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Grey's Anatomy - I Must Have Lost It On The Wind - Review

29 Sept 2014

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We are officially in mourning. Cristina didn't actually die but her departure from Grey Sloan Memorial leaves us with a huge hole in our hearts and a chasm in the cast. Season eleven of Grey's Anatomy kicked off Thursday night and we landed straight into the drama we left back in May. No time jump, no shootings and no Yang. "I must have lost it on the wind" was a good episode, worthy of early season promise. It flowed almost too well from season finale in a seamless movement from ten to eleven. In this way it succeeded as a premiere because it took us along the journey as if the last four months were but one week. Though without the drama it has potentially lost ratings. In a mostly strong episode the writers gave us good questions about existing, more established characters and left us wanting to know more about the newbies.

Rather than be worried about the negative impact of Oh's departure episode one has actually provided a lot of hope.

The absence of Yang, or perhaps more notably Sandra Oh, while sad, has allowed an unexpected blast of oxygen into the cast. As a powerful character played by a superb actress her absence runs the risk of destabilising not only this season but further seasons. She was at the heart of the show and deeply loved. What occurred through this episode however was a shot of hope to loyal fans that this oxygen has the potential to reinvigorate. Old characters appear renewed and new characters with existing, genuine depth of story have been introduced (even if one of them is a repeat - Half Sister 2.0). This is not to say that Cristina/Oh will not be missed. No doubt at all she will be, but the writers have taken the gap very seriously. They haven't loaded the premiere with childish residents we are told to love (pointing directly at Jo Wilson, a prime example) as they did with the last series of cast departures (Mark, Lexie, Teddy). The writers have provided a more rounded integrated series of plot development and character introductions. In the case of the latter we can already see their place in the show.

This season is about Meredith. If this was not already known before season premiere it's obvious in the first few minutes that Shondaland has gone back to basics. The humorously dark bedroom scene played homage to Grey's of old. With a large regular cast Grey's has always darted around multiple story lines, characters and relationships but this season it is back to Meredith, her uber dysfunctional family and MAGIC. This is wonderful in itself but the beauty continues because Alex and Richard are back in the fold, with pivotal roles to play. Both have been pushed to the periphery in the last few seasons almost to the point that their absence would not be missed. This is no longer the case.

Meredith has another sister. Well…it's not an original story is it? Though granted this sister has a bigger claim to the Ellis Grey 'legacy' than Lexie. Shondaland has written a rather heavy diversion for Meredith with the introduction of Maggie Pierce. She will not be able to mourn Cristina for too long as war wages in the Attending's lounge. This particular arc allows for a much bigger role for Richard. He is now slap bang in the middle of the Meredith action again with new raison d'être. Illustrating further weaving and integration the arrival of Amelia in the AA meeting closes the circle for Dr Webber - a nice touch very early on, an interesting relationship to follow.

In her third arc Meredith is questioning her life with Derek - a solution presented itself at the end of the episode but it seems the problems are a bit deeper than they first appear. It's gonna be a rough year for her and for them.

Justin Chambers has a new lease of life. He looks younger, tidier, less world weary, less…well…tired. Of course we don't see the actor we see Alex Karev, but there is something in his portrayal that implies it is Chambers who feels invigorated. He looks like he is enjoying himself again. It's almost criminal that it's taken Oh's departure for the writers to build Alex into someone we can believe in as we once did. Alex Karev shined through the episode as if he finally has the space to exist in the hospital for the first time in about five seasons. It wasn't explained how it appears he is now back on staff already, but such continuity issues rarely bother Grey's writers. The important thing is that MAGIC or more specifically MA is back and with Alex up front we will see a new, though reassuringly familiar, dynamic replacing Meredith/Yang.

In addition to his promotion to "her person" Alex is now embroiled in a fight with Bailey for a board seat. It cannot be that this board seat goes to anyone but Bailey (really..she was promised chief of surgery in the future back in season 4 or 5, give the woman a break) however it is possible that the writers will somehow find two seats available at some point. Regardless, this is a nice progression for Alex and a welcome boost to his character. Only the story arc with his father has provided depth for him in the last few seasons so it will be interesting to see how Season eleven develops for Evil Spawn.

Alex and Richard have emerged from the Yang shadow with expansive fully integrated stories. One can only hope that Bailey follows.

