Don't Let's Start (Grey's Anatomy)

Last updated

"Don't Let's Start"
Grey's Anatomy episode
Episode no.Season 11
Episode 6
Directed byRob Greenlea
Written byAustin Guzman
Original air dateOctober 30, 2014 (2014-10-30)
Running time43 minutes
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Bend & Break"		Next →
"Could We Start Again, Please?"
Grey's Anatomy season 11
List of episodes

"Don't Let Start" is the sixth episode of the eleventh season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy and is the 226th episode overall. Written by Austin Guzman and directed by Rob Greenlea, the episode originally aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on October 30, 2014.

Contents

The episode revolves around the ongoing tension between Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary) as they continue to navigate their complex relationship as half-sisters. At the same time, April Kepner (Sarah Drew) grapples with her pregnancy and the involvement of her overbearing mother, creating tension in her marriage to Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams). Meanwhile, Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) faces mounting pressure in her fetal surgery fellowship under Nicole Herman (Geena Davis), while Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) and Arizona’s separation continues to cause emotional strain.

The episode's title is a reference to the song with the same name by They Might Be Giants.

Upon its original broadcast, "Don't Let Start" was watched by 8.08 million viewers in the United States and garnered a 2.4/7 Nielsen rating. It ranked #13 in the key 18–49 demographic and was the fifth most-watched drama of the night. [1] The episode received positive reviews from television critics,.

Plot

The episode opens with a voice-over narration from Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) reflecting on the theme of the complexity and unpredictability of trauma and life challenges.

April Kepner (Sarah Drew) treats Melissa (Meg Steedle), a carjacking victim brought into the ER; however, she seems more concerned about her car than her injuries.

Meanwhile, Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) and Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) are treating a patient when Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary) reveals she has finished reading Ellis Grey’s (Kate Burton) journals. While Maggie admires Ellis as a surgeon, she struggles to understand her as a person. After Maggie leaves, Derek suggests inviting her over for dinner, saying, "It’s what families do."

Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) surprises April by bringing her mother, Karen (Connie Ray) to the hospital after her flight arrived early. April is stunned, unsure how to react, while Jackson explains her mom wanted to see her. He tells April to page him when she's free.

In the lounge, Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) prepares for her day when Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) questions whether Arizona has been staying at the hospital. Arizona explains that with Nicole Herman (Geena Davis) constantly pushing her, it’s easier to stay at work. Callie, no longer involved in Arizona’s personal life, agrees not to reveal their split yet, promising to respect Arizona’s wishes.

Ben Warren (Jason George) teases Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) about skipping breakfast. He offers her a donut as they check on Jeremy Weaver (James McCauley), a patient with chest pains. Despite his symptoms, Jeremy smiles and insists it’s just heartburn, but Bailey orders further tests after hearing about his unhealthy diet.

Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington) speaks to Melissa's coworkers, learning they know little about her personal life. Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) tends to Melissa, whose condition deteriorates due to internal bleeding. Owen makes the bold decision to operate in the ER. Later, Callie recognizes a tattoo that reveals Melissa is a veteran, deeply moving Owen, who reflects that no one should endure what Melissa has been through.

April meets her mother in the lounge, where her mom presents zoo animal decals for the nursery. April, overwhelmed by work, is frustrated that her mom assumes she has time to plan for the baby. Jackson offers to help, insisting it’ll be fun.

Jeremy insists he’s healthy enough to leave, but Ben warns him his labs show otherwise. Bailey assures Jeremy they trust science, not gut feelings, and orders more tests.

Nicole shows Arizona scans of Waldo Pfeiffer, a baby with a life-threatening condition. Nicole stresses the urgency of performing fetal surgery and pushes Arizona to internalize the procedure’s steps.

As Derek talks with Maggie, she mentions Meredith invited her to dinner. Derek, delighted, tells her to just bring herself. When Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) enters, Derek invites him to join, suggesting it’s an opportunity for family bonding.

During Jeremy’s procedure, Bailey and Ben reflect on their own health habits, which takes a serious turn when Bailey discovers a large tumor in Jeremy’s esophagus, revealing the gravity of his condition.

