How ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Said Farewell to Midori Francis’ Intern

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As a dedicated Grey’s Anatomy fan with a heart as big as Seattle itself, I must say that this week’s episode was a rollercoaster of emotions. The exit of Mika Yasuda (played by Midori Francis) marked another poignant moment in the long-running series.

[This story contains spoilers from Grey’s Anatomy season 21, episode eight, “Drop It Like It’s Hot.”]

Grey’s Anatomy had said farewell to another series regular.

On Thursday, Mika Yasuda, who served as Midori Francis’ surgical intern, performed her final operation at Seattle’s Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. She had been a part of the series since the beginning of Season 19.

In the 8th episode of season 21, serving as the fall finale for the popular ABC medical drama, which resumes airing on March 6, 2025, the story continued following Jake Borelli’s character Dr. Levi Schmitt leaving Grey’s Anatomy. Tragically, Yasuda’s younger sister Chloe (played by Julia Rose Gruenberg) succumbed to injuries sustained in a terrible car accident. This was due to a combination of the injuries from the crash and the toll of chemotherapy on her body as she battled cancer. Ultimately, Chloe passed away due to her injuries.

In the opening of this week’s episode titled “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” character Yasuda appears eager to resume work following a brief hiatus. The city of Seattle is undergoing a heatwave, causing Grey Sloan Hospital to brace for an influx of patients. During the course of treating one such patient who goes into cardiac arrest, Bailey (Chandra Wilson) attempts to resuscitate him. At this critical moment, Yasuda loses composure and begins shouting at their superior.

Yasuda urgently tells Bailey, “It’s not functioning. You’re losing him. You’re allowing him to pass away. Aren’t you a doctor, Dr. Bailey?!” To which Bailey replies, “Hey now, I’m well aware of that!” The intern persists, “He’s dying. Isn’t saving lives your job?! Can’t you do something? You can’t let him die like this. You shouldn’t let him die. Save her! Save her! Just please save her. Just save her, please. You have to save her. Just take me with you, Dr. Bailey. Take me.

Following her emotional collapse, Yasuda inquires from her colleague Simone (Alexis Floyd) if this is how she’ll always feel, and Simone, who lost her mother during childbirth, assures her that it will be so but emphasizes that each day that passes will make her a bit more accustomed to the grief.

Trying to find a sense of normality, Mika initiates a romantic moment with intern Jules (Adelaide Kane), and for the first time, they share an intimate experience in a call room, much like characters on Grey’s Anatomy. Afterwards, Mika weeps, confiding in Jules that the hospital’s surroundings evoke memories of her sister.

In a conversation with Bailey, Yasuda seems to request additional time off, which the residency director is prepared to grant. However, their discussion veers towards Bailey’s daily thoughts about her deceased mother, three years since her passing. Yet, Yasuda finds it impossible to progress in life while working at a place where she constantly sees her sister. Consequently, she decides to quit, feeling it’s the best choice for her personal growth.

Towards the end of the episode, Jules observes Yasuda gathering her belongings from the locker and pleads with her not to go. However, the intern explains that she must. They share a farewell kiss, and Yasuda departs from the hospital. Upon questioning Bailey about what was said to Mika, Bailey reveals that she advised her to make decisions based on her own needs.

In the 19th season of Grey’s Anatomy, where a fresh batch of interns was introduced, this episode signifies Midori’s departure. When discussing the farewell narrative at the onset of season 21, showrunner Meg Marinis spoke to THR, stating, “We strive to respect how we initially established her character and the journey she’s taken. Mika is a joy to write for. She truly shines this season, and I believe viewers will be deeply engrossed in her storyline.” Furthermore, “I’m genuinely pleased with how it has unfolded.

In his farewell conversation with THR, Borelli admitted that the absence of both his character and Francis’ queer roles on the series will be noticeable (Borelli was the one who shared the first kiss between two male characters in season 15). “These are two exceptionally developed and authentic queer characters portrayed by talented queer individuals,” he explained. “Filling those shoes might prove challenging, I’m unsure about their plans. I’m intrigued to find out. I hope they persist in supporting queer narratives. Working with Midori during the summer was an unusual experience, and we’ve discussed it at length. However, the show has always been dedicated to representation, and I eagerly anticipate what innovative ideas they’ll bring next.

In another part of the hospital, as “Drop It Like It’s Hot” played, and following the dramatic style of a Grey’s Anatomy fall finale, the episode concludes with a significant suspenseful moment. Upon Dr. Cass Beckman’s (Sophia Bush) return, Adams (Niko Terho) and Jo (Camilla Luddington), who is pregnant, find themselves in an armed robbery at a convenience store. During the robbery, Jo starts bleeding from somewhere within her body. Towards the end of the episode, Adams attempts to disarm the robber, but the final scene suggests that the gun has been fired and may have hit Adams in the abdomen.

Fans of Grey’s Anatomy will need to be patient and tune in again starting on March 6, 2025, as the show is set to come back on air in the spring.

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Grey’s Anatomy is streaming season 21 on Hulu.

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2024-11-22 07:25