Spoilers for the most recent episode of Grey's Anatomy "Love of My Life."
There are long-running TV shows, and then there's Grey's Anatomy. The medical drama is currently in the midst of its whopping 16th season on ABC, and is showing no signs of slowing down. The most recent episode took some of the surgeons to a conference, where plenty of insane revelations occurred. While most of the conversation from fans is likely about Richard's mysterious condition and Teddy's shocking twist, I've got to talk about the plot line that irked me the most: Maggie's.
Maggie Pierce has had an interesting tenure in Grey's Anatomy, and Season 16 has been a tough one for the genius cardio surgeon. After suffering from depression following the death of her biological cousin, Maggie got to have a moment of lightness in the newest episode. But while I'm all for her getting a new love interest (bye Jackson), I have an issue with how Grey's handled this new plot line.
"Love of My Life" focused on a handful of characters, including Maggie. While at a medical conference that Richard is set to speak at, Maggie runs into an old co-worker named Winston. She admits her attraction toward the former colleague, and they reconnect. And... seemingly fall in love? It comes out of nowhere and there's not much of an explanation as to why exactly Maggie is so gaga over this newcomer.
Grey's Anatomy is always at its best with love stories, and fans have seen some truly epic loves throughout the course of the last 16 seasons. Maggie's primary love interest has been Jackson, and we were able to watch that relationship grow and end organically. But we've never heard of this guy Winston before, so seeing he and Maggie seemingly plan a future with him felt really inorganic and strange. But twits were the theme of the episode, for sure.
I think the problem in the writing for Maggie's story is related to the newcomer Winston himself. While we learned about the new character's trauma and his unrequited feelings for his former boss, the Winston doesn't have much of a personality.
Grey's Anatomy focuses largely on quirky characters, who have valued their education and career over personal connections. Amelia is a basket case, Meredith is dark and twisty, Cristina meant business. But Winston was just kind of... there. Handsome AF but that's about it. So on top of Maggie's story moving at a dizzying pace (he's moving to Seattle?), I just don't get what she really saw in the guy.
"Love of My Life" might have been the most bizarre episode of Grey's Anatomy Season 16. Storylines seemingly came out of nowhere, like Teddy's same-sex relationship which was the reason she joined the military in the first place. What's more, Richard is seemingly hallucinating now in addition to the shaking of his hands. Is he going to have alzheimer's like Ellis and Adele? Or does he have some Izzy-esque tumor? Only time will tell.
Hopefully the next few episodes let the character Winston endear himself to the audience more, and hopefully have a more quirky personality. Maggie has certainly had a rough year, so it would be good to see her happy. The guy just needs to be good enough to deserve Meredith's sister.
Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays on ABC. In the meantime, check out our midseason premiere list to plan your next binge watch.