Release

"Don't Let Start" was originally broadcast on October 30, 2014, in the United States on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). The episode was watched by a total of 8.08 million viewers and garnered a 2.4/7 Nielsen rating. It ranked No. 13 in the key 18–49 key demographic and was the fifth most-watched drama of the night. [2]

Reception

"I feel like a broken record praising this season of Grey's Anatomy . It's the best season the show's done in at least half a decade, and its doing it without being "old school". Old school Grey's was a brand new show with a huge audience that flitted in and out each week. They had to keep people watching by throwing huge emotions and huge disasters at the audience. This Grey's renaissance is a result of comfort." - FemPop [3]

"Don't Let Start" received positive reviews from television critics upon telecast.

SpoilerTV praised the season's overall strength, writing, "Season 11 so far has been strong – stronger, even, than Season 10 and certainly Season 9." [4] The TV Addict also lauded the episode, stating, "Oh, how I've missed you GREY'S, how I've missed you. After a week of absence, this week's episode was a biggie." [5]

Entertainment Weekly offered a positive review, noting, "This week, there were many elements being juggled, which made for a fine hour, though it wasn't anything particularly special for the show that has proven before that it knows how to handle its ensemble." [6] The review acknowledged some issues with pacing but concluded, "The episode had its moments: The Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams)-April Kepner (Sarah Drew) story played well, and I can't tell you how happy I am that Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) are finally smiling at each other/'showering' together. Also, Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) and Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington) are great. If only everything ran together a bit more smoothly, I'd have no complaints." [6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arizona Robbins</span> Fictional character from the television show Greys Anatomy

Arizona Robbins, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy, which airs on the ABC in the United States, and is portrayed by Jessica Capshaw. She was introduced in the show's fifth season as an attending surgeon and the new chief of pediatric surgery. Originally contracted to appear in three episodes, Capshaw's contract was extended to the remainder of Season 5, and she became a series regular in Season 6.

Going, Going, Gone (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 1st episode of the 9th season of Greys Anatomy

"Going, Going, Gone" is the first episode of the ninth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 173rd episode overall. Written by Stacy McKee and directed by Rob Corn, the episode was originally broadcast on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 27, 2012. The initial airing was viewed by 11.73 million people and received a 4.4 Nielsen rating in the 18–49 demographic, registering the show as the week's highest rated television drama.

<i>Greys Anatomy</i> season 11 Season of television series

The eleventh season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy premiered on September 25, 2014, in the United States on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and consists of 25 episodes. The season was produced by ABC Studios, in association with Shondaland Production Company and The Mark Gordon Company; the showrunners being Stacy McKee and William Harper. The season commenced airing with the episode "I Must Have Lost It On The Wind" and concluded with the season finale "You're My Home" airing on May 14, 2015. The season was officially released on DVD as a 6-disc boxset under the title of Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Eleventh Season – Life Changes on August 18, 2015, by Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

"I Must Have Lost it on the Wind" is the first episode and the season premiere of the eleventh season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 221st episode overall. Written by Stacy McKee and directed by Kevin McKidd, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 25, 2014.

Fear (Of the Unknown) (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 24th episode of the 10th season of Greys Anatomy

"Fear (Of the Unknown)" is the twenty-fourth episode and the season finale of the tenth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and is the 220th episode overall. It aired on May 15, 2014, on ABC in the United States. The episode was written by Shonda Rhimes and William Harper and directed by Tony Phelan. On its initial airing, it was watched by 8.92 million viewers. The episode marked the departure of one of the lead characters, Cristina Yang, played by Sandra Oh since the inception of the series in 2005. The episode focuses on Yang as she prepares to say her goodbyes to the doctors at Grey-Sloan Memorial hospital, including her "person" Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), her long-time friend and Meredith's husband Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) and her love-interest Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) and leave for Zürich for her new job at the Klausman Institute for Medical Research. The episode received universal acclaim with widespread praise directed towards Oh's performance and the send-off for her character.

Shes Leaving Home (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 22nd and 23rd episodes of the 11th season of Greys Anatomy

"She's Leaving Home" is the 22nd and 23rd episode of the eleventh season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy and the show's 242nd and 243rd episode overall. Written by Stacy McKee and directed by Chris Hayden, the two-hour episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on April 30, 2015.

