Grey's Anatomy Round Table: Homage to April
Jasmine Blu
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On Grey's Anatomy Season 14 Episode 23, April was battling for her life after she and Matthew ended up in an accident, and she took a fall into an icy ravine.
The doctors rallied around their friend and fought to revive her. In the end, it was a success. Meanwhile, Dr. Herman returned to the series and offered Arizona the opportunity of a lifetime.
Join TV Fanatics, Stacy Glanzman, Paul Dailly, and Jasmine Blu as they discuss an emotional hour of Grey's Anatomy.
On a scale of 1-10, how emotional was April's life-threatening ordeal? Did you fear she would be killed off?
Stacy: I'll say 4. I never for a second thought her life was in danger. There was no way they were going to kill her off and then celebrate Alex and Jo's wedding in the very next episode.
I did think the accident might cause some sort of damage that would make it so she couldn't operate anymore, giving them an excuse to have her leave the hospital but stay in Seattle with her daughter.
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To me, that would have made the most sense since they're writing her out. I think it's obnoxious that they did this whole accident, with fans knowing she was being written out, only for her to survive. It's the second year in a row they've done that.
Paul: 4. I agree with Stacy. There was no way they were going to make a big deal out of it in the promos and have her actually die. It would have been a slap in the face to fans to spoil such a big exit. In addition, this was not her final episode, so it would have been silly to off her.
Jasmine: I would give it a 6. I knew she wouldn't die, but the emotional element of everything was strong. The promos were too revealing for a death. Damn promos ruin everything.
Is Jackson turning to God after being a staunch atheist cliché or compelling?
Stacy: I don't know. I don't find it unrealistic or anything. I think a lot of people find or lose their faith in times of crisis, and it's actually kind of an interesting parallel to April's storyline this season. I don't want to see him become super religious or anything, but I could see him consider exploring his faith a little more.
Paul: Compelling. I loved when everyone agreed that April would like her friends to be praying for her to pull through. It made sense, and it added another layer to the character of Jackson to have him change his views.
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Jasmine: I found it to be both. I enjoyed it regardless though. Like Stacy said, it's not uncommon nor unrealistic for someone to consider it during a time of crisis. It was cliche though. However, I did like the parallels.
I like the idea that April is leaving, but aside from Harriet, she may have left Jackson with this important piece of her. She did it without trying. I always respected the fact that April is a devout Christian who lives and practices her faith daily, but she never imposed it on others. That's the way it should be.
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And to go off of what Paul mentioned, I also loved the fact that regardless of what everyone believed in or didn't believe in, they could come together and offer some version of prayer to April out of honor and respect for her. I think that's the way it should be.
Are you surprised that April and Matthew got back together? Do you think it's too soon?
Stacy: I am not surprised. We knew she was dating someone, and that it had to be either Matthew or Tom, but I was hoping it was Tom because I definitely think it's too soon for Matthew. They're not even just dating either, they're in love, and it's already been going on for months.
That part I did find surprising. I was thinking it would at least still be in the early stages. She left him at the altar! I mean, I get they have a lot in common, but you would think he'd want to move a little slower.
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Paul: I'm not surprised, either. They clearly had unfinished business. That said, it feels too soon. His baby mama died weeks ago, and the last thing April needs is to rush into something that's going to end in tears.
Jasmine: I'm not surprised. I had a feeling it would go there when she sat next to him in the chapel. I like both Matthew and Tom. It would have been cooler if it was Tom, but I like Matthew.
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Normally, I would say it's too soon, but given their history and what they both have endured individually in their time apart, I understand it. My only annoyance was that we didn't see any of it what happened between them during the months they reunited. It would have, I don't know, softened the blow or made it more palatable for those who can't wrap their heads around it.
Would you want Maggie in your corner if your life was on the line?
Stacy: Absolutely! We've already pretty much established that when Bailey was having her heart attack. Maggie is an amazing advocate and surgeon.
