Caterina Scorsone with Kate Walsh on the Jan. 29 episode of 'Grey's Anatomy.' Disney/Anne Marie Fox Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Logo text [This story contains spoilers from the Jan. 29 episode of Grey's Anatomy, "Strip That Down."] Grey's Anatomy delivered an exciting reunion this week when former doctor Addison Montgomery returned to the ABC medical drama to push her neurosurgeon friend Amelia Shepherd back to work at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The one-episode guest appearance from former series star Kate Walsh coincided with the end of Amelia's sabbatical, marking Caterina Scorsone's return to the series after a temporary exit in the Oct. 16 episode last year. Related Stories TV 'Grey's Anatomy' Debuts Electric Ambulance: "We're Hoping to Start a Trend" TV 'Bluey' Defeats 'Stranger Things,' Everything Else to Retain Title as Most Streamed Show in 2025 After the trauma and fallout from the hospital explosion in the season 21 finale, showrunner Meg Marinis tells The Hollywood Reporter that Amelia needed to take time away from work, and that her midseason return in season 22 will usher in a refreshed version of the long-running character. "It's time for us to see the happier Amelia," she says in the conversation below. There's also happiness to stay in Meredith's (Ellen Pompeo) romantic life, as Marinis dishes about what she has in store for season 22, and reveals if she came close to actually killing off the beloved Dr. Weber (James Pickens Jr.). *** We knew Amelia would return from her sabbatical, but not exactly when. Is she back for good? I feel comfortable saying that you will see her in the next episode, yes. When she says, "I'll go back to work," she's being genuine. Because of budget, it was reported that some veteran stars had to cut their appearances this season. We've spoken before about the financial challenges of affording this large ensemble. What was behind the decision with Caterina Scorsone going on hiatus? That also really went into the storyline. Sometimes we do this thing where people survive an insane crisis at the hospital and they pop back into work three episodes later. It just didn't feel right to do it that way. She really felt a lot of responsibility for what happened to the hospital. And as co-parent with Link [Chris Carmack], when he was in such dire straits, her being able to be a stable parent to [their child] Scout at that time was also a good thing. Amelia also has a history of taking on impossible cases, and sometimes not thinking through the consequences. I wanted to show that she had realized the consequences, that she's more mature now. She's now lived without [brother] Derek [Patrick Dempsey] for quite some time. She's a mother. It was important to see her prioritize herself rather than keep going. It also speaks to her addiction history. I believe she became a little addicted to work and that she was pulling herself back a little bit. She did look so happy and light when she returned this week. I know! When you see her with that flower in her apartment? I told Caterina when I see that episode, I'm filled with happiness. To see the character back, to see Addison [Kate Walsh] hug her. We talked about, do we want to tell a story about her being nervous in the OR? But then I felt like all that time off didn't do anything. Her apartment is even cleaner. I told [the set department] to make it look like she had really been focusing on herself. I think it's time for us to see the happier Amelia. Is Caterina excited about that shift, and does it make her having to miss a few episodes worth it? It's always an adjustment to not be at work as much as you're normally at work, but it's a crazy time in this industry right now. So having some work rather than no work [is better] and also, she's always such a collaborative partner in the creative. I think she really understood that I didn't want to take Amelia down a dark path after what happened and that I wanted to explore Amelia not just as a neurosurgeon, but Amelia as a whole person. Why did you then decide to bring Kate Walsh's Addison back to help tell Amelia's reentry? Initially we were thinking, "Addison will come back and fix Amelia and get her back at the hospital." And then I thought, "I've seen that story before, why don't we flip it?" So it's actually Amelia helping Addison through something that allows her to realize she's ready to come back to work. Also, based on what Addison is doing right now in the world of Grey's Anatomy, it makes sense that she's a dumpster fire. I mean, come on. Kate Walsh is only back for this one episode? Yes, this is her episode. I'll take her as much as I can get her. I always want to try to bring Addison back. She's beloved. But it's hard in a shorter season [to do more], and she's a busy wo