Content Warning: This article contains discussions of Covid-19, violence, death, and grief.
In season 17 of Grey's Anatomy, Meredith was seen to be mentally residing on an imaginary beach as she was battling COVID-19. It was in these moments that she got to interact with characters as well as former fan-favorites that played significant roles in Meredith's life. Most of the characters appeared only once, with Bailey and Derek being the only exceptions.
Even though Meredith dreamt a lot as she lay on her hospital bed, not all of her dreams were made equal. Some were basic hang-out moments, a few involved simple reunions between friends and colleagues, while others were quite engrossing as the conversations touched on issues that fans were very keen on.
George Looks Much Older
As Meredith was sitting on the beach by herself, one of the nicest shocks fans got to see was the return of George, who appeared in the lifeguard tower. In her conversations with him, Meredith made sure to remind him how his demise, which was one of the most heartbreaking deaths in the show, affected her.
The conversation did have some comedic elements, with Meredith was also quick to notice that George looked older, while George wondered whether Meredith still dances without Cristina. It was a great move for the writers to include a joke about age in the dream since most of the returning cast members were looking way older. The question about dancing pointed to how much Meredith has changed.
Meredith Mark, And Lexie Discuss Fun And Kids
Lexie, one of Meredith's most likable family members, hadn't been in the show for years and neither had Mark. Fans were definitely thrilled to see them. Meredith was quick to ask Lexie about the rules of the beach, to which Lexie replied that there were none. Mark then told her that she was too early on the beach since Zola still needed her.
While fans loved were overjoyed to see that the couple had reunited, Lexie's presence did serve as a reminder of the importance of letting loose sometimes. Mark, on the other hand, re-emphasized the fact that Meredith is a brilliant mom. If she was to die today, not only Zola and her other kids would be affected, but everyone else that's close to her too.
Meredith Reunites With Derek
Although it was brief and not real, this moment was one of the most emotional reunions on the show. In the final moments of the second episode, Meredith heard a voice calling her on the beach only to turn and see Derek. She couldn't believe it and neither could each viewer who hadn't gotten a spoiler yet.
Derek's death hurt fans and his return was definitely advanced medicine on a wound that was still healing. The writers had to be creative when it came to ways of bringing Derek back. Flashbacks are too cliché. It almost feels like the dream sequences were specifically created to reunite the two.
Richard, George, Bailey And Meredith Just Sit And Enjoy The Sunset
Richard didn't get to have a heart-t0-heart conversation with Meredith on the beach but he appeared together with Bailey and George to just hang out with Meredith as the fourth episode ended. In real life, Richard was struggling with the decision on whether to put Meredith on a clinical trial since her condition was getting worse.
The dream sequence was a gladdening one as it put four important characters together. Even though they didn't talk much, the moment spoke volumes. In life and death, the gang will always adore each other.
Bailey Confides In Meredith About Her Mother's Condition
When Bailey went to Meredith's bedside and told her that she missed her, Meredith saw her on the beach. Bailey confided in Meredith about how much she has been worrying about her mother and how her mental health had been impacted by the pandemic.
Bailey's brief cameo on the beach was a significant moment in her and Meredith's relationship as it showed how far they have come. When the show first began, Bailey and Meredith hardly interacted unless it involved work. Bailey even refused to get involved in the lives of her colleagues and often kept her thoughts and feelings to herself. Now, Bailey and Meredith are the closest of friends and consider each other confidantes.
Derek Goes Fishing
In yet another dream sequence involving Derek, Meredith found him fishing. He kept flattering her, telling her how her face resembled that of Ellis. The two then talked about their children, with Derek listing some of their traits to prove that he indeed watches them and knows them even though he never got to spend much time with them.
While the sequence was all about parenting and how difficult has been for Meredith to do it on her own, it was nice to hear that Derek was always watching over their family - no matter what.
Cormac's Plea
Cormac is a recipient of one of the best "Mc" labels in the series, earning the title of McWidow. He has proved to be a perfect package so far ever since Cristina sent him to Meredith from Europe. Since Cormac was on the beach, the show seemed to confirm that Meredith has a deep connection to the pediatric surgeon after she listened intently to what he had to say when he was by her bedside.
Similarly, although Cormac hasn't known Meredith long enough, it's clear that he likes her and wants her to live. Even though he frames his plea as the hospital not wanting to lose her, he is really making a case for himself, which is sweet because it proves just how much Meredith means to him.
Meredith Tells Derek She Misses Him
After spotting Derek at the beach, Meredith had another dream in which she tried walking towards Derek but she couldn't. He kept telling her that the sand wasn't real. She fell, he laughed. That's what couples do. She also told him that she loves him and that caused a couple of tears to drop.
Grey's Anatomy has always done a wicked job of keeping lovers and friends apart and that was seen here once again. Meredith loves Derek but the sand proved that it couldn't really happen. They always had obstacles and now there was a major one.
Andrew And Meredith Build Castles And Throw Stones
Meredith and Andrew found themselves both at the beach when each of them were fighting for their lives. The dream ended up being a symbolic one, as after a wave destroyed the sandcastle that he had built, Andrew had sadly passed away on the operating table.
Although fans were devastated to say goodbye to another main character, there was a small part of them that were, at least, glad to see him reunite with his mother and find peace.
Derek And Meredith Finally Have Their Wedding
It was the wedding every fan yearned to see. Both were magnificently dressed, going on to make special vows to each other. Derek made her promise that she won't leave the kids. In the hospital, Zola was also begging her to wake up and that did the trick.
Though the wedding was a sweet moment, it was sad to see Meredith and Derek parting ways once again. They were and will always remain the best couple in the series. But in as much as Meredith needs Derek, the show needs her too. She can't die. At least not in the foreseeable future.