Meredith’s Return Opens The Door For 2 Huge Storylines

Grey’s Anatomy is one of the most successful and long-running shows in network TV history, and ABC’s ratings juggernaut continues to go from strength to strength. In the early seasons, the show followed Ellen Pompeo’s Dr. Meredith Grey and her progression from surgical intern all the way to the chief of surgery. Writer and creator Shonda Rhimes chose to step down from her role as head writer and showrunner in 2015, and the series has had multiple showrunners since.

After almost two decades as the series lead, Pompeo took a reduced role in Grey’s Anatomy season 19, and the show adopted more of an ensemble format. However, Pompeo confirmed she has been contracted to appear in seven episodes of the upcoming Grey’s Anatomy season 22. Showrunner Meg Marinis also hinted that Pompeo could appear in more than her contracted number of episodes. Giving Meredith multi-episode arcs can open the door for two major season 22 plot lines.

Meredith’s Return Will Likely Expand Grey’s Anatomy’s Alzheimer’s Arc

Her Alzheimer’s Research Will Be Deeply Personal

Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey in Grey's Anatomy — Image via ABC

Meredith’s commitment to Alzheimer’s research has deeply personal roots, as her mother, Ellis, suffered from the condition. So far, during her research, Meredith has clashed with Debbie Allen’s Catherine, with even more issues expected in Grey’s Anatomy season 22. This is a story arc that has run in the background, and it could now take center stage moving into the new season. There could be issues related to Meredith seeking funding for the research, as well as how her commitment to the cause could encroach on her time at the hospital.

Meredith Grey in front of brain scans in Grey's Anatomy

Meredith’s Alzheimer’s Story Gives Her A Reason To Return To Grey’s Anatomy

Meredith’s Alzheimer’s findings were the Grey’s Anatomy S19 finale shocking revelation, but they might also hint at Meredith’s story in season 20.

Shaping the future of medicine is something Meredith has been keen to spearhead, and her research into Alzheimer’s could set this story arc in motion. Some of the leading plot points that season 22 could explore surrounding the Alzheimer’s arc include clinical trials, emotional memories for Meredith, and the struggle to balance patient care with ambition. This could take things forward and possibly make stronger progress.

Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 May See A Power Struggle Between Meredith & Teddy Altman

The Duo Have Butted Heads In The Past & This Could Be The Case Again

Kim Raver as Teddy Altman and Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey in Grey's Anatomy season 20 episode 3

While Teddy and Meredith have never feuded overtly, the two have, of course, had friction in the past due to their personal codes and professional decisions. They have always maintained a level of professional respect with one another, but this doesn’t mean they have always seen eye to eye, and Grey’s Anatomy season 22 could see them butting heads again. There could be a power struggle within Grey Sloan’s hierarchy, and this should make for an interesting conflict between two of Grey’s Anatomy‘s best characters.

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A solid season ender has me eager to tune in again for Grey’s Anatomy season 22.

Teddy is the Chief of Surgery and one of the most prominent professionals in the hospital, but Meredith’s experience and reputation give her significant influence on the board, as well as on staff and patients. Meredith’s stock is higher than ever following Grey’s Anatomy season 21’s finale gas explosion crisis, where she lets the police in and tries to connect with the grieving mother and perpetrator, Jenna. Both Meredith and Teddy could have different visions for the hospital’s long-term future, and they may come into conflict over this.

Season 22 Could Open The Door For A Full Meredith Return

This Could Be A Great Way To Ease Her Back Into A Prominent Role Moving Forward

Meredith returning to a more prominent role, with longer arcs in season 22, could lay the groundwork for a larger role in later seasons going forward. There is a chance that Pompeo might even appear in more than seven episodes if her schedule allows for it, and that could set the stage for larger Meredith arcs moving forward. Putting her back front and center brings familiarity and comfort back to the show and could make for high-stakes storylines involving her character.

Meredith Grey in Grey's Anatomy seasons 1 and 19

Grey’s Anatomy: Meredith Grey’s Career Timeline, Explained

Grey’s Anatomy’s titular character has been through a lot throughout the series, and taking a look at her career timeline shows how far she has come.

It is unclear at this stage how long the show will continue to run, but Pompeo has hinted that Grey’s Anatomy will end with Meredith’s story, and her return to a more prominent role in season 22 helps set this up. The season could lay the groundwork for the eventual conclusion of the show if it is heading toward a denouement. It feels natural that Grey’s Anatomy should conclude with Meredith as the prominent focus, as it is, at its heart, her story. Pompeo has revealed she will never fully leave the show, but her role could increase more moving forward.

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