Greys Anatomy
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Ill be honest: This episode does not do the cleanest job juggling its major shifts in tone.
We go from a very harrowing portrayal of domestic abuse to things like … people flirting in towels?
And Bailey trying to one-up the FBI?
Not that I dont love watching Bailey outsmart The Man, but its enough to cause some whiplash.
However, Jos story line by itself is done so well that I can forgive the episodes shortcomings.
(Lets not overlook the episode title, 1-800-799-7233 which is the phone number for theNational Domestic Violence Hotline.
Its a nice touch that deserves to be repeated here.)
The wizards over at Shondaland toss in a few surprise elements when it comes to Jo facing her abuser.
First, Paul has not arrived at Grey Sloan Memorial alone.
Hes brought along his fiancee, Jenny (Bethany Joy Lenz).
The two of them were just overjoyed to get Jos divorce papers because now they can finally get married.
Pauls only been around for 60 seconds and I am already creeped out by this dude.
The other surprise is that Dr. Paul Stadler is a globally renowned, revered surgeon.
Arizona and Webber are both big fans of his work.
There are no charts!
No access to blood!
Things aredire, people!
he asks Webber if he can lend a hand.
Anyone elses stomach turn as AZ and Webber fawned over the guy?
Its an effective way to show just how charming a creep like that can be.
So, now the guy has surgical privileges.
Thank Shonda that Paul gets sent to an OR run by Meredith Grey.
Shes still working on her splenectomy, and Glasses the Intern (a.k.a.
Blood Bank) has fainted after donating blood to the patient, so Paul steps in.
Shes friends with Jo Wilson and she knows exactly who Paul Stadler is.
Paul goes immediately into his second phase of attack, which is to inform people that Jo is unstable.
That Jo is a drunk.
That Jo really needs help.
Again, this wont work on Meredith.
A terrified Jo sits in the operating gallery and listens to the entire exchange.
Meredith knows who Jo is.
But Jo will never be alone with him, because Meredith is standing by her side.
The two ladies meet with Paul to officially sign the divorce papers.
Jo gives Jenny her phone number and address just before he returns.
(Arizona is pretty terrible at creating a diversion, not a surprise.)
The horror show isnt over, though.
Obviously, this puts Jo into a panic.
Alex promises her that she is safe.
She just wishes Paul were dead.
Suddenly, its a sunny new day in Seattle!
Superhero Meredith has helped vanquish the bad guy from her kingdom!
She strolls into the hospital to find Jo and Alex holding each other.
Theyre looking on in disbelief at a hit-and-run victim whos being worked on in the ER.
That victim is Paul Stadler.
Well, this doesnt look good.
They spend a good portion of the episode wearing just towels!
They also talk openly about how complicated a romantic relationship would be, but dont go further than that.
Maggie calls Jackson the human superlative after learning about his charmed high-school experience.
It is the greatest summation of Jackson Avery in history.
Whatever his methods, they work.
The DMV wouldnt change it, so he did.
Dont worry, everyone lives!
Including the precocious little Frankie and his thick blood.
Team Trauma is back!
Are we invested in the DeLuca and Sam story?
I mean, obviously.
