Grey's Anatomy Season 12 Episode 24 Review: Family Affair

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Without any explosions, plane crashes, or natural disasters, the Grey's Anatomy Season 12 finale may have seemed tame.

But the emotional cliffhangers are on Grey's Anatomy Season 12 Episode 24 were just as stressful as any previous finale. With a wedding that may or may not happen, secret affairs and crushes, and lots of dysfunctional family drama, "Family Affair" didn't disappoint. 

A Wedding - Grey's Anatomy Season 12 Episode 24

There was a lot to wrap up, but most of our time was split between two stories. The birth of Jackson and Avery's baby was an obvious plot for the the final episode, but it was Amelia and Owen's wedding that was long overdue.

As was the showdown between the Shepherd women. I actually can't believe that it took Meredith to realize that Amelia has so much in common with her younger self. One of the reasons there's been so much friction between them is that they're too much alike. 

Meredith: You're me.
Amelia: What?
Meredith: You're me before Derek. I can be here for you. I can do this. I get you. I can be a twisted sister for you. Just tell me how do you want to play this?

Thank God that Meredith got out of her funk and showed up for Amelia, even if it was in her own unique way. I have to say, I do wish that Meredith would have called Mama Shepherd and yelled at her on behalf of Amelia, but the slushie lesson will have to do.

The wedding would have been near perfect if not for poor Maggie. Maggie, who was so upbeat through everything, Maggie, who has somehow managed to maintain her bright shiny personality so far, even with all the craziness of Seattle Grace Mercy Death Sloan Grey. 

All I have is Maggie, and Maggie is full of sunshine and candy and hope, and every time I try to tell her the world is on fire, she just hands me a marshmallow to roast.

Amelia

I admit, I was surprised that Megan didn't crash in at the end of the wedding. I still think that it's possible that she'll appear, but we'll have to get through this new love triangle first. I would hope that Meredith's grown enough to hit pause with Riggs now that she knows has Maggie feels. 

At least that set of romantic entanglements isn't likely to become violent, which is more than can be said for Jo and Alex. Hopefully, Jo will be able to pull Karev off of DeLucca before things go too far. 

Jo's confession to Maggie's former boy toy may offer a legitimate reason for her to not marry Alex, but it doesn't change most of the fundamental problems in that relationship. In fact, her determination to keep secrets from him only adds to the list of reasons that they should break up.

Alex: You know, I was Mer this morning, and I was thinking, we've been through hell. You know, all kinds of drama. Crazy family stuff, we both almost died. losing people we loved.
Jo: No, you're not losing me.
Alex: The point is we grew up. Mer and I are grown up. We got through it. And hell behind me, it's in my rear view mirror and I'm not going back, I'm done. I'm not some idiot kid any more, Jo, I'm a man. I'm done with games, and I'm done with crazy.

There were three relationships that did get (implicit) happy endings. Granted, nothing was stated outright for these couples, but I feel pretty safe inferring that they'll all be on loving terms come the fall.

April and Jackson's baby was awfully cute, and Ben better be the godfather. I really love how this little girl has had an impact on so many people already. Hopefully we'll see more of her (and the mini-Shepherds) next season. And how cute that she gets to share her birthday with Owen and Amelia's anniversary?

Honestly, Sarah Drew knocked it out of the park with this one. April's trademark nerves were focused, and the c-section scene had me cringing. I know there's a swath of people that don't like April based on her early days, but her performances this season should be causing some reevaluation. She's been funny, she's been angry, she's been strong, she's been weak, and it's all been riveting.

April: Okay, Ben, maybe go wash your hands, because I need you to give me an exam because my water just broke.
Ben: Okay, okay.
April: You're, you're probably going to see my vagina which might be weird.
Ben: Yeah, I'm a doctor, so it's all good.

The only story that let me down even a little with Arizona and Callie. As amazing as the court episode was, the arc has largely felt like it was forced at the last minute, and the two scenes in the finale were like an afterthought. I also can't believe that custody arrangement. It may keep the moms happy, but it seems highly disruptive for a child.

We'll have to wait to see if Sara Ramirez signs a contract or not to find out how that actually plays out, of course. (Sara Ramirez has since announced her departure.) I just hope that Arizona doesn't regret her decision. 

She'll be fine! You have no idea how many people have locked themselves in that bathroom. They're all fine.

Meredith

What did you think of the Grey's Anatomy Season 12 finale? Did it wrap up everything for you or were you hoping for more? 

If you missed out, remember you can always watch Grey's Anatomy online to catch up. We'd love to hear your thoughts down in the comments section – what you liked, what you didn't, and what you're looking forward to in Season 13!

Even though Grey's Anatomy is on hiatus, check in with us all summer for breaking news and fun slideshows – our Grey's Anatomy Round Table and the season report card will be up next week. We can't wait to have you all back with us in the fall!

Family Affair Review

Editor Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.7 / 5.0 (103 Votes)

Elizabeth Harlow was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She left the organization in October 2018.

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Grey's Anatomy Season 12 Episode 24 Quotes

Alex: You know, I was Mer this morning, and I was thinking, we've been through hell. You know, all kinds of drama. Crazy family stuff, we both almost died. losing people we loved.
Jo: No, you're not losing me.
Alex: The point is we grew up. Mer and I are grown up. We got through it. And hell behind me, it's in my rear view mirror and I'm not going back, I'm done. I'm not some idiot kid any more, Jo, I'm a man. I'm done with games, and I'm done with crazy.

She'll be fine! You have no idea how many people have locked themselves in that bathroom. They're all fine.

Meredith