‘Grey’s Anatomy’ season 12, episode 9 preview: Return date for Ellen Pompeo, cast

Tonight, “Grey’s Anatomy” sent us on yet another one of their trademark rollercoasters. Let’s try to describe briefly some of what happened: Alex and Jo may be getting engaged, it could be curtains for April and Jackson, and Meredith and Amelia are no longer going to be living together after an explosive outburst. To make matters worse, Amelia seems to be falling off the wagon.

Unfortunately, you are not going to be seeing Ellen Pompeo back on TV with a new episode at any point in the near future, as the show is not returning to ABC with another episode until Thursday, February 11.

The first thing that we can tell you about this particular hour is its title: “The Sound of Silence.” It’s a chilling way to name a midseason premiere, but we’re not complaining since the Simon & Garfunkel tune of the same name is one of our favorites ever written.

One other thing worth mentioning? The episode is being directed by none other than Denzel Washington. The legendary actor has close ties to executive producer and frequent director Debbie Allen, and we imagine that this helped to facilitate him coming on board. This episode is also being written by one of Shonda Rhimes’ top-ranking writers in Stacy McKee, who also penned the premiere and is an executive producer on the show.

We imagine that this episode will contain a variety of information on a few topics: The status of Jackson and April, Amelia’s sobriety, and also if it is possible for Jo and Alex to actually celebrate if they do become engaged.

For some more “Grey’s Anatomy” news, including our reaction to the winter finale, head over here! Also, sign up over at this link to get some other TV news on everything we cover, sent right over to you via our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)