This week’s Grey’s Anatomy delivered a hefty dose of medical ethics, relationship drama, and the usual controlled chaos that is Grey Sloan Memorial. The central dilemma revolved around a liver transplant, but as always with this show, the situation was far from simple. Tasha, a patient with Alzheimer’s, is in dire need of a new liver, but it turns out her wife falsified her medical records. This puts the transplant committee in a bind, one made even stickier when Catherine Fox throws her weight around.
Nick, ever the advocate for his patients, pushes for further testing on Tasha, convinced her Alzheimer’s diagnosis might be wrong. This creates friction with Meredith, whose own family history with the disease makes her understandably wary. Meanwhile, Ben’s commitment to his patient, Lisa – who also needs the liver – adds another wrinkle to the already complicated ethical equation. As Ben champions Lisa’s case, the committee agrees that the transplant would significantly improve her quality of life, leading to a tense disagreement between Bailey and Ben about the boundaries of their professional and personal relationship.
As if weighty ethical dilemmas weren’t enough, a gaggle of Washington Union College students descends upon Grey Sloan for a scavenger hunt, injecting a welcome dose of youthful energy (and romantic tension) into the mix. This B-plot provides some much-needed levity, particularly when Blue and Lucas find themselves in hot water trying to treat Blue’s girlfriend, Molly, who suffers from seizures after an accident. Amelia intervenes, reminding Blue of the vital lesson that patient autonomy trumps all. Owen, a proud Washington Union alum, looks on with a mix of amusement and nostalgia.
Amidst the chaos, Nick pulls off a medical MacGyver move, proposing a split-liver transplant. Two-thirds to Tasha, one-third to Lisa. It’s a bold solution that, against all odds, seems to satisfy everyone. And in a final sprinkle of Grey’s-style romantic intrigue, Cameron confesses his feelings for fellow scavenger hunter Andrea, while Teddy makes a surprising admission to Owen about her own shifting attractions.
“Grey’s Anatomy” airs Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC.
