of powerful performances, Mika wakes up to find out that her sister is dead. It’s gutwrenching, and her response is visceral. I’ll be curious to see what this means for her character moving forward.

Aside from the relief that Yasuda herself isn’t killed off, and isn’t even exiting the series yet, it’s a good choice in terms of the exit we do see on this episode. It allows Levi’s exit from the series to have more focus and to feel like a happy ending.

Much of Levi’s time on this episode is in the NICU with Jo, and it allows they’re offered time to reminisce, all while proving that Levi’s choice to leave was the right one. It’s disappointing that Helm isn’t there for his sendoff, though I suppose we got their goodbyes on the previous episode, and that was enough. 

As Levi is about to leave the hospital, he takes time to reflect, and we see flashbacks that show his growth over the years, which is a nice touch (as is Jo’s line recalling why Levi was called “Glasses” for a long time in the beginning of his time there).

If any character deserved to then have a happy ending romantically, it’s Levi. Just as he assumes that James has gotten freaked out about Levi’s invitation to move with him to Texas, James arrives, ready to ride off into the sunset together (er, moonlight, maybe).

It’s nothing short of joyful, and it’s probably the best ending Levi could have gotten. 

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 10/9c on ABC.

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