New images from Grey's Anatomy season 19, episode 7 show Ellen Pompeo's farewell as Meredith Grey. Created by Shonda Rhimes, Grey's Anatomy first aired on ABC in 2005. The show went on to become a hit for the network due to the strong writing, charismatic cast, and Pompeo's lead performance. Now, after starring as the titular character for almost 18 years, Pompeo is ready to say goodbye to the role.
Images shared by TV Insider now provide a new look at Pompeo's final episode of Grey's Anatomy ahead of the episode's release next Thursday, February 23.
Season 19, episode 7, called "I'll Follow the Sun," will see the doctors at Grey Sloan plan a goodbye surprise for Meredith's last day, and at least some of this emotional farewell appears to be featured in the images above. In addition to showing off more of Meredith's last time with the other doctors, another image also features Jo (Camila Luddington) and Link (Chris Carmack), potentially a hint of storylines to come.
Can Grey's Anatomy Survive Without Ellen Pompeo?
Pompeo has been the centerpiece of Grey's Anatomy for the last 19 seasons, making it difficult to imagine the show without her. Her character's name, after all, is in the title of the series. As of writing, Grey's Anatomy has not yet been renewed for season 20, so it's not entirely clear whether the show will continue. If it does, however, there is hope that it can continue to succeed even without Meredith Grey.
After Pompeo's exit, there will be only two original cast members left on Grey's Anatomy, including Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey and James Pickens Jr. as Dr. Richard Webber. The show has, however, been giving larger roles to newer characters who could help to carry the show forward for additional seasons. Jesse Williams' Dr. Jackson Avery, Kate Walsh's Dr. Addison Montgomery, Harry Shum Jr.'s Daniel "Blue" Kwan, and Adelaide Kane's Jules Millin, among others, could all play more pivotal roles going forward.
That being said, Pompeo's character isn't being totally erased from the show and the actor herself has already hinted that she may well appear in future Grey's Anatomy episodes should the drama continue. Meredith is also expected to continue serving as the narrator for the remainder of season 19. Although her physical presence on Grey's Anatomy will be significantly scaled back, Pompeo will also continue to play an important role on the show as an executive producer. It certainly seems like there's still hope for the hit ABC medical drama.
Source: TV Insider