The second-to-last episode of Grey’s Anatomy season 21 brought viewers mixed emotions, both the best and the most difficult moments. On one hand, it was Jo and Link’s wedding day – a happy milestone in their journey. On the other hand, little Dylan was still in critical condition, getting worse by the day. Besides, Nora appeared as a new threat to Teddy and Owen’s future, while Lucas and Simone disagreed fiercely about whether they had a future together. Let’s take a look at the notable developments in this episode.
Jo Faces “Mother-in-Law”
As soon as the episode Love You Like a Love Song began, tension arose between Jo and her future mother-in-law, Maureen (guest star Bess Armstrong). Maureen is eager to help, but in ways Jo doesn’t want — like dressing her up like “Boy George in 1983” or handing her a huge veil the size of a prop from a big show.
Luckily, officiant Levi shows up just in time, explaining to Jo that Maureen is just doing what a mother does — expressing love in a way that’s both annoying and sincere. Jo, who never had a mother, doesn’t get it, and so she flatly refuses the makeup and veil — albeit a little louder than she would have liked.
Meanwhile, Link, who’s still working at Grey Sloan on the day of the wedding, is reminded by Bailey that he can’t just “goof it off” when reciting his vows. He tries to write them out in a medical report-style, but fails. Finally, Bailey advises him to “say it your way” — easier said than done!
Teddy and Owen Deal with Nora’s Illness
After a seemingly productive vacation in Hawaii, Owen and Teddy glow with newlywed bliss. Teddy refuses to be taken off Nora’s case—whom Owen had a one-night stand with—even though Nora returns to the hospital with an infection in her graft.
Unfortunately, Teddy and Winston’s experimental surgery fails, and they are forced to recommend palliative care. On the way to Jo and Link’s wedding, Teddy breaks the news to Owen. While still tending to the patient, Owen comforts Nora—his wife Megan’s childhood friend. Nora confesses that she is “dying” and even feels “a little bit in love with Owen.” When Teddy and Winston leave the party with a daring plan to save Nora, Owen is by her bedside, much to Teddy’s dismay.
Lucas and Simone’s Conflict
Throughout the episode, Lucas takes advantage of Dylan’s increasingly serious condition to give Simone the cold shoulder. At first, Dylan could only communicate by blinking, but eventually he lost the ability to do so. Before leaving for the wedding, Simone had to make it clear that she didn’t want Dylan to get worse, she was just being realistic.
Lucas said that hope was important. Simone replied that he could only think that way because he was always saved when he failed, while she wasn’t. The statement hurt Lucas, and he decided to be “realistic” that he and Simone had no future together.
Link Pours Her Heart Through Vows
Before the wedding officially began, Jo had a moment to apologize and explain to Maureen why she had never felt maternal love. With the “conflict resolved,” the wedding took place with everyone’s blessing, with Levi leading the bride down the aisle.
When it came time to read the vows, Link melted everyone with his sweet, humorous, and emotional song. Jo can’t help but exclaim: “How am I supposed to keep up?!?”
Other Plots
Jules, after being given permission by Richard to perform a new procedure, decides to let go of Winston and wants to explore more career opportunities. Meanwhile, Simone, heartbroken after her argument with Lucas, goes to Joe’s Bar and is approached by a charming man (Trevor Jackson). Before the episode ends, the two have some steamy “close” moments.
The episode combines moments filled with joy and happiness with painful challenges and struggles – just like the opening line: “The best of times, the worst of times.”
