Cristina Yang and Owen Hunt, a pairing marked by both profound connection and devastating friction, finally tied the knot in Grey’s Anatomy, Season 7, Episode 22, titled “Unaccompanied.” This pivotal episode marked a significant turning point in both their lives, setting the stage for the complex and often turbulent journey that defined their relationship.
The Significance of “Unaccompanied”
The episode “Unaccompanied” is more than just a wedding episode; it’s a deep dive into the emotional landscape of Cristina and Owen as individuals and as a couple. Their marriage, while seemingly a joyful culmination of their feelings, was underscored by underlying tensions and a desperate need to find stability amidst the chaos of their lives at Seattle Grace Mercy West.
A Quick Recap: Building to the Aisle
Before diving into the specifics of “Unaccompanied,” it’s essential to understand the tumultuous path that led Cristina and Owen to the altar. Their relationship was born from trauma – Owen’s PTSD after his service in Iraq and Cristina’s detached, career-focused personality – yet they found solace and understanding in each other. Their initial connection was electric, fueled by mutual attraction and a shared understanding of the brutal realities of life and death in the surgical world. However, their differing desires and coping mechanisms consistently created conflict. The marriage proposal itself was somewhat impulsive, driven by Owen’s anxieties and Cristina’s willingness to try to make it work.
The Wedding Ceremony: A Reflection of Their Relationship
The wedding ceremony, while beautiful, was infused with a sense of underlying unease. Cristina, never one for traditional displays of emotion, struggled with the gravity of the commitment she was making. Owen, yearning for normalcy and stability, hoped the marriage would provide the foundation they both craved. The presence of their friends and colleagues added another layer of complexity, highlighting the interconnectedness of their lives and the potential for their personal dramas to impact their professional relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cristina and Owen’s Wedding
Here are some common questions surrounding Cristina and Owen’s wedding episode, exploring various aspects of their relationship and the significance of their marriage.
FAQ 1: What were the main conflicts Cristina and Owen faced leading up to the wedding?
The primary conflict stemmed from their fundamental differences in personality and desires. Owen craved a traditional relationship and family life, while Cristina was fiercely devoted to her surgical career. This created tension regarding having children, a topic that surfaced repeatedly throughout their relationship. Owen’s PTSD also contributed to his emotional volatility, making it difficult for Cristina to connect with him on a deeper level.
FAQ 2: Who performed the wedding ceremony in “Unaccompanied?”
The wedding ceremony was performed by a Justice of the Peace. This aligns with the pragmatic and somewhat unconventional nature of their relationship. It wasn’t a grand, elaborate affair but a simple ceremony focused on the legal commitment.
FAQ 3: Which Grey’s Anatomy characters attended Cristina and Owen’s wedding?
A significant portion of the main cast attended the wedding, including Meredith Grey, Derek Shepherd, Alex Karev, Miranda Bailey, and Callie Torres. Their presence underscored the importance of Cristina and Owen’s relationship within the larger narrative of the show.
FAQ 4: What was Meredith’s reaction to Cristina and Owen getting married?
Meredith, being Cristina’s person and closest confidante, was initially apprehensive about the marriage. She understood Cristina’s priorities and feared that marriage to Owen might stifle her ambition. However, she ultimately supported Cristina’s decision, offering her unwavering friendship and guidance.
FAQ 5: Did Cristina have any doubts on her wedding day?
Yes, Cristina demonstrably displayed doubts on her wedding day. Her discomfort with traditional wedding rituals and her anxiety about making a lifelong commitment were evident throughout the episode. This internal conflict was a key aspect of her character and her relationship with Owen.
FAQ 6: How did Owen’s PTSD affect the wedding episode?
While not overtly showcased during the ceremony itself, Owen’s PTSD was a constant undercurrent in their relationship. It contributed to his anxieties and his desire for stability, which ultimately influenced his decision to propose and get married. His trauma remained a silent, looming presence throughout their marriage.
FAQ 7: What song played during Cristina and Owen’s wedding?
While there wasn’t a specific, prominent song featured during the ceremony itself, the episode’s soundtrack featured several emotionally resonant pieces that complemented the overall mood and themes. The music served to amplify the underlying tensions and hopes surrounding their union.
FAQ 8: Was Cristina wearing a traditional wedding dress?
Cristina wore a relatively simple, elegant wedding dress, deviating from overly elaborate or traditional designs. This choice reflected her pragmatic and understated personality, emphasizing her focus on the substance of the marriage rather than the superficial aspects of a wedding.
FAQ 9: What was the significance of the title “Unaccompanied” in relation to the episode?
The title “Unaccompanied” alludes to the vulnerability and potential isolation both Cristina and Owen felt, despite being surrounded by friends and family. It suggests a deeper sense of individual struggle and the challenges they faced in truly connecting with each other. It could also refer to the challenges they would face as individuals without the consistent support network of their families.
FAQ 10: What were the long-term consequences of Cristina and Owen’s marriage?
The long-term consequences of their marriage were profound. It shaped their individual trajectories and fundamentally altered their relationship. Their inability to reconcile their differing desires ultimately led to their divorce, highlighting the inherent challenges of their partnership. The marriage, while filled with moments of intense love and connection, ultimately couldn’t overcome their fundamental incompatibilities.
FAQ 11: How did the wedding episode contribute to Cristina’s overall character arc?
The wedding episode was a pivotal moment in Cristina’s character arc. It demonstrated her willingness to step outside of her comfort zone and attempt to embrace a more traditional relationship. However, it also underscored her unwavering dedication to her surgical career and her ultimate inability to compromise on her core values.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch “Unaccompanied” online?
“Unaccompanied” and other episodes of Grey’s Anatomy are typically available to stream on services like Netflix, Hulu, and ABC.com, depending on your region and subscription status. Availability may vary over time, so it’s best to check your local streaming providers.