*Warning: Spoilers ahead*
Grey’s Anatomy returned to ABC tonight, and while it revisited several story lines, it also introduced a brand-new—and potentially critical—character.
To start, here are a few key takeaways from the season 18 premiere of Grey’s Anatomy, titled “Here Comes the Sun.” First, the new installment takes place in “a fictional, post-pandemic world which represents our hopes for the future,” so there’s very little talk of COVID-19. Second, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) is having dreams about her late mom, Dr. Ellis Grey (Kate Burton). Dr. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) is struggling to find hirable doctors. Dr. Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) and Dr. Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) are officially married. Oh, and Nick Marsh (Scott Speedman)—the kidney transplant patient from season 14—randomly reunites with Meredith in a hotel bar.
One of the biggest moments is when Meredith comes face-to-face with Dr. David Hamilton (Peter Gallagher). The neurosurgeon invites Meredith to Minnesota because he’s dedicating a research library to Ellis. But when Meredith arrives, she’s presented with a bigger opportunity to lead a Parkinson’s Disease clinical trial…and Dr. Hamilton is the patient.