Fans Are Convinced Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Won’t Stop at One Death
Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 may be headed into its darkest stretch yet. With Monica Beltran already gone and the Oct. 9 premiere stacked with ominous red flags, fans are bracing for a body count that doesn’t stop at one.
Grey's Anatomy kicked off Season 22 by literally blowing up Grey Sloan, and the fallout looks like it is just getting started. One death is confirmed. The show is heavily teasing more.
What actually happened in the premiere
The October 9 premiere opens with a gas explosion at Grey Sloan Memorial during a hostage situation. It is as bad as it sounds: multiple core characters are injured, and Natalie Morales' character, Monika Beltran, does not make it.
The episode also puts Dr. Atticus 'Link' Lincoln through the wringer. He is seriously hurt, including a broken collarbone, and there is a gut-punch scene with his partner that plays like a final goodbye. He survives the hour, but if you have watched this show for any length of time, you know last-minute swerves are part of the brand. I would not call him safe yet.
Why fans think more deaths are coming
Camilla Luddington (Jo Wilson) has been openly warning that the season is not done breaking hearts. She called the premiere 'explosive' and 'emotional' and said the next few episodes are going to test longtime viewers.
'It is the Grey's you know and love, but maybe also the Grey's you love to hate a little bit. I think there is going to be some throwing things at your TV screen, which is what Grey's does best, too.'
Translation: do not get attached.
How the show decides who lives and who does not
Showrunner Meg Marinis told The Hollywood Reporter that picking survivors is not random. The writers room is, in her words, a kind group that still argues plenty, and they map out every scenario: who is on the OR floor, what happens if Character A dies instead of Character B, and how each choice ripples through other storylines. So if someone goes, it is because it threads through multiple arcs, not just for shock value.
Reminder: this show has form
Grey's has never been shy about permanent exits. Need a refresher?
- Derek Shepherd
- Lexie Grey
- Mark Sloan
- George O'Malley
Bottom line: Monika Beltran is the first loss of Season 22, and the premiere strongly suggests she will not be the last. Buckle up.