I’m a long-time Grey’s Anatomy fan and I watch the early episodes over and over again. The key moments from season 2 that reminded me how epic this show used to be
There are long-running network dramas, and then there are Grey’s Anatomy. The medical drama is gearing up for its massive 21st season on ABC, with previous seasons available to stream with a Netflix subscription. I am a long-time Grey’s I’m a fan who rewatches the early episodes, and there are key moments in Season 2 that remind me of how epic the show used to be.
Despite Ellen Pompeo’s departure as a series regular, fans like me continued to watch Grey’s Anatomythe show doesn’t seem to be coming to an end anytime soon (although the new time slot is troubling). But every now and then I like to go back to where it all began, including the Emmy-winning second season. And I have to say, the second half of the second season may be the best the show has ever been. Let’s analyze why.
One of the best examples of this is the two-part bombshell episodes called “It’s the End of the World” and “As We Know It.” Of course, there was a lot of tension with a live bomb in a patient’s body cavity, especially when Meredith ended up with her hand on the explosives. But what impressed me so much was the fact that we had three high-profile storylines going on at the same time.
Aside from what happened in the bomb room with Meredith, Burke and Kyle Chandler’s Dylan Young, McDreamy and Cristina Yang were tasked in another OR with saving the life of Bailey’s husband Tucker. Eventually, Bailey gives birth herself and struggles without her husband. What’s so wonderful is the way all three scenes are interwoven thanks to the way Grey’s uses montages and music. And this two-part story wasn’t even the finale of the second season!
Speaking of finale: Also in the second season of Grey’s really delivers. After Izzie cuts Denny’s LVAD cable, she and the rest of the interns get into serious trouble with the hospital. This saved his life, but Denny still dies in the finale, in one of the most shocking Grey’s Anatomy Deaths of all time.
Just like the bombing episodes, Grey’s didn’t just rest on a thrilling story in this final episode of the second season. When Izzie unknowingly discovers in the elevator that Denny has already died, the tension between Meredith and Derek boils over and they have sex in the hospital… while Addison and Finn are both in the building to attend the Seattle Grace prom.
While I am committed to watching Grey’s Anatomy until it’s eventually canceled, the newer season definitely pales in comparison to the magic that reigned during seasons 2 and 3 of the show. Current episodes may contain an epic storyline, but it’s been a long time since the show juggled so much high-stakes drama at once. We’ll just have to wait and see what comes next when the series returns to ABC.
Grey’s Anatomy returns with season 21 on September 26. In the meantime, check out the list of TV premieres to plan your next series marathon.