'Grey's Anatomy' recap: 'With or Without You'

Greys Anatomy took its time answering the question on everyones mindDid Derek cheat on Meredith?tonight.We didnt get a definitive answer under the last few minutes of the episode. Despite how long it took to get there, Im fairly content with how it all landed, especially because it was an excuse to think about what Cristina said to Meredith before leaving last year.As Merediths opening monologue explains, tonights episode was all about our characters remembering that just because they have gone so long withoutsomething doesnt mean they no longer need it. This thematic throughline ran all the way from MerDers situation to Stephanie, who, along with Wilson, was stuck in comedic relief land tonight.

Lets talk about why a woman answered Dereks phone because thats what Derek and Meredith are discussing when the episode opens. According to Derek,his research fellowRenee (NCIS Scottie Thompson), who he insists is justhis research fellow, answered his phone because he left it in the lab and was already at the airport. He realized he left his phone when he got to the airport, so he called it and found out about Renees chat with Meredith. Derek tries to convince Meredith that he came home to work on them, but shes not buying it and is allowed to avoid having her worst fears realized when shes called in to consult on a case.

This week, Karev turns to Meredith for a second opinion regarding his patient Danny, Grey-Sloanes resident 17-year-old hockey fanatic who is awaiting a liver transplant, quickly deteriorating, and whose tests reveal that hes at risk of another infection. Karev wants to play it safe and just drain the infection, like theyve been doing; however Meredith, wholest we forgetis on a streak, suggests surgery to prevent the infection from reoccurring. Its a risky surgery and neither Karev nor Dannys sister, Kathy, wants to risk it. Sonow begins the butting of Meredith and Karevs heads.

No matter how much Karev protests, Meredith is resolute on her opinion. We know, and Karev knows, that this isnt about the patientits about Derek, but Meredith insists that it isnt. Unfortunately, fate forces their hand when Dannys condition starts to deteriorate and he insists, against his sisters wishes, that Meredith proceed with the surgery. Kathy struggles with the decision because shes taken care of Danny for most of her adult life and cant imagine living without him; shes in an opposite position from Meredith, who has imagined and has lived a life without Derek.

Meredith and Karevs bickering follows them into the surgery; however, Danny gets in even worse while open on the table. They are unable to save himand thus ends Merediths streak.

If theres an upside to any of this, its that Karevis really getting the hang of being Merediths person. His first instinct after Meredith runs outside is to hug her, even though she rejects it because she blames him constantly second guessing her opinion for Dannys death. Being the person she needs, Karev tells Meredith that she can be mad at him all she wants, even though shes really mad at Derekbut he points out that she wasnt a mess in surgery and Dannys deathis not her fault. This time, she accepts his hug. Guys, I really like Meredith and Karevs friendship.

NEXT: Age aint nothing but a number

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'Grey's Anatomy' recap: 'With or Without You'