Granny’s anatomy fans were shocked last night when a favorite character from the show’s past reappeared.
Now in its 17th season, medical drama is facing a coronavirus epidemic in its current story, in which Granny anatomy chauvinist Krista Vernoff seeks to “honor the reality” of the health crisis – in particular, how it has affected the front lines.
However, there was also a desire to keep the lighter aspects of the show intact, which inspired Meredith Gray to return to the above figures from the past.
Read on for more details, but beware of spoilers ahead.
As some fans are well aware now, Patrick Dempsey is back as Derek Shepherd, the first time he has reprimanded his role since he dropped out of the series in Season 11.
The character was written in tragic circumstances, died of a severe head injury after a horrific car accident, a devastating loss to his wife Meredith and their three children.
When Meredith herself experiences death in the premiere of Season 17, she has a vision of Derek on a picturesque beach where she tells him she missed him.
Dempsey returned to shoot new scenes to reveal the shock, which Vernoff said has been kept a top secret – from many of the people working on the show.
Most artists didn’t know. Some writers did not know. Not many good people in the studio and network knew. It’s a pleasure to see them all unfold. ???? # Granny Anatomy pic.twitter.com/LCQj6outeY
– Krista Vernoff (@ Krista Vernoff) November 13, 2020
In a statement, Vernoff added: “Our most important task this season has been to show respect for the reality of this global epidemic and the impact it has had – especially on healthcare workers. With that, our show still had to come up with creative ways to be fun and romantic and provide some escape.
“Enter Patrick Dempsey. The purpose of the beach – which will go beyond the premiere – provided us with a way out of the epidemic for a while here and there. And Derek’s return provided pure joy for us, Meredith and the fans.
“Season 17 has been a Herculean endeavor by our cast, our crew, our writers and our partners at Disney and ABC – and we’re proud of it. But our effort is nothing compared to the work of our frontline healthcare workers to whom this season is dedicated.
“We hope our show inspires you to wear your mask to protect you and each other. As Derek Shepherd puts it, ‘It’s a wonderful day to save lives.’
Dempsey will reappear in Season 17 to recover Meredith, as afflicted in the following trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16_S_Mf2E0A
Granny Anatomy Season 17 is currently in the U.S. Is being aired in but Sky Witness UK air date has not been confirmed. Season 1-15 is available to stream on Amazon Prime video. Sign up for Amazon Prime 99 to 7.99 per month with 30-day free trial. Check out what’s else with our TV Guide, or take a look at our new TV Show 2020 page to find out what’s airing this fall and beyond.