Be aware: This story incorporates spoilers from “Gray’s Anatomy” Season 22, Episode 11.
“Gray’s Anatomy” introduced Dr. Amelia Shepherd again after a protracted absence, which star Caterina Scorsone is aware of left followers in a months-long tizzy. However the mind surgeon is now strolling the halls of Gray Sloan Memorial hospital once more, and going into an on-call room with a promising new love curiosity.
Followers of the long-running ABC medical drama had been fast to share their outrage after information broke that Scorsone would take an prolonged hiatus from Season 22, amid studies collection regulars throughout broadcast exhibits had been getting trimmed episode commitments as cost-cutting measures.
“I like Amelia a lot, and to see all people actually lacking her and rallying and eager to see her once more … It made such an influence,” Scorsone instructed TheWrap. “I used to be actually moved.”
The best way the actress sees it, having performed Amelia since 2010 on each “Gray’s” and spinoff collection “Non-public Observe,” the break got here at an acceptable time in her journey. After breaking off a romantic {and professional} relationship with Dr. Kai Bartley (E.R. Fightmaster), Amelia threw herself into her work — taking over unattainable circumstances that pushed her surgical abilities to new heights, but in addition took a toll on her psychological well being.
The storyline reached a life-threatening climax after the disgruntled mom of a younger affected person pressured her to function, whereas holding her hostage with an unstable oxygen tank in the course of the Season 21 finale. Although the medical doctors had been in a position to de-escalate the state of affairs, the season ended with the explosive going off and a minimum of one of many hospital’s medical doctors dropping their life.
The harrowing expertise prompted Amelia to take a go away of absence from the hospital in an October episode, the present’s 450th. She got here again in January after seven episodes, following three months throughout the timeline of the present.
“What occurred simply earlier than that sabbatical was such an excessive occasion,” Scorsone stated. “Medication is her love story and her attachment determine is surgical procedure to an incredible diploma, and at all times has been. There have been so many ups and downs and tragedies in her life, however the factor that’s at all times been there for her is her ardour for drugs and surgical procedure … I believe the sabbatical, partially, was this true shattering of an important attachment that she has in her life.”
“There have been so many occasions in her life which have been blindsiding for her, however she withdrew after this final spherical of unspeakable trauma. She is in a spot now the place she’s each understanding that you may by no means predict what’s going to come back, but in addition that life is brief and also you by no means know when it’s going to be over. So embrace this second as a lot as doable,” she added of Amelia’s mindset as she returns.
Amelia was lured again into the OR in January after a go to from Dr. Addison Montgomery. However this week’s Episode 11, titled “(If You Need It) Do It Your self,” adopted the beloved neurosurgeon’s official return to work. It additionally featured a heartfelt montage in honor of former solid member Eric Danewho died Feb. 19 after being identified with ALS.
The episode launched a stunning determine from Amelia’s previous in Dr. Toni Wright (“Yellowstone” alum Jen Landon), a plastic surgeon she went to med faculty with, who revealed she had harbored a crush on her examine group companion all these years in the past — setting the stage for a brand new romantic relationship proper off the bat.
“All of the sudden we meet this one who reminds her of the Amelia that existed earlier than all of those large traumas occurred,” Scorsone. “There’s potential for lots of enjoyable there.”
After dubbing the brand new couple “Ameloni,” Scorsone stated it’s a privilege to carry a brand new “attractive, sexy” dynamic to the present, at a time when portraying queer pleasure on display feels extra vital than ever.
And that’s quintessential “Gray’s Anatomy,” having beforehand aired one of many first lesbian weddings on broadcast tv, in addition to introducing its first non-binary physician in Kai in a recurring function.
“‘Gray’s Anatomy’ and Shondaland permit a sort of storytelling that each affirms the individuals which are out of the blue seeing themselves, and in addition expands the creativeness of people that haven’t encountered these individuals of their lives or of their communities. I believe that’s tremendous vital,” Scorsone added, noting how charting Amelia’s progress and sophisticated sexuality via the seasons additionally appears like a radical assertion when ladies and LGBTQ+ rights are below assault.
Followers should keep tuned in to see how Amelia’s story unfolds from right here, although Scorsone teased that filming is “getting thrilling” because the solid and crew put together for the ultimate episodes of Season 22. The present is predicted to return for Season 23.
“We’re taking pictures 16 out of 18 now, so it’s getting fast-paced. We now have a desk learn, I believe (Thursday), for 17, and you’ll undoubtedly really feel the ramp-up of all of the tales which are going to have to come back collectively. It’s an thrilling time,” she stated.
“Gray’s Anatomy” airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streams the subsequent day on Hulu.
