In the Grey’s Anatomy episode “Didn’t See It Coming” (Season 3, Episode 25), Dr. Preston Burke abruptly and unexpectedly relinquishes his position as Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, effectively leaving his share of the hospital, inherited after Dr. Erica Hahn’s departure, to his then-fiancée, Dr. Cristina Yang. This pivotal moment marks a significant turning point in their relationship and sets the stage for a series of dramatic events.
The Episode: A Catalyst for Change
“Didn’t See It Coming” is a whirlwind of emotions and revelations. From George O’Malley’s startling failure of his intern exam to Addison Montgomery’s potential move to Los Angeles, the episode is packed with storylines that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. However, the most impactful event is undoubtedly Burke’s decision to leave Cristina and Seattle Grace Hospital altogether. He cites