Grey's Anatomy Season 22 Finale Sees Major Departures After Bridge Collapse

Key facts

• The Season 22 finale of Grey's Anatomy featured a catastrophic bridge collapse.
• Owen Hunt, portrayed by Kevin McKidd, and Teddy Altman, played by Kim Raver, departed the series.
• Nick Marsh sustained abdominal trauma and bleeding from his liver and spleen.
• Owen Hunt was introduced in Season 5; Teddy Altman joined in Season 6.
• Kevin McKidd also directed the Season 22 finale episode.
• The bridge collapse sent multiple victims to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
• Owen and Teddy decided to move to Paris for a new opportunity.

A Catastrophic Collapse Grips Grey Sloan

The Season 22 finale of Grey's Anatomy thrusts viewers into the immediate aftermath of a devastating bridge collapse, sending a surge of critically injured patients into Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The episode, helmed by director and series regular Kevin McKidd, picks up as the trauma bay is thrown into disarray. The disaster strikes along a route frequently used by the show's characters, plunging them directly into the unfolding crisis. Amidst the chaos, the fate of beloved doctors hangs in the balance. Speculation had been rife that Dr. Owen Hunt, a character since Season 5, might meet his end, particularly with reports suggesting this would be Kevin McKidd's final appearance as a series regular. The episode, however, navigates the precarious situation for its long-standing cast members with a mix of peril and resolution.

Owen and Teddy's Paris-Bound Farewell

While Owen Hunt does not succumb to his injuries, the bridge collapse serves as a catalyst for a significant life change. He sustains minor harm but quickly shifts his focus to rescuing a family from a crushed car, demonstrating his enduring commitment to saving lives. This harrowing experience prompts a profound reevaluation of his future. Ultimately, Owen professes his desire to build a life with Teddy Altman, who was contemplating a once-in-a-lifetime research position in Paris. The season concludes with the tearjerker departure of Owen and Teddy, marking the end of their long tenure on the show. Teddy, introduced in Season 6, had previously exited in Season 8 before her return in Season 14, while Owen has been a consistent presence since Season 5.

Nick Marsh Survives Severe Trauma

The catastrophic bridge collapse also inflicts serious injuries upon Dr. Nick Marsh. He is shown to have suffered significant abdominal trauma, with internal bleeding affecting his liver and spleen. The situation demands immediate and intensive surgical intervention. Dr. Bailey, portrayed by Chandra Wilson, leads the surgical team tasked with operating on Nick, receiving assistance from Dr. Benson Kwan. Despite the severity of his injuries, the surgery proves successful, and Nick is expected to make a full recovery. This outcome offers a measure of relief following the widespread trauma.

Benson Kwan's Unchanged Status

Dr. Benson Kwan, who was dismissed in the preceding episode, finds his situation unchanged despite his heroic efforts during the bridge collapse incident. Chief Altman permits him to assist in the critical trauma cases, acknowledging his contributions in a high-stakes environment. However, his actions do not lead to an offer of reinstatement. Kwan's role in the finale underscores the difficult decisions faced by hospital administration in the wake of major crises, even when individual bravery is displayed.

A Director's Ambitious Vision

The Season 22 finale was particularly significant for Kevin McKidd, who not only acted in the episode but also took the director's chair. He described the experience of directing his own exit and that of his co-star Kim Raver as a unique and ambitious undertaking. McKidd expressed pride in the episode's emotional impact, likening the process to a graduation from 'Grey's Anatomy film school.' He detailed the immense logistical challenges involved in filming the bridge collapse sequence, which required the construction of a massive set and the use of a large water tank. The demanding nature of the shoot, which took place over the final two days of production, was physically taxing. McKidd noted that he only allowed himself to fully process his departure after wrapping and boarding a flight to Scotland for a new film project.

Echoes of Past Trauma and Future Uncertainty

The crisis at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital evokes painful memories for Meredith Grey, who had previously endured the loss of her husband, Dr. Derek Shepherd, following a severe accident and subsequent inadequate medical care. The parallels underscore the enduring emotional toll of medical emergencies on the hospital's core figures. The departure of Owen and Teddy leaves a significant void at Grey Sloan, while Nick Marsh's recovery signals a return to normalcy for him. The finale sets a new course for the characters who remain, promising continued drama and emotional exploration in future seasons.

The bottom line

• Owen Hunt and Teddy Altman have permanently departed Grey's Anatomy after their characters moved to Paris.
• Dr. Nick Marsh survived severe injuries sustained during the bridge collapse and is expected to recover.
• Kevin McKidd, who played Owen Hunt, also directed the Season 22 finale episode.
• The finale featured a large-scale bridge collapse that served as the central crisis for the hospital.
• Benson Kwan's temporary return to assist during the crisis did not result in his job being reinstated.
• The episode concluded with a focus on the emotional impact of the events on the remaining characters.