The 16th season finale of "Grey's Anatomy" was not planned like this – it is due to the corona pandemic. What can fans expect in season 17?
What's next in the popular doctor series "Grey's Anatomy"? The 16th season was shorter than planned due to the corona pandemic. The 21st episode, which was shown on ProSieben on Wednesday evening, was broadcast as the finale, although further episodes were planned. The 17th season has already started in the USA – and is causing a stir.
Warning, the following passages contain massive spoilers from season 17 of "Grey's Anatomy"!
The corona pandemic and a big surprise
The pivotal point of the new season is the Corona crisis. The plot of the series couldn't be more up-to-date. Showrunner Krista Vernoff (born 1974) told the Hollywood Reporter that more than 1,700 health care workers have died of Corona so far in the USA. Workers are fighting on the front lines and "living through a war they were not prepared for".
"Grey's Anatomy" used the opportunity to "dramatize and shed light" on this emergency with the help of the well-known and popular character Meredith Gray. And Vernoff made it clear that it won't be easy for her: "Meredith has a tough fight ahead of her. And … she has this beach." Dark and light went hand in hand here.
That can already be revealed: Meredith Gray, who has been played by Ellen Pompeo (51) since the first season in 2005, has been infected with the corona virus. When Meredith lost consciousness, she found herself on a picturesque beach and met very special people …
Not just a big surprise?
Patrick Dempsey (54, "Bridget Jones' Baby") alias Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd returned as a complete surprise at the start of the season. The popular series character was known to have died in the eleventh season. Now it comes to a reunion between the former dream couple of the series: Derek and Meredith. Patrick Dempsey can be seen in more than one episode. And he doesn't seem like the only celebrity guest star on season 17.
Ellen Pompeo tweeted about it: "If you really think about it, there are many people who could be." Rumors are circulating online about Meredith's parents (played by Kate Burton and Jeff Perry) as well as her late sister Lexie Gray (played by Chyler Leigh, 38) or the tragically late George O'Malley (played by T. R. Knight, 47). Many fans are hoping for a cameo from Sandra Oh (49, "Killing Eve"), who played Meredith's best friend Cristina Yang.
Open questions from the 16th season
In addition to the challenges that the doctors and nurses in "Grey's Anatomy" are facing due to the Corona crisis, there are still questions from the 16th season open. What about Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd, 47) and Teddy Altman (Kim Raver, 51) after their wedding is over? Is there still hope for Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr., 66) and Catherine Avery (Debbie Allen, 70)? How do Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone, 39) and Atticus "Link" Lincoln (Chris Carmack, 39) get along as new parents?
It is certain that Richard Flood (38) alias Dr. Cormac Hayes, the new head of pediatric surgery, will be seen more in season 17. His role will be expanded as will that of Anthony Hill. He played Dr. Winston Ndugu and met Dr. Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary, 39). The two know each other from before.
Another teaser: In the beginning of the 17th season there is a very surprising kiss between two characters who have been working at the Gray Sloan Memorial Hospital for a while. Drama and suspense is definitely guaranteed.