Grey’s Anatomy: Meredith’s Big Farewell! This is how the doctor series dismisses its main character

On February 23, 2023, the time had come: in the 7th episode of the 19th season “Grey’s Anatomy”, Meredith Gray aka Ellen Pompeo (forever?) laid down her smock from Gray Sloan Memorial Hospital on the US broadcaster ABC. In order not to let this special (and also somewhat sad event) go unnoticed, the series creators have built a homage into the episode as a touching series flashback.

To say their goodbyes to Meredith, Bailey (Chandra Wilson) and Richard (James Pickens Jr.) throw a big surprise party with the entire hospital staff. During the hilarious celebration, Richard reiterated that “this place won’t be the same without [Meredith]”, but notice that one person is absent.

Nick, played by Scott Speedman, does not attend the celebrations. This is likely due to the fact that the couple has recently been struggling to figure out what their future together might look like following Meredith’s move to Boston.

The episode previously featured a scene between the two that may be familiar to longtime “Grey’s” fans, as it recalls one of the Doctor series’ most iconic moments: the scene where Meredith greeted Derek by saying, “So choose me, only me, love me.” (“pick me, choose me, love me”) confesses her love and at the same time sets an ultimatum.

In exactly the same place, there is also a discussion between Meredith and Nick in the episode after an operation, because Nick does not want to accept Meredith’s decision to move to Boston. But this time, Meredith isn’t begging for her love to be heard, this time she’s making a conscious choice for herself and her family.

With the words: “I want you in my life if you want to be in my life. But if I have to choose, I will choose myself, I will choose my children, I will choose what is best for us and I won’t choose you beg to love me., is clearly reminiscent of the scene between her and Derek. However, it also shows how much Meredith has developed since then and that she now has her own well-being and that of her children at heart.

“Grey’s Anatomy” without Ellen Pompeo: What’s next?

When the 19th season of “Grey’s Anatomy” was announced, it was already clear that Ellen Pompeo would only appear in a few episodes. Nevertheless, the doctor series will probably not have to do without its star completely in the future either, because the actress will continue to work as a producer for the series even after she has left. She will also do the rest of the voiceover for season 19 as usual. In addition, Pompeo has not ruled out guest appearances and further voiceovers for the future.