"Time Stops" is the 24th episode and the eleventh season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 244th episode overall. Written by Meg Marinis and directed by Kevin McKidd, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on May 7, 2015.

Youre My Home (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 25th episode of the 11th season of Greys Anatomy

"You're My Home" is the twenty-fifth episode and the season finale of the eleventh season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and is the 245th episode overall. Written by William Harper and directed by Rob Corn, the episode originally aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on May 14, 2015.

"Got to Be Real" is the third episode of the eleventh season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 223rd episode overall. Written by Zoanne Clack and directed by Rob Corn, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on October 9, 2014.

Only Mama Knows (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 4th episode of the 11th season of Greys Anatomy

"Only Mama Knows" is the fourth episode of the eleventh season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and is the 224th episode overall. Written by Mark Driscoll, and directed by Jesse Bochco, the episode originally aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on October 16, 2014.

"Bend & Break" is the fifth episode of the eleventh season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and is the 225th episode overall. Written by Meg Marinis, and directed by Jesse Bochco, the episode originally aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on October 23, 2014.

The sixth season finale of Grey's Anatomy consisted of two parts, "Sanctuary" and "Death and All His Friends". Both parts, encompassing the twenty-third and twenty-fourth episodes of the season, were written by Shonda Rhimes and originally broadcast on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on May 20, 2010. The first hour gained 13 million viewers and the second hour had an audience of 16.13 million viewers. The two-parter was praised by television critics for its writing, and the performances of the cast. It went on to be hailed as one of the best episodes of the series.

Sledgehammer (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 1st episode of the 12th season of Greys Anatomy

"Sledgehammer" is the first episode and the season premiere of the twelfth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 246th episode overall. Written by Stacy McKee and directed by Kevin McKidd, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 24, 2015.

Guess Whos Coming to Dinner (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 5th episode of the 12th season of Greys Anatomy

"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" is the fifth episode of the twelfth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 250th episode overall. Written by Mark Driscoll and directed by executive producer Debbie Allen, it aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on October 22, 2015.

"Something Against You" is the seventh episode of the twelfth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 252nd episode overall. Written by Andy Reaser and directed by Geary McLeod, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on November 12, 2015.

The Sound of Silence (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 8th episode of the 12th season of Greys Anatomy

"The Sound of Silence" is the ninth episode and the mid-season premiere of the twelfth season of the American medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy, and the 254th episode overall. Written by Stacy McKee and directed by Denzel Washington, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on February 11, 2016.

Family Affair (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 24th episode of the 12th season of Greys Anatomy

"Family Affair" is the twenty-fourth episode and the season finale of the twelfth season of the American medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy, and the 269th episode overall. Written by William Harper and directed by Debbie Allen, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on May 19, 2016.

"All of Me" is the twenty-fourth episode and the season finale of the fourteenth season of the American medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 317th episode overall. Written by Krista Vernoff and directed by Debbie Allen, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on May 17, 2018.

I Choose You (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 3rd episode of the 12th season of Greys Anatomy

"I Choose You" is the third episode of the twelfth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 248th episode overall. Written by William Harper and directed by Rob Corn, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on October 8, 2015.

References

  1. ↑ "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Vampire Diaries' & 'Big Bang Theory' Adjusted Up; 'Mom', 'The McCarthys', 'Two and a Half Men', 'Bad Judge', 'A to Z', 'Elementary', 'Parenthood' & 'The Biggest Loser' Adjusted Down - Ratings". TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2014. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  2. ↑ "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops Week 7 With Adults 18-49 - Ratings". TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. Archived from the original on November 13, 2014. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  3. ↑ "Review: Grey's Anatomy - 'Don't Let's Start'". Fempop.com. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  4. ↑ Conte, Maximilian (November 6, 2014). "Grey's Anatomy – Don't Let's Start – Advance Review | Spoilers". Spoilertv.com. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  5. ↑ "GREY'S ANATOMY Recap: "Don't Let's Start"". Thetvaddict.com. November 7, 2014. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  6. 1 2 Highfill, Samantha (November 6, 2014). "Grey's Anatomy recap: 'Don't Let's Start'". EW.com. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.