Midseason report card: Was ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ season 11 too much about conflict?
For our latest entry in our Midseason Report Card series, we turn to a show that ended a little over a week ago, and in a way that probably did not make people feel very great: “Grey’s Anatomy.”
We should start here by saying that this is not exactly the sort of show that tends to rely on making you happy. It tells stories that the writers consider to be realistic, and that means that there are not always happy endings. Of course, we do wish that there were a few more happy stories than there was this time around for the first half of season 11.
What worked – We’ll start with Geena Davis, who completely delivered a fantastic performance this season as a doctor with a short period of time to live. She goes down already in the annals of one of the greatest guest-stars in the history of the show.
The other main shining point for the show this season has been the excellent implementation of Amelia into the proceedings. We were not quite sure that they would be able to tell her story with so many other cast members, but they have. Also, we’re ‘shipping her and Owen now, and this is one of the few moments of hope so far this season.
What didn’t – Are Meredith and Derek too unlikable now? It feels like their story is just a never-ending cycle of misery, and in between their fighting and the Calzona split, this entire season so far feels too depressing. We know that this is often a sad show, but even with that. We’re still reeling from losing Sandra Oh, and having so many unhappy people at the center does not help.
Also, we wish that Jackson and April, who have some interesting stories to tell at this very moment, were getting more screen time. There was so much Maggie on the show this season that some other characters were occasionally swallowed up.
Overall – We feel like the show has a chance to get so much better than it is right now, and that will come with more balance. Even though it is always an emotional show, things can become at times so rough that it’s hard to watch. This was almost like “Grey’s Anatomy” meets “The Leftovers.” Midseason Grade: B-.
What grade would you give the season of “Grey’s Anatomy” so far?
Jessica
December 9, 2014 @ 6:41 pm
I LOVE the focus on Meredith, her storylines and hope there’s more to come. Meredith and Derek’s storyline is my favourite storyline of the season. It’s real, compelling, and can’t wait to see how they will deal with this. They are not unlikable, it’s a part of their storyline, when they are both right and wrong at the same time.
LOL, at Japril having the most interesting storyline. A character/couple pregnant on the show has been done a million times, and it’s so predictable too. I loved the lack of them, since they are my least favourite part of the show. I find the characters so boring, and like living in their own world and not part of the group of characters of the show.
lola
December 1, 2014 @ 4:08 am
April and Jackson have the most interesting story? You’re kidding, right? They have a cliche baby storyline. OF COURSE something is wrong with their baby that might be deadly. Jackson and April are the definition of a cliche. Have been since the beginning of their relationship.
Meredith and Derek have the most realistic storyline on the show right now. They’re not even close to unlikable. They’re relatable, and their storyline is really touching.
Khaleesi
November 30, 2014 @ 9:33 pm
I absolutely loved Calzona season 5-8, but pretty much hate them now. It’s just such a drag when they’re on-screen together. And the character of Arizona has changed so much, in my opinion. I miss the emotionally intelligent, perky pediatric surgeon we were introduced to.
I do find the Meredith and Derek storyline very interesting b/c it’s so important to these times when women are not afraid to stand up and say that they want to have incredibly successful careers. No one has shamed Meredith for that desire. But where is that balance in a relationship when both people want highly successful careers and they also want to be good parents and spouses? I like that tension and it’s definitely not something that realistically will be solved in one sitting.