In an episode full of challenges and discovery, Meredith and Derek find their way back into one another's hearts.
ABC’s hit drama, Grey’s Anatomy, gave viewers a heartwarming finale full of first kisses, sad kisses, and “at last” kisses. While other shows sought cliffhanger finales, Grey’s Anatomy chose a different approach by giving fans what they want- Meredith and Derek reunited.
The two-hour episode, entitled “Freedom,” shows the doctor’s of Seattle Grace Hospital breaking free of inner demons that drag them away from greatness. Originally, the title reflects the desire of a young patient trapped in a block of cement. But as the episode unfolds, fans see that each character yearns for freedom.
My Mother was Extraordinary
Meredith continues to meet with her doctor, as she comes closer to discovering her true feelings about life, death, and her mother’s insurmountable expectations. Early in the episode, she confesses that her mother attempted suicide by slashing her wrists with a scalpel.
Before her mother lost consciousness from the loss of blood, she instructed Meredith to be “extraordinary.” Meredith always believed she had been referring to her career, but in actuality, Dr. Grey wanted Meredith to be extraordinary in love and life. By the end of episode, Meredith discovers this truth when she realizes that if her mother had wanted to kill herself, she wouldn’t have slit her wrists. Dr. Grey wanted to win back the heart of the man she loved.
The Bigger Picture
Dr. Miranda Bailey needs to learn to prioritize. She struggles to juggle the clinic, her surgeries, her tasks as Chief Resident, and her duties as a mom. Over the course of the season, fans have watched her marriage crumble, but in the previous episode, “Losing My Mind,” Dr. Bailey and her husband argue about parenting methods. Their struggle and fierce emotion left viewers wondering if a reconciliation could be in the works. The finale left fans hopeful.
At the end of “Freedom,” Miranda finds her missing puzzle piece- Izzie. She hands Izzie a set of keys and places her in charge of The Denny Duquette Memorial Clinic. This was a surprising move, considering Izzie’s lack of confidence throughout the majority of the episode.
One Point
Thanks to Lexie’s nosey ways, George learns that he failed the intern exam by only one point. This left him full of anger at his missed opportunity. He confronts the Chief and points out that special favors were given to other residents in the past. The chief tells George that he can retake the Intern exam. When George rushes home to Lexie the good news, he gives her a friendly peck on the lips. Lexie touches her lips, making fans wonder if she has feelings for the lovable George O’Malley.
I Can’t Help You
Fans suspected Alex had a heart, but in the finale, he wore it on his sleeve. While dealing with Rebecca’s depression and personality disorder, Alex fights with Izzie over the best treatment plan. He wants to care for her at home, and insists that she’s fine, despite the concerns of other doctors on staff. After Rebecca slits her wrists, Alex admits to Izzie that he has dealt with depression before. Viewers knew that Alex’s father was an addict and abusive. Now, it is apparent that his mother suffered from depression. In a heartbreaking conclusion, he tells Rebecca that he can’t help her. Izzie provides comfort by kissing him as he cries over his inability to help the ones he loves.
Goodbye Rose, Hello Meredith
After discovering that their clinical trial finally produced a survivor, Meredith and Derek want to celebrate their brilliance. The only problem is, they keep missing each other. Derek goes to Meredith’s house, Meredith rushes to Derek trailer, and fans wonder if the will continue to be ships passing in the night. He returns to his trailer, still in hopes of finding her, only to discover the blue prints of a house outlined in glowing candlelight. Standing in the flickering light, they kiss, at last.