Callie and Arizona continued on their "oblivious to any problems" journey as cracks start to show in their new found togetherness. Perhaps that's a disservice. Callie did acknowledge last season that they are still fragile but neither of them have realised yet just how fragile they are. Awkward around each other their season eleven storyline kicked off with both of them walking down different roads to potential happiness. Callie is on Team Bailey, Arizona stands in the Team Alex corner. It's a metaphor for their entire marriage - backing different horses as solutions to their problems. Though each one woman focussing on 'self'. This was not an inspiring start for this couple though it does appear that answers may finally come this season. It wasn't particularly enjoyable to watch either, rather awkward and uncomfortable viewing. But then maybe that's the point, it was meant to be uncomfortable and is actually just very good writing?

The newbies presented themselves well. The introduction of Amelia as a Grey's regular seems so natural. Her character has a rich and often dark back story and perhaps fits in better with Grey's than Private Practice. The potential for story is huge. Gina Davis made a fleeting but notable appearance in her recurring role. Slightly wooden in delivery her few words provided a 'career' stake right down the middle of Arizona and Callie. The dilemma she provided fits in well with Arizona's previous work history. The jury is out on Maggie. Her introduction has initially shown her to be a rather insecure and annoying attending and the timeline of her birth versus her career so far is already confusing - another thing that rarely bothers the writers. Even Meredith getting lost at the fairground didn't help. Over the course of the season we will be given reasons to like Maggie but right now it's very hard, but that feels right. All three characters are welcome additions to this ensemble cast and it's reassuring to see more senior new characters over interns.

Unfortunately it wasn't all wonderful. Season Premiere was let down by the rather amateurish special affects which were stolen straight out of 1996. See for yourself by watching the movie Twister. Even the pretty view behind Richard at the AA meeting looked embarrassingly fake. Budgets may be tight now for Grey's as it runs into it's eleventh season but there is no excuse for jarring, painful viewing. In fact the entire helicopter scene wasn't needed, included only to provide some smash bang wallop drama for the premiere. Rather wasted archaic special effects in the end.

In other news:
'Dying inside' Owen is being romanced by the boys at the behest of April. Poor sod never made it to the bar in the end. And Jenga? Really Richard?
Ben is back. Yay.
The kids are still moaning. Though at least there are only two of them now.

In case you missed it: Jackson's line to April "what kind of buddy are you asking me to be?" Subtly and quietly funny.

This process of renewal and integration helped deliver an almost seamless transition from season ten to season eleven. While we didn't get 'hands on bombs' the new season opened with a solid, thoroughly enjoyable episode with invigorated old characters and interesting useful new ones. The flow of the episode was delightful and a credit to the seasoned writer Stacey McKee. It didn't feel like a premiere, which could be problematic in terms of ratings but for loyal fans it felt like a natural progression from the last season finale.

By the end I felt comfortable and already settled into the new.

Over to you...

Brouhaha
Maxine (aka Brouhaha) is a Grey’s Anatomy devotee, from the very beginning and through the dark period of George and Izzie as a couple. Her other TV 'loves' include the British series Foyle's War, Criminal Minds and TBBT. In real life she's a new mum, self-employed and can often be found arguing about politics or current affairs, attempting to write fiction and buying hair products. Maxine reviews Grey's Anatomy. Got a question - go to Tumblr ask!
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32 comments:

  1. Enjoyed this episode! Hope Meredith and Derek work everything out!

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  2. My money will always be with Meredith and Derek working it out. It's the one thing I think Shonda will end with.

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  3. I'd have to agree with you there. Still, like to see them happy versus arguing.

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  4. Sarah van Binnebeke29 September 2014 at 01:39

    i liked the episode and your review
    didn't meredith skip a few years to take care of her mother?
    wat do je mean with : The kids are still moaning. Though at least there are only two of them now. ?

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  5. I am glad you are still invested and inspired to entertain us with your excellent reviews despite my lack of enthusiasm with the premiere I enjoy your insights of the characters.
    I anticipate a theme emerging, one that has career versus family. At least for Callie and Arizona, or rather Arizona. I hope the writers make that clear by episode three and not drag it until the finale. I think it should be a deal breaker for Calzona.
    Are we to assume that Richard conceived a child with Ellis? I am not clear about that.

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  6. @Last line : Wasn't that clear since the finale? Though I had a theory in my head two days ago and thought how fun of a twist it would be if it actually weren't true and Ellis would've had another lover, LMAO.

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  7. She's talking about the interns, Jo and Staphanie.

