When thinking about the characters who have left Grey's Anatomy and left the largest impact, Cristina Yang definitely comes to mind. Meredith's person has fallen in love several times, but nothing has felt right, and she has always stood strong and believed that her career ambition will carry her through anything.
While many Grey's Anatomy episodes feature Meredith and Cristina hanging out and chatting about life, and fans are always going to count those among the best, there are several super powerful episodes that focus on Cristina alone.
Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head (S2, E1)
In the season 2 premiere, Cristina shares with Meredith that she's pregnant and chooses to keep it a secret from Burke, which will lead to some tension just a few episodes later.
Cristina's desire to be childfree is a big theme for her character, and it comes up several times during Grey's Anatomy. This episode is key to understanding that Cristina knows herself incredibly well and that she doesn't want anyone to try to change her mind.
Make Me Lose Control (S2, E3)
In a heartbreaking episode, Cristina has surgery on her Fallopian Tube after fainting, and Burke learns that she's carrying his baby. This is a big episode for fans of Cristina, as they know that she's grieving in her own way here, even though she has always been open about not wanting to be a parent.
While Cristina seems like her typical independent and strong self here, she gets emotional in the following episode and it's clear that this tragedy has affected her. Fans see improvement in Cristina as a character, and it's because she becomes more real and vulnerable as time passes.
I Am A Tree (S3, E2)
In this season 3 episode, Cristina meets Burke's mom and dad, and it doesn't go well at all. Instead of seeing Cristina as the wonderful and brilliant person and doctor that she is, Burke's mother thinks that Cristina doesn't have real feelings for her son, claiming that she just wants to learn more about surgery from him.
Fans know that Cristina and Burke's romance has a harsh conclusion and that the family trouble is only the beginning of their problems. This is a significant episode as it's a good reminder that Cristina needs a partner who supports how much she loves working and their family needs to feel the same way.
Let the Angels Commit (S3, E6)
In this season 3 episode, Cristina doesn't want anyone to know that Burke has a hand tremor. When Cristina is chosen for a surgery known as "humpty dumpty," Bailey wants to be the one in charge, and Cristina removes Bailey's name from the board. This situation gets worse later on this season, as Bailey knows exactly what Cristina did.
Fans are torn about Cristina and Burke's love story, but this episode makes one thing clear: even though Cristina is focused on her career, if she loves someone, she's loyal, compassionate, and caring. She wants to look out for Burke, even though it might cause problems in her own professional life.
Didn't We Almost Have It All? (S3, E25)
This is the famous episode when Burke leaves Cristina on their wedding day. It's always a huge deal when a character calls off their wedding, and this storyline is one that viewers associate with the first few seasons of Grey's Anatomy.
Burke's decision makes this a fascinating episode as he admits that he was wrong to ask Cristina to get married. He can tell that it's not something that she actually wants and she would do herself a disservice to agree. Cristina is devastated but she realizes that she has to follow her heart, even if it means being on her own. This is one of her strongest moments and feels more powerful than some previous episodes.
Elevator Love Letter (S5, E19)
In what is one of the saddest episodes of the hospital drama that focuses on Cristina, she goes to sleep and wakes up to find Owen choking her.
Cristina finds out that Owen has PTSD and that he hasn't been able to talk to her about it. She doesn't know what to say to him or what she should do, which is understandable, and it's so hard for fans to see these two beloved characters suffering.
Holidaze (S6, E10)
Cristina thinks that Owen is in love with Teddy, and while she's totally right, he swears that it's not the case. This is a key episode because when weighing the pros and cons of Owen and Cristina's relationship, his feelings for Teddy do come up.
It's also true that while Owen cares about Cristina so much and respects her a lot, she doesn't want children and he does. This is something that they can't figure out since either way, one of them has to give up their dream. This theme has been explored in other episodes, but this one is still ranked fairly high.
Flight (S8, E24)
In this famous Grey's Anatomy episode featuring the scary plane crash, Meredith says to Cristina, "you are still my person. Even if I’m not yours." Because of this important line, this episode is one of the best.
This was a big deal, as Cristina had explained to Meredith that Owen needed to be her "person" instead of Meredith. Viewers need this reminder that no matter what happens in their lives and whether or not Cristina does find lasting love, they will always be best friends.
Do You Know? (S10, E17)
This season 10 episode has a different structure than usual: Cristina is able to imagine two futures for herself. In the first one, she and Owen get married and have two children. Her career suffers as Ross is given the Harper Avery award that Cristina should get. In the second future, the couple still stays together, but they break up often and Owen abuses alcohol.
Cristina is at her best when she is torn between going down two different paths. Viewers appreciate how much she wants to work hard, but they also know that she would like to find love as well. It seems that there are no simple answers here, and fans ultimately realize that this couple might not work out. This episode stands out thanks to how well-written and powerful it is.
Fear (Of The Unknown) (S10, E24)
When thinking about each Grey's Anatomy season finale, season 10 is a special one as it's the final time that fans get to see Cristina. She and Meredith say goodbye to each other and they have a heartbreaking final conversation. Cristina asks Meredith to make sure that Owen is alright and Cristina also tells Meredith to take care of herself. They also dance together, which fans always love seeing.
This is definitely the most memorable Cristina episode as it finishes up her story and allows viewers to see that Meredith will be fine without her "person," although it will be tough for her to live without Cristina. Watching Cristina show her best friend how much she cares about her is meaningful as Cristina may be tough, but she's very kind as well.