The season 22 fall finale of Grey’s Anatomy had everything from Jo’s premature emergency C-section to surprise hookups and a shocking breakup.
During the Thursday, November 13, episode of the hit ABC series, Jo (Camilla Luddington) and Link (Chris Carmack) were in the hospital after her water broke seven weeks early. Jo wasn’t in labor but she did show signs of possible heart issues, which led to a consolation from Winston (Anthony Hill).
He realized that Jo’s heart muscle was getting weaker and bigger and that would make it difficult for her to carry the twins to full term. Her options were medication and if that didn’t help — a procedure where she would have a pump placed in her chest.
Jo tried the medication but then was forced to go get surgery when her condition worsened. Amid the procedure, Jo’s heart started to fail and no fetal heartbeats were heard for either baby, forcing Winston to perform an emergency C-section. Jo’s fate was unclear and the trailer for the rest of the season hinted at a possible loss.
The night … was March 27, 2005. Television titan Shonda Rhimes knew what she had just created — but audiences still had no idea. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from […]
Elsewhere in the episode, Teddy (Kim Raver) and the kids caught Owen (Kevin McKidd) in bed with Nora (Floriana Lima). Teddy was eventually able to come around to the idea of Owen dating but Nora dumped him because Teddy was her doctor and it was getting too complicated.
Meanwhile, Simone (Alexis Floyd) found herself sharing a good day with former hookup Wes (Trevor Jackson) after they worked a case together. Kwan (Harry Shum Jr.) had the most success in his love life though when a shift with Kavita (Anita Kalathara) led to them making out in the elevator.
Viewers have to wait until January 8 to find out how every story gets concluded. Jo’s severe health scare comes after Link’s near death earlier this season. Fans were originally worried that Grey’s Anatomy would opt for a fictional bloodbath courtesy of the season 21 hospital explosion.
“I’ve had conversations with some of the cast, but they all know it’s a Grey’s Anatomy cliffhanger and they know every year they never know what to expect. They’re here for it. They like to keep our stories exciting and fresh,” showrunner Meg Marinis told The Hollywood Reporter in May. “But even in the last two seasons with what you saw this year, we had to reduce the cast a little bit [because of industry-wide budget cuts], and everybody has very passionate feelings about their favorite characters.”
She continued: “But if we can get the writers upset then we know we’re doing it right. It’s not as satisfying a story if people aren’t upset when someone leaves. It’s supposed to make people upset and sad, so I’m sure there’ll be some arguments. But I’ve been persuaded before to change my mind on things.”
Grey’s Anatomy returns to ABC Thursday, January 8, at 10 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.