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  8. It was very naive of pierce to think that she could build a friendship/relationship with meredith within a day somehow magically! While i love alex not being sidelined this year,just hoping their close friendship wouldn't affect mer-der marriage.As much as i love bailey,i think alex getting cristina's board seat would make up for a much more interesting storyline!My only problem with the premiere-extremely bad special effects coz those weren't necessary at all in the first place.Looking forward to the season without cristina to see how things shape up going forward!

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  9. If you only watch Grey's, Amelia's storyline makes sense so far. But if you (like me) have watched all six seasons of Private Practice, you might ask yourself, what the heck happened back in LA. What about James? I mean, yes, he proposed. But we - as well as Amelia- already learned that that was the plan in its series finale. It just doesn't seem to make sense to me that it would be the only reason for her to flee to Seattle and never look back. I really hope we'll get some more of the back story in the episodes to come & I sure as hell hope they don't hook her up with Owen.

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  10. P.S: Team Amelia!

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  11. As LittleDreamer has said I mean the interns, who are now probably 2nd year residents or 3rd year. I don't know. Neither character inspires me. Perhaps if Shonda took them seriously and decided that the future of Grey's was in the new generation I could believe in them but that is not the case.

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  12. I am still inspired to write but life off line is just so exciting and busy!
    Career versus family has just ripped apart one much loved couple in the show - Cristina/Owen where their fundamental differences in what they want in life forced them apart. It would be disappointing if the writers took the same line with Callie and Arizona, mostly because that's boring and repetitive. Though I agree that there is a theme as this also touches Meredith and Derek. Meredith will be fine, I can't imagine Shonda not allowing Meredith to have it all...in the end (which may not be this season). Both C and A have strong careers but perhaps if the writers are really addressing the core issues with this couple they will go back to "Africa" and explore what drives both these women underneath.
    Well Richard's (and the viewer's) ongoing assumption is that he is Maggie's birth father. Ellis had one affair, so it would not be out of character to have more than one (watch out Arizona/Callie) but I think it unlikely. Richard doesn't have any other children and this allows his character to really expand so suspect this is where the writers are going.

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  13. Great twist but too much of a twist for this show. See reply to Cyntotoche

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  14. Agree about Pierce. I also thought it rather presumptuous that she thought Meredith was on a pedestal in the hospital because of her mother. In fact Meredith is a force within the hospital operationally more because of her position as a board member.
    Agree with you that Alex would make an interesting board member but Bailey is more deserving.
    The special effects were terrible. A real let down for the show.

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  15. I'm not such a fan of PPP but did watch it mostly. I agree that there are outstanding issues. I chose to ignore those but you are right to bring them up. My point was really just to illustrate that the character of Amelia is perhaps better suited to Grey's.
    Amelia and Owen....I'm not a fan of Owen but in theory that pairing would not be a surprise. I'd prefer Amelia/Alex.

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  16. That scene with Meredith at the Fairground has been addressed earlier...hasn't it? I don't know exactly which season but it sounded so familiar. Can anyone remember? Btw...good review. I liked the eppy also...a lot ;-) especially when Meredith showed up at her old house, chasing Jo away from Alex' bed! One of the lesser things was the reconciliation between Meredith and Derek...it was too quick. Don't get me wrong, I love and want those two together but this was too easy. Let them fight for a while and give us some great make-up s.e.x (we really lack intimacy between them...a stolen kiss once in a while just isn't enough)!

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  17. Thanks.
    I did not read that Derek's action was a reconciliation at all. Meredith's reaction implied all is not well. More to come I think :)

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  18. Oh, my comment wasn't supposed to criticize your review, I'm sorry if it came it across like that.. It was basically just thoughts of mine written down :) since I was wondering, if anyone else felt that way

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  19. Fear not. It did not come across that way:)
    The link between the two shows needs to be legitimate if viewers, particularly fans of Amelia and both shows are to believe in her transition across. I can "buy" it better because I am a casual viewer of PPP but there is probably a core loyal fan base who will be annoyed if her back story is not explained properly.

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  20. Yeah, as much as I was happy to see the helipad again after like two years (at the very least), the helicopter's landing looked like a bad computer game. Hope you meant this as the special effects.

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  21. ya,the helicopter scene was BAD!

