There's nothing more nostalgic than Grey's Anatomy — just mentioning Derek, Christina, or the early days of Magic: The Gathering is sure to elicit a wistful smile. But sometimes, retro references are less cozy and fun and more "I think I've seen this movie before, but I didn't like the ending." The promo for the May 2 episode falls into the latter category.
When Grey's Anatomy returns after a three-week hiatus, Dr. Atticus "Link" Lincoln and Dr. Monica Beltran (played by guest star Natalie Morales) Surgery to repair a residual limb will be performed on a young patient. Or at least, that's the plan — but as Link describes the surgery (as seen in the new trailer), the patient's parents (presumably) don't seem too impressed by the course of action laid out before them.
"They are major donors," Katherine Fox told the doctors. "Is this the best surgery you can do? Do better."
If this exchange feels familiar, you're not alone. Link and Beltran's upcoming surgery sounds a lot like the one Arizona was urged to undergo in Season 6 -- not the specifics of the surgery, but the pursuit of more advanced procedures to meet the needs of the hospital's donors.
Remembering Wallace
If you need a refresher, this storyline takes place in Season 6, Episode 8: "Investing in Love." Here, viewers meet Wallace Anderson: a precocious 10-year-old suffering from short bowel syndrome. Wallace was a long-time resident at the hospital—he even pretended to do rounds, wearing a cute custom white coat—and Arizona loved him. They also have the same birthday.
Wallace's parents pledged a $25 million donation to the hospital shortly before their son's condition worsened. They wanted Arizona to undergo a dangerous surgery, but she refused - explaining that he simply wasn't strong enough and it was time to prepare for the worst. "It's not a question of if I can," she said. "The question is whether I should do it or not."
Dr. Weber, however, urged Arizona to do so regardless. "These people won't hear the word 'no,'" he said. "If they want to operate on their son, they're going to operate on their son — whether you're that person or not."
Although Webb truly believed in Arizona, Wallace ultimately died in the operating room (on his and Arizona's birthdays). In an act of extraordinary grace, Wallace's parents continued to donate, explaining to hospital chairman Mr. Jennings that it was Arizona's compassion for their son that made them want to give back.
arizona echo
Fifteen years after Wallace and Arizona's heartbreaking incident, Grey's Anatomy appears to be repeating a storyline in which a hospital's top brass urges surgeons to change their practices to please a powerful clientele.
That's not the only similarity with Arizona. Beltran is also a pediatric surgeon, and Morales recently told Shondaland that she is "very, very passionate about her job and puts patients first no matter what."
"Like, she doesn't care if anyone likes her as long as she does what she thinks is best for her patients," Gray's guest continued. "That's something I admire and respect, and I wish more doctors were like that."
