If there's one thing Grey's Anatomy knows how to do well, it's a major catastrophe.

The chaos of Grey's Anatomy Season 11 Episode 23 actually serves as a nice break from the past several emotional episodes. Instead, "Time Stops" has all the doctors working together, and even attempting to save lives on the scene.

Needless to say, there's a lot of action, but when the doctors are pushed to the limit like this, there's also the opportunity for new dynamics more stories to develop. Add to that a new batch of interns and some flashbacks to Grey's Anatomy Season 1 Episode 1, and you get a strong, complex episode.

Meredith is obviously still dealing with her loss, but she's moving forward the only way she knows how. Her character is changed in that she seems to be more matter-of-fact and serious. In the moment when she insists there isn't anything else they can do for the trapped patient at the tunnel, we see that the most clearly.

That moment is also the catalyst for Amelia to finally confront Meredith, asking questions we as an audience have been pretty curious about ourselves. Why in the world did Meredith not call Derek's sister?

What if I could have helped him? What if I had a chance? I pull off miracles for a living! I have proven that I can reverse the impossible. I should have been there!
Amelia

Permalink: What if I could have helped him? What if I had a chance? I pull off miracles for a living! I...

Amelia leaves the room and Meredith finally has a breakdown, though it doesn't last long. I really am still curious as to why Meredith didn't at least call Amelia while she was waiting to make that decision.

Back to the new interns, I can feel this series trying to come back full circle for Meredith. How appropriate that she watches this new group of interns come in now that, conveniently, Richard is serving as interim chief and can give the same speech as he did when she started. And don't even get me started on the music! As the interns coming in alternates with flashbacks, the very same song, "Portions for Foxes" plays in the background – just in a new version.

Then, there's the house. Meredith is looking to sell the house she and Derek built together. So where will she go? It always comes back to that same house. She opened that house up when she first started at Seattle Grace, and it's seen an awful lot of memories. I was so glad when Alex moved into it after Meredith moved out, because he was keeping that idea alive. Now, Meredith is bringing her kids right back there – right back home.

I came back, but I'm not home. And I really want to be home.
Meredith

Permalink: I came back, but I'm not home. And I really want to be home.

As sad as I am that Derek is gone, I have to say, I like where this is heading. The idea of Meredith being back in her house, with her friends, in a community is just what she needs, and it also seems to be the way she thrives.

Other Thoughts:

April is a rock star. I hate to see her having problems with Jackson, but I love the change she's going through. She looked like a freakin' superhero bringing in the car with that trapped patient the other doctors left behind.
Bailey should totally be the next chief. Case closed.
I'm not in the mood for new characters, but a new group of interns means that's happening. If history repeats itself, at least one of them is bound to die at some point, so let's not get too attached.

What did you think of this episode of Grey's Anatomy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!