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  22. hey look who's back
    I thought this was a strong episode, very much made me nostalgic for Grey's past. Which is kind of shocking considering most of the original cast is gone. But the writing made up for the absence we would be feeling right about now.
    Honestly I didn't miss Cristina in this episode. Which makes me crazy or just means the writers provided an awesome story and character development that I didn't think to miss her.
    Im intrigued by this triangle/ square relationship that is Maggie, Meredith, Chief and in a way Amelia. I think it breaths life into a character we desperately miss and wish had a bigger presence which is Chief. While this could be seen as step-sister/ half-sister 2.0 the added element of Chief makes it different and more intriguing. Because of the father figure presence he has in Meredith's life.
    Im not really invested in Mer/Der relationship just yet. Im not sure why im not
    Calzona I just need them to figure it out- piss or get off the pot. We are promised that the bandages that is their relationship will be exposed and I hope this conflict with the child/career will began that journey.
    Jo and Steph can go somewhere- down a sinkhole I don't care about these characters
    Bailey and Alex looking forward to this storyline because I miss both of these charcters and I don't recall much of a dynamic or interaction between Alex and Bailey in the past so it will be interesting to see.
    Im open to what Amelia may bring this season.
    I can care less about Owen.
    Japril im delighted to see how they maneuver the woes of expecting parents

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  23. I like the theory. It weaves in nicely with the arrival of a new sister.

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  24. Hello!!!!

    "Honestly I didn't miss Cristina in this episode" - this was my point. Her departure provided space for the others. I think the writers did well here. with Japril it will be nice to see a regular pregnancy on the show. So far regular anyway. By regular I mean no car crashes, no miscarriages, no abortions, no third wheels, no affairs....

    Jo and Steph? Who be they then? :)

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  25. At this point I hope Alex gets the seat over Bailey. After the comments she made after Weber told her, it feels like the only reason she wants a seat is to get her research back and when that doesn't happen, we'll have to see a Bailey temper tantrum. It would be nice to see Alex finally not get screwed over for a change.

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  26. I am probably in the minority but I am so glad Yang is finally gone for good. Her never ending roller coaster ride of sad/happy story lines made me dislike her character by the end. I always loved Yang when she was the sarcastic, don't screw with me side kick but the last few seasons have just been painful with all of her indecision.


    This episode felt good except the interactions of Callie/Arizona. As you said, their storyline is supposed to feel uncomfortable and boy does it. It sure feels like an inevitable split by the end of the season with Arizona now having a new purpose thanks to Gena Davis. I'm still not sure about Meredith and Derek. Overall, its a good start to the season.

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  27. Alex has always done a good job of screwing himself over.

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  28. I loved this episode, yet have many questions. How did Ellis hide a pregnancy from Meredith if she were five at the time. I have to wonder about Derek and Meredith and whether all is okay. I am not a McDreamy fan at all, and it would not bother me if they split, however they clearly love each other deeply, have two beautiful children and personally for me, I think marriage must be worked at until you have tried everything you can to resolve your differences. There are obviously reasons to leave a marriage - abuse, addiction and adultery and I cannot see Derek or Meredith becoming abusive, cheating on each other or becoming addicted to something. The helicopter scene was cringe-worthy, but it was the only scene I had a problem with. I love how Amy seems to have just settled in and gotten on with life at GSH. I also loved it when Meredith kicked Jo out of bed so she could lie down and talk to Alex. I am not a fan of Jo and I would love to see Amy and Alex get together. I am rooting for Alex to win the board seat as I want to see more Alex stories, although Bailey does deserve it. Bailey should be chief of surgery in my opinion; I would love the writers come up with a reason for Owen to chuck the job in, because Bailey would be an excellent chief. I did miss Cristina, but not as much as I thought I would. i was expecting this first episode to be painful to watch without my favourite actress and character, but it wasn't so bad. I think that Stacy McKee kicked butt with this episode and after watching ep 2 last night, I am excited to see where Shonda is taking the show this season. I was also impressed with her new show too about getting away with Murder, having said that I loved Scandal in the beginning, but last season was a bit of a let down for me and the first two eps were pretty boring. Anyway lastly I just want to say that it was great to read this review and I hope that you can get time to write, because girl; I just love your work. And now I am going to go post a preview of this on my blog and share it on all of my social network sites and my Grey's Anatomy friends. Have a terrific weekend and thank you for yet another entertaining read.

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  29. I'm not glad that Yang is gone but her absence has given the show a lift. Weird.

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  30. Thank you for your lovely words. I'm not really into either of the other shows but that's only because I don't have time to watch them. Quite sure I'd be addicted otherwise, esp Scandal. I think Owen is here to stay...I also didn't miss Cristina that much and after episode 3 still don't miss her too much now.

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  31. He dies :( I know it's weird to get a message from this article but I started visiting this website this TV season and to read reviews in january, so I wanted to take time and read your past reviews; it's always a delight to observe your thinking and other commenter's

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