Richard’s condition takes a terrifying turn on 'Grey’s Anatomy'

We know that the final episodes for Season 16 of Grey’s Anatomy (Thursdays at 9 pET on CTV) were written and filmed prior to the global pandemic of COVID-19. Ending the season with a distressing storyline would likely not have been done if the writers had a crystal ball, but they didn’t. So, that means viewers looking for some relief from the anxiety-ridden current state of affairs will not find any reprieve in this week’s episode. We said it last week and we’ll say it again—don’t you take Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) from us right now, Grey’s Anatomy. Not now.

Richard’s mystery diagnosis

Thursday’s episode opened with Catherine (Debbie Allen) and Maggie (Kelly McCreary) flying back to Seattle with Richard (James Pickens Jr.) and after 16 years of Grey’s Anatomy, we know that nothing good ever happens on this show when a plane is involved. We’re going to ignore the fact that all hands would likely not be on deck to help identify Richard’s mystery affliction (can plastic surgeon Jackson really help?), but the need to diagnose and help treat Richard is something all the doctors are understandably determined to do. Richard’s symptoms are continuing to worsen, from mistaking Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) for her late mother Ellis, to Richard escaping from his hospital bed and being inches away from performing surgery on himself. Even Bokhee was part of his hallucination. It makes sense that such a brilliant mind would still be detail oriented even as it was deteriorating.

 

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Although Meredith doesn’t want to face the reality that Richard could be going down the same Alzheimer’s path that took her mother and Richard’s wife Adele, his lapses in memory are pointing towards a type of dementia or at least some type of major neurological trauma. Even though he’s currently off work on suspension, Andrew (Giacomo Gianniotti) is still working Richard’s case in secret. Well, a secret he’s keeping with Meredith. We don’t want Andrew to have another manic episode, but we’re okay with him staying up all night if it means we don’t have to watch a season finale that ends with Richard Webber flatlining.

Tom’s terrible Thursday

As if watching the decline of one of the original Grey’s cast members wasn’t heartbreaking enough, there’s Tom Koracick. If the Emmys are getting a jump start on next year’s nominees list, they can begin with Greg Germann. His quiet but palpable heartbreak on this week’s episode was one of the best performances on TV this year. Watching Tom come face to face with his ex-wife’s son, who looks just like the child they lost years ago, was, in a word, devastating. And of course, the little boy has a brain tumor. COME ON.Tom refuses to perform the surgery out of self-preservation, but when Amelia goes into labour*, he’s forced to confront the most painful event in his life and operate on the young boy who looks just the son he couldn’t save. Tom freezes in the operating room, but Teddy (Kim Raver), who needs to leave Owen (Kevin McKidd) ASAP and be with Tom, is there to talk him through it. Tom not only saves the young boy, but he also lets Teddy off the hook, telling her that she’s taken away more pain than she’s caused. Once again, COME ON.Probably because she knows she should pick Tom but is scared to break up her family, Teddy tells Owen that she wants to skip the big wedding and get married this weekend. Here’s hoping Tom meets someone awesome and hot and nice at the reception, because he deserves a win.*Amelia’s labour was Braxton Hicks contractions, a fun preview for what’s to come. Yay pregnancy!Watch the season finale of Grey’s Anatomy on Thursday, April 16 at 9 pET on CTV and catch up online anytime at CTV.ca.[video_embed id='1932780']BEFORE :YOU GO ‘The Rookie’ is coming to ‘American Idol’ for unexpected crossover/video_embed]