Meredith Grey and Nathan Riggs’s simmering tension finally boils over into a confirmed relationship in episode 14 of season 13, titled “Back Where You Belong.” This episode marks the undeniable shift from flirtation and reluctant attraction to a full-blown, albeit complicated, romance.
The Slow Burn: From Initial Friction to Undeniable Spark
Their relationship was never destined to be simple. Introducing Nathan Riggs as a former colleague and close friend of Meredith’s late husband, Derek Shepherd’s, deceased sister, Megan Hunt, instantly created a complex web of emotions and loyalties. The initial interactions between Meredith and Riggs were characterized by constant bickering and mutual animosity. This stemmed from Meredith’s grief and her unwillingness to open herself up to another relationship after Derek’s tragic death, combined with Riggs’s blunt and sometimes insensitive demeanor.
However, beneath the surface of their disagreements lay a palpable attraction. They challenged each other, pushed each other’s buttons, and ultimately saw something in each other that resonated on a deeper level. Their shared experiences with loss, trauma, and the demanding world of surgery forged a connection that couldn’t be ignored. The “will they, won’t they” dynamic kept fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the moment when they would finally acknowledge their feelings.
“Back Where You Belong”: The Turning Point
While the romantic tension was palpable in earlier episodes, “Back Where You Belong” presents the pivotal moment. Megan Hunt’s reappearance, having been presumed dead for years, throws a wrench into Riggs’s life. His primary focus shifts to Megan, rightfully so, but the episode also highlights the significant impact Meredith has had on him. He acknowledges his feelings for her, and while their future remains uncertain given Megan’s return, the episode concludes with Meredith taking the leap. She shows up at Riggs’s door, ready to explore the possibility of a relationship. This isn’t just a fleeting moment of passion; it’s a conscious decision to embrace the potential happiness that Riggs offers.
The Context Surrounding the Relationship
The context of Meredith’s life at this point is crucial to understanding the significance of her choice. She’s been slowly rebuilding her life after Derek’s death, focusing on her children and her career. Letting go of the past and allowing herself to be vulnerable again is a significant step for her character. Riggs, with his own emotional baggage and a connection to Derek’s past, represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Meredith. He’s not Derek, and their relationship isn’t a replacement for her love with Derek, but instead a new chapter of her journey.
The Rise and Fall: A Complicated Romance
Meredith and Riggs’s relationship, once established, isn’t without its complications. The arrival of Megan Hunt creates an immediate love triangle, forcing Meredith to confront her own insecurities and consider what she truly wants. Ultimately, Meredith chooses to put Riggs’s happiness first, encouraging him to pursue a relationship with Megan. This selfless act demonstrates Meredith’s growth and maturity, highlighting her ability to prioritize others’ needs over her own desires. While their romance is relatively short-lived, it serves as a crucial turning point in Meredith’s journey, allowing her to heal, to love again, and to ultimately embrace her own happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Meredith and Riggs’s relationship, offering further insight into their dynamic and its impact on the show:
Why Did Meredith Initially Dislike Riggs?
Meredith’s initial dislike of Riggs stemmed from a combination of factors. Firstly, he was associated with Derek’s past and the pain of his loss. Secondly, Riggs’s personality clashed with Meredith’s. He was blunt, opinionated, and often challenged her authority. Finally, Meredith was hesitant to open herself up to a new relationship so soon after Derek’s death. She was still grieving and wasn’t ready to let go of the past. She thought he was arrogant and insensitive, especially in the beginning.
What Made Meredith Change Her Mind About Riggs?
Over time, Meredith began to see a different side of Riggs. She witnessed his compassion, his dedication to his patients, and his willingness to challenge the status quo. She also recognized his own vulnerability and the pain he carried from his past. Their shared experiences, particularly in the operating room, created a bond that transcended their initial animosity. His persistence also eventually wore down her defenses.
Was Their Relationship Considered a Rebound Relationship?
While some viewers might view their relationship as a rebound, it’s more complex than that. Meredith was not simply looking for a replacement for Derek. She was genuinely drawn to Riggs and found solace in his companionship. However, the shadow of Derek’s memory always loomed large, making it difficult for Meredith to fully commit to the relationship. It was a new beginning for her, but with the weight of her past heavily influencing her choices.
What Was Megan Hunt’s Role in Their Relationship?
Megan Hunt’s return from captivity created a significant obstacle in Meredith and Riggs’s relationship. Riggs had spent years mourning Megan, and her reappearance forced him to confront his past and his feelings for her. Meredith, understanding the depth of Riggs’s connection to Megan, ultimately decided to step aside and allow him to pursue a relationship with her.
Did Meredith Ever Regret Letting Riggs Go?
While Meredith might have experienced moments of regret, she ultimately made the right decision for both herself and Riggs. She recognized that Riggs’s happiness lay with Megan, and she was willing to sacrifice her own desires to ensure his well-being. This selfless act demonstrates her maturity and growth as a character. She likely knew, deep down, that their love wasn’t meant to be.
How Did Their Relationship Affect Meredith’s Character Development?
The relationship with Riggs played a crucial role in Meredith’s character development. It allowed her to heal from the trauma of Derek’s death, to learn to trust again, and to embrace the possibility of new love. It also taught her the importance of selflessness and the ability to prioritize others’ happiness. It showed that she could be happy, even after immense loss.
Why Did the Writers Choose to End Their Relationship?
The writers chose to end Meredith and Riggs’s relationship to allow both characters to move forward in their respective journeys. Riggs needed to be with Megan, his long-lost love, and Meredith needed to continue her journey of self-discovery and find happiness on her own terms. It allowed for character growth and new storytelling opportunities.
What Season and Episode Does Riggs Leave Grey’s Anatomy?
Riggs officially leaves Grey’s Anatomy in Season 14, Episode 5, titled “Danger Zone.” He departs with Megan and her son to begin a new life in Los Angeles.
What Happened to Megan Hunt After Leaving Seattle?
While Megan’s storyline isn’t extensively explored after leaving Seattle with Riggs and her son, we know they move to Los Angeles. The show implies they are happily together, building a new life as a family. Further details of their lives are not a central focus of subsequent storylines.
How Did Fans React to Meredith and Riggs’s Relationship?
Fan reaction to Meredith and Riggs’s relationship was divided. Some viewers embraced the pairing, seeing it as a refreshing change for Meredith and a chance for her to find happiness again. Others were less enthusiastic, feeling that Riggs was not a suitable replacement for Derek or that their relationship felt forced and lacked genuine chemistry. The opinions were strongly influenced by people’s attachment to Meredith and Derek’s relationship.
What’s Considered the Best Episode Showcasing Their Chemistry?
Many fans consider Season 13, Episode 9, “You Haven’t Done Nothin’,” to be one of the best episodes showcasing Meredith and Riggs’s chemistry. In this episode, they are stranded together during a medical emergency, forcing them to rely on each other and confront their feelings. Their witty banter, shared vulnerability, and undeniable attraction are on full display.
Would Meredith and Riggs Have Lasted If Megan Had Not Returned?
This is a question that remains open to speculation. While Meredith and Riggs clearly had a connection, their relationship was built on a foundation of shared grief and trauma. Whether they could have sustained a long-term, healthy relationship without the external pressure of Megan’s return is debatable. Ultimately, the writers chose a different path for both characters.