Paul: Oh yes, she has proven time and time again that she knows what she's talking about, and she does not give up unless there's no way of saving someone.
Jasmine: I would put Maggie down in my emergency contacts right next to my mother. That woman is a ride or die. She fights like hell for people, and I love the hell out of that.
What did you think about Herman's return and her business proposal to Arizona?
Stacy: I liked it. It makes sense for the two of them to work together, and it means Arizona doesn't have to go back to being a Peds surgeon in New York.
To be honest, I thought her whole thing about teaching was going to lead to us finding out April couldn't operate anymore and inspire her to teach. I feel like the writers missed an opportunity to easily write out April without having to leave Seattle (and her daughter) behind.
Paul: It seemed like a convenient way for Arizona to depart Seattle, but I'm not completely sold on it. I still think there's going to be a big twist that leaves a character's fate up in the air between seasons.
Jasmine: I liked it too. Herman was a hoot the entire episode, and I love that this is a huge opportunity for Arizona and she also gets to be near Sofia. The only way it would have been better is if April agreed to join them.
Do you expect Betty to stick around now that she came back to Amelia?
Stacy: I hope so. I like her and her dynamic with Amelia. She was cracking me up when Dr. Herman was getting her MRI. She has a long road to recovery ahead of her, and Amelia is the perfect person to help her through it.
Paul: Yeah, I like Betty and she's giving Amelia a decent storyline that takes place away from the hospital. Amelia was once that girl and she has the drive to save her.
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Jasmine: I hope Betty sticks around. I genuinely enjoy this storyline, and I do appreciate it taking place outside of the hospital. It's refreshing.
Amelia may not want kids anymore, but this is something that gives her an opportunity to sort of raise someone and guide them without fearing she's going to screw it up. I think this may be Amelia's calling, and I love Betty to pieces. I'm rooting for her!
What's your theory on how or why April leaves GSM?
Stacy: Even though she wasn't injured, my theory is still that she will leave the hospital but stay in Seattle. It's the only way for her to leave the show without leaving Harriett behind or taking her away from Jackson, both of which I would hate to see.
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Paul: I agree with Stacy. There's no way Jackson okays her to leave without being close to Harriet, and there's no way April would think to do that.
Jasmine: When the news broke, and then later on when the Harper Avery scandal happened, I was hoping that April would take over the Harper Avery Foundation at one of the other hospitals. She's great at administrative roles, but she's also great at being an ER doctor.
Catherine adores her and has mentioned April playing a role in the foundation before. Maybe there is a way she can still do something like that at a hospital that's close enough by where Jackson has access to Harriet but far enough away that we won't be seeing her at GSM anymore.
What was your favorite scene or quote and/or most emotional scene or quote?
Stacy: I liked when Meredith asked April if she saw any dead people. I also laughed at April calling Jackson out on praying.
You prayed for me, and it worked. Ha ha!
April
Paul: Everyone trying to save April in the operating room. It was beautiful to see all of these people come together for a common goal.
Jasmine: I agree with all of the above. Let's see, I already mentioned everyone praying for April, and Maggie being a badass, so I'll go with Jackson praying. Jesse Williams had me near tears during that scene.
Do you agree with our Roundtable Grey's Fanatics? Hit the comments below and let us know! The season finale of Grey's Anatomy Season 14 airs Thursday on ABC. Don't forget to come back for the review and roundtable!
If you need to catch up, you can watch Grey's Anatomy online here via TV Fanatic.
Jasmine Blu is a senior staff writer for TV Fanatic. She is an insomniac who spends late nights and early mornings binge-watching way too many shows and binge-drinking way too much tea. Her eclectic taste makes her an unpredictable viewer with an appreciation for complex characters, diverse representation, dynamic duos, compelling stories, and guilty pleasures. You'll definitely find her obsessively live-tweeting, waxing poetic, and chatting up fellow Fanatics and readers. Follow her on X.
