The disturbing event of Owen Hunt strangling Cristina Yang occurs during Season 8, Episode 10, titled “Suddenly.” This episode portrays the intense trauma Owen experienced during his military service and its detrimental impact on his personal relationships, particularly with Cristina.
The Unfolding of a Terrifying Incident
Season 8 of Grey’s Anatomy delves deeply into the PTSD that haunts Owen Hunt. While initially presented as a stoic and capable trauma surgeon, the season peels back layers to reveal the severe psychological damage caused by his war experiences. His attempts to repress these memories and cope with the psychological wounds ultimately fail, leading to a shocking and horrifying event.
The episode “Suddenly” showcases the seemingly perfect facade of Owen and Cristina’s marriage beginning to crumble. Cristina, ever focused on her career and surgical pursuits, struggles to fully understand or empathize with Owen’s internal struggles. This disconnect culminates in a night terror experienced by Owen, where he relives his wartime experiences. Trapped in this dream state, he mistakes Cristina for an enemy soldier and, in a moment of panicked disorientation, begins to strangle her. Cristina awakens in a state of shock and terror, realizing the gravity of Owen’s condition and the potential danger it poses to their relationship.
The aftermath of this incident is profound. It forces both Owen and Cristina to confront the deep-seated issues within their marriage and the devastating consequences of untreated PTSD. The episode highlights the complexities of love, trauma, and the challenges of supporting a partner struggling with mental health.
The Trauma of War: Owen’s Backstory
Owen’s PTSD stems from his time serving as a trauma surgeon in the United States Army. He witnessed firsthand the horrors of war, losing close friends and battling unimaginable circumstances. The intense pressure, constant exposure to death, and lack of resources left deep scars on his psyche.
Prior to the strangling incident, viewers witness glimpses of Owen’s struggles with his past. He experiences flashbacks, displays aggressive behavior, and struggles to connect emotionally with Cristina. However, he often downplays these issues, attempting to maintain a sense of control and normalcy. The strangling incident serves as a stark wake-up call, forcing him to acknowledge the severity of his condition and seek professional help.
The Aftermath: A Marriage Tested
The immediate fallout from the “Suddenly” episode sees Cristina grappling with fear, confusion, and anger. She struggles to reconcile the loving husband she knows with the violent figure she experienced in the night. Owen, consumed by guilt and shame, desperately tries to atone for his actions.
The incident forces a crucial turning point in their relationship. They begin to explore therapy, both individually and as a couple, in an attempt to understand the roots of Owen’s trauma and develop coping mechanisms. However, the damage is significant, and the road to recovery is long and arduous.
The event raises important questions about forgiveness, trust, and the limits of love. Can Cristina truly forgive Owen for endangering her life? Can Owen overcome his PTSD and become a safe and supportive partner? These are the central questions that drive the narrative in the subsequent episodes. The relationship between Owen and Cristina never truly recovers to the same point. This is due to differing life goals (Cristina doesn’t want children, Owen does) and Owen’s subsequent decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the episode and the surrounding storyline:
H3: What season and episode is the Owen/Cristina choking scene?
As previously stated, the incident occurs in Season 8, Episode 10, titled “Suddenly.”
H3: What triggered Owen’s night terror?
While the precise trigger is not explicitly shown, it is understood that Owen’s PTSD, combined with stress and suppressed emotions, led to the night terror. His overall experience from the war and trying to handle so many complex emotions from his past, all the while attempting to build a future with his wife Cristina, came to a devastating head.
H3: How did Cristina react to being choked?
Cristina was understandably terrified and shocked. She struggled to comprehend what had happened and initially distanced herself from Owen. Later, she tried to understand his trauma but ultimately was greatly disturbed by the experience.
H3: Did Owen intentionally try to hurt Cristina?
No, it is crucial to understand that Owen was in a sleep state and experiencing a night terror. He was not consciously aware of his actions and did not intentionally try to harm Cristina. This is a manifestation of his untreated PTSD.
H3: Did Owen seek help after the choking incident?
Yes, following the incident, both Owen and Cristina explored therapy. Owen begins to confront his PTSD in a more serious manner.
H3: Did the choking incident end Owen and Cristina’s marriage?
While the incident contributed to the eventual breakdown of their marriage, it wasn’t the sole cause. Underlying issues, such as their differing desires regarding children, also played a significant role. The event was a key crack in the foundation of their marriage.
H3: What is PTSD and how does it relate to Owen’s actions?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Owen’s actions were a direct result of his PTSD, where he relived his wartime experiences and acted out of fear and disorientation.
H3: Did other characters know about the choking incident?
Initially, Cristina only confides in a few close friends, primarily Meredith Grey. As the situation unfolds, more characters become aware of the incident.
H3: How did Meredith react to learning what happened?
Meredith was supportive of Cristina, but she also emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the need for Owen to seek professional help. She was deeply concerned for Cristina’s safety and well-being.
H3: Did Owen’s PTSD affect his relationships with other characters besides Cristina?
Yes, Owen’s PTSD influenced his interactions with several characters. His mood swings and emotional unavailability strained his friendships and working relationships. He would often be shorter and less patient with the other doctors.
H3: What were some of the other symptoms of Owen’s PTSD shown in the series?
Besides the night terror, Owen exhibited symptoms such as flashbacks, irritability, difficulty sleeping, emotional numbness, and avoidance of situations that reminded him of the war.
H3: Is Owen’s portrayal of PTSD accurate?
While Grey’s Anatomy is a fictional drama, its portrayal of Owen’s PTSD resonated with many viewers and veterans. It highlighted the challenges of living with PTSD and the importance of seeking treatment. It raised awareness and started many much-needed conversations about the devastating reality of PTSD. The show’s storyline highlights many real struggles that veterans and others with PTSD endure.