Grey's Anatomy season 22 began with the fallout of the massive hospital explosion, but moving into its second episode, the series swiftly recovered from its premiere missteps by making the best possible choice for Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone). Grey's Anatomy season 22's first episode felt like an extension of the finale, but its second finally moved things forward on the series.
While Amelia was dealing with the guilt of feeling responsible for Monica Beltran's (Natalie Morales) death because of her involvement in Dylan Gatlin's (Sophia Kopera) case. Though Amelia's had lapses in judgment in the past, it's clear that the fallout of Dylan's case, which led to Beltran's death, Atticus "Link" Lincoln's (Chris Carmack) injuries, and damage to Grey Sloan itself is more than she can handle.
Throughout her years on Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice before it, Amelia's difficulties regulating her emotions have been exacerbated by the drama of her surroundings. While there have been highlights for Amelia through the years, her life hasn't been easy by any stretch of the imagination. Thankfully, Grey's made the right decision to help Amelia move forward in the aftermath of its most recent tragedy.
Amelia Shepherd's Sabbatical Will Give Caterina Scorsone An Extended Absence This Season She'll Return To The Series In 2026
Although Amelia working through her difficult emotions surrounding her role in the hospital explosion could've been an interesting piece of Grey's Anatomy season 22's puzzle, the series is taking a different route. After seeing Amelia request a sabbatical at the end of the show's second episode, it was announced that Scorsone won't appear in the next several episodes of the series, returning in 2026.
Amelia choosing to leave Seattle behind while she grapples with the pain she's feeling over the explosion is different for the long-time Grey Sloan doctor, but paves a new path for Grey's Anatomy to reset her storyline. Throughout her time on the show, Amelia's traumas have been consistent and difficult. Allowing her space to grieve may be the best choice the show's made in years.
Grey's Choosing To Let Amelia Heal Off Screen Proves They're Learning From Past Mistakes Amelia's Trauma Often Leads To Destruction, Which Viewers Have Seen
For years, Grey's Anatomy has seen the worst of the worst befall Amelia when it comes to her emotional state. Entering into the universe as a former addict, Amelia has struggled with betrayal, death, and intense drama throughout her time on Grey's Anatomy. In the last several seasons, she's dealt with consistent relationship issues that have pushed her in and out of tough emotional states.
As Amelia has moved forward on Grey's, it's been clear to viewers that the writers often refuse to give her a break. While the majority of Grey's Anatomy's characters fall into this category, Amelia's trauma is often particularly difficult to watch, tied to addiction and loss. As her issues aren't usually easy to work through, it's been tough for viewers to be on board with constant drama.
Amelia leaving for a sabbatical that actually removes Scorsone from the series for a stretch is a massive deal, and ultimately the right choice for the show as a whole. As viewers get the chance to learn new dynamics from the rest of the cast, Amelia will return to Grey's Anatomy with some semblance of healing already, allowing her to rejoin the fold more easily.
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143 8.5/10 9/10 Grey's Anatomy 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Drama Romance Release Date March 27, 2005 Network ABC Directors Rob Corn, Kevin McKidd, Debbie Allen, Chandra Wilson, Allison Liddi-Brown, Jeannot Szwarc, Tony Phelan Writers Shonda Rhimes, Julie Wong, Jen Klein, Tameson Duffy, Meg Marinis Cast See All Ellen Pompeo Dr. Meredith Grey Chandra Wilson Dr. Miranda Bailey
Creator(s) Shonda Rhimes, Michelle Lirtzman Powered by Expand Collapse