As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses in the United States, the entertainment industry has managed to intertwine our current reality within our favorite television shows. Grey’s Anatomy made history with the premiere of season seventeen on November 12, 2020 on ABC network. This medical drama has been breaking barriers ever since it landed on our television screens.
The two hour premiere began with main character Meredith Grey sitting alone on a beach. Which reflected the loneliness and disconnect almost everyone has been feeling since the pandemic hit. They backtracked into April 2020, which was right in the middle of the pandemic. The time where everyone was completely confused, terrified, and lost. They dove right into the complications the medical field and essential workers have been facing ever since. They were all applauded from civilians and first responders as they made their way into the hospital. They all followed protocol, such as wearing masks, taking temperatures, practicing social distancing, wearing gloves, etc. Actress Chandra Wilson who portrays Chief Bailey states “it’s a madhouse.” Which expressed the frustrating, anxious feelings everyone may be experiencing right now.
Aside from the terrifying feelings the world is facing right now, they also shed light on the unfortunate racism the Asian community has faced ever since the virus made its way globally. A random character who needed to go to the emergency room made a racist comment in fear he would contract the virus from an Asian doctor. He said “I don’t want a Chinese doctor,” this was a bold, yet realistic scene that many can identify with today. This virus has brought out another side out of human beings and it should not remain unnoticed.
The biggest issue the medical field is facing right now is the shortage of supplies, and Grey’s Anatomy shed light on this deep rooted issue. These shortages hospitals have been facing are unreal. There was a scene where the doctors found joy after receiving a heavy load of shipment. They had hoped to receive masks, gloves and almost everything else that is needed during this pandemic. This was their new happiness and they felt as if they were able to breathe again. Unfortunately, they did not receive what they needed, which caused a nervous breakdown among one of the doctors. He began to smash the boxes in anger, he clearly depicted his frustration and angst the pandemic has caused for these essential workers.
The premiere made sure to convey empathy for those who have unfortunately lost a loved one due to COVID-19. Main character Meredith Grey had to witness her patients dying alone without a family member by their side. They granted viewers a realistic perspective to the pandemic, these heartbreaking issues are constantly happening and there is nothing no one can do about it. They showed bodies being escorted out in body bags that took a dive into the reality we are in. The medical community was granted a voice during this heartbreaking time. Their hard work and dedication has not been recognized as it should have been. This premiere did just that, it is important to never lose sight of the amount of work our front line workers have done during the pandemic.
Aside from the frustrating, anxious, and melancholic feelings the COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon us, this premiere has managed a way to stir things up. Grey’s Anatomy is known for their intense cliffhangers and dramatic storylines, they did not disappoint viewers during the ending of the premiere. Patrick Dempsey has made his way back to Grey’s Anatomy. Die Hard fans were shocked all over social media with his spontaneous appearance after exiting the series back in 2014. He is famously known for his character as “Derek Shepherd,” Meredith’s one true love who abruptly died in a car accident.
Patrick Dempsey’s appearance and significance in season seventeen is still unknown to fans. He seemed to appear in Meredith’s dream after passing out from an intense day of work. He made his appearance while Meredith was on the beach, the beginning of the premiere hinted at this shocking interaction between them. Whether his appearance was solely meant for the premiere, or if he will be a recurring character throughout the season this left fans happy, shocked and anxiously waiting for next week’s episode.
Below is a promo for episode 3 which premieres next Thursday night at 8 P.M. Central time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffjf08sJXF4
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