‘Grey’s Anatomy’ season 11, episode 1 review: Was Ellen Pompeo star of premiere?

After a summer off of the air, “Grey’s Anatomy” returned with its season 11 premiere Thursday night … and we really have to start off here by commenting on just how shocking it is that the show has lasted this long, and is still in a position where it makes sense.

Now, let’s talk about how a character we barely know in Maggie was such a big focus for most of the episode, as she struggles to figure out how to tell Meredith the truth about who she really is. She couldn’t do it this week, and Meredith continued to turn to Alex instead as her rock and her source of advice. Derek, with his new job coming up across the country, put her in a tough position.

Ellen Pompeo’s performance was great throughout this, and understated in much of the same way it often is. Her subtlety is probably why she is often overlooked. This was most present in the episode’s final moment, as Derek turned down the Washington DC job, which she clearly things he did just because she wanted him to.

Elsewhere, there was a surprising amount of drama in regards to the seat on the board that Cristina seemingly gave to Alex; unfortunately, it’s not so easy. The board also gets their own say in this, and we’ll just have to see how this story unfolds.

On the Callie / Arizona front, it seems like the whole surrogate story has got that much more complicated for one simple reason: Focusing on work, now more than ever.

What did you think about the “Grey’s Anatomy” premiere? Let us know your thoughts with a comment, and head over here to preview the next new episode “Puzzle with a Piece Missing.” Also, sign up today to get some further TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: ABC