This story includes spoilers from “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 21,Episode 17.
“Grey’s Anatomy”
hosted another iconic wedding, with Jo and Link tying the knot in a beautiful shotgun wedding that delivered on the big feelings — despite missing one key guest.
In Episode 17, which carries the title “Love You Like a Love Song,” Jo (played by Camilla Luddington) and Link (portrayed by Chris Carmack) geared up for their wedding just four days after they decided to tie the knot. Both were preoccupied before the nuptials; Jo was occupied with preparations while also sharing special moments with her soon-to-be mother-in-law, whereas Link found himself grappling with writing heartfelt vows. Despite his initial difficulties, he ultimately managed to compose an enchanting vow song detailing their enduring romance and expressing unwavering commitment towards building their expanding family together.
We have consistently desired for Chris to perform on our show, yet we were determined not to include his singing without purpose. It has always been important to us that when he does sing, it feels extraordinary and significant,” said showrunner Meg Marinis to Efwebe. “That particular song likely echoed through the set about 25 times throughout the day… and he remained incredibly enthusiastic every time.
Marinis commended Michelle Lirtzman and Julie Wong, the writers of Episode 17, as well as their collaboration with Carmack on writing the song. During the wedding, Levi Schmitt (played by Jake Borelli), who had left the show earlier in Season 21, made a comeback; he escorted Jo down the aisle and performed the ceremony.
Aside from celebrating this joyous event, the episode also paved the way for numerous exciting plot developments leading into the Season 21 finale. During an intense situation involving a pediatric surgical intervention, Amelia (played by Caterina Scorsone), Lucas (portrayed by Niko Terho), and Simone (acted by Alexis Floyd) had to tackle some unexpected complications. This led to significant pressure being exerted upon them by the child’s parents—most notably Jenna, portrayed by Piper Perabo—who pushed hard for agreeing to such a perilous operation. As they navigated through these challenges, tensions flared between Lucas and Simone, culminating in her sudden decision to end their partnership right before she meets a charming new acquaintance who invites her back to his place post-bar night at Joe’s Bar; he was played by Trevor Jackson.
A promotion for the season end shown following Thursday’s episode escalated tensions even more, showing that a possible disaster might happen to the staff at Grey Sloan Memorial. This crisis arises when Jenna warns that she will detonate Amelia’s operating room unless her daughter is saved.
Amidst everything else, Teddy (Kim Raver) and Owen (Kevin McKidd) came back from vacation only to discover that Nora (Floriana Lima) had been readmitted to the emergency room due to complications that could be fatal for her. Just before things looked hopeless, Teddy suggested a possible last-ditch effort to save her life; this same person happened to be an old acquaintance of Owen’s whom he’d gotten involved with during his attempt at opening their relationship. Upon arriving to inform Nora about the potentially salvaging plan, Teddy stumbled upon Owen and Nora sharing a tender moment while grappling with the fear of losing her.
Marinis stated that the situation in the pressure cooker is intense with numerous unresolved plot points leading up to next week’s finale. “Amelia has doubts about whether she can save her patient,” he explained. “She questions if she should have taken such risks. Could Lucas discover Simone’s error? And will Teddy proceed with surgery considering his possible genuine emotions for both Nora and Owen? The stakes are very high.”
Efwebespoke with Marinis about the heartwarming episode, why Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) couldn’t make it and more.
Efwebe: Episode 17 features Jo and Link’s shotgun wedding, one that’s been 20 years in the making and that ABC called the next great wedding event for the show. How was it to balance the pressure of delivering an epic episode while also keeping things true to Jo?
Marinis: It’s a stunning wedding that she thoroughly deserves, yet obviously borrowed from Mariana and Edgar (previous patients who chose not to get married earlier). Additionally, you understand how Link’s mom with her subtly antagonistic behavior added some drama to the ceremony. Nonetheless, it was quintessentially Jo as we managed to include Levi in it all.
It was really exciting to have him come back. He’s even matured more since we last saw him. It’s not easy in Texas but he and James are together. Previously it was always Jo helping him through something or Jo making fun of him. This is the episode where he gets to hold her hand and help her, which was really lovely. And Jo, someone who did not grow up with a family, she was clearly surrounded by love and now has the perfect family.
We see Levi and his boyfriend again as he comes in to officiate the wedding and be Jo’s person, and we get an update on how he’s doing in Texas and his love for former governor Ann Richards. How did that return come about and why sprinkle that bit of history into the storyline?
Wildly, this didn’t originate with me even though I’m the Texan here. However, as soon as I caught the humor, I started laughing uncontrollably after reading Michelle’s and Julie’s lines in the script.
Levi’s reappearance happened because they decided to include his presence at the wedding within this particular episode. When this idea emerged, my reaction was, “Then let’s try our best to bring Jake along.” We couldn’t imagine having Jo marry Link without Levi being part of it. They had made promises to each other to share significant life events together. Initially, I believed that Levi would make his comeback during the arrival of their twins’ birth; however, since this opportunity arose sooner than expected, we felt fortunate that he could join us again willingly. His return brought such joy and completeness to everyone involved.
Regarding the nods to Ann Richards, we aimed to update ourselves on Levi’s life in Texas and considered, “Why not get them a dog?” When this idea made its way into the script under the pet’s name, it had me chuckling. This serves as a small tribute to an individual who supported both women and same-sex couples, making it quite fitting. She was known for being highly vocal; make sure you research more about her!
The one person notably missing from the celebrations is Meredith, which marks the first major Grey’s wedding where she isn’t either part of organizing it or even present as a guest. Were their schedules incompatible for her to make an appearance?
We understood that she had to appear in the finale, and since filming coincided with the premiere of “Good American Family,” we aimed to arrange things so she could both promote her new series and return for our final episode.
Additionally, it was a wedding scheduled for just four days later.
Given all the turmoil established by the conclusion of Episode 17, what hints can be offered regarding the upcoming finale?
We have Dylan as our patient, leaving his parents completely frustrated. This situation also weighs heavily on Amelia since she doubts whether she can resolve his issues. During this season, she feels inadequate when compared to her brother. She questions if she should have performed the surgery and wonders if she has what it takes to make things better.
For Lucas, analyzing this patient’s situation as a metaphor, he remains hopeful for the child involved and senses that she might be losing faith prematurely. Their connection seems fragile right now, and Simone decides to end things amid intense emotions—anger and hurt driving her actions. She then heads to a bar where she makes a misstep. Will Lucas discover what happened? And will there be repercussions?
For Teddy and Owen, she feels incredibly guilty regarding this woman since they have known each other for years; she has always been her physician, yet complications keep arising one after another. The woman has managed to bear four children, which makes everything even more complex due to the fact that she’s also the person who had an intimate relationship with her spouse. Despite being a consensual affair, facing these circumstances remains distressing. Now, she must set aside her feelings and focus on helping this patient. Eventually, she manages to devise a solution. However, as soon as she celebrates this success, she witnesses her partner embracing someone else, dealing her a significant emotional blow. This situation poses substantial risks moving forward toward the season finale.
The interview has been shortened and clarified for brevity.
“Grey’s Anatomy” broadcasts on Thursdays at 10 p.m. Eastern Time/Pacific Time on ABC and becomes available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
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‘The Grey’s Anatomy’ Showrunner Explains Jo and Link’s ‘Significant’ Wedding Theme Music, Hints at Wild Season 21 Conclusion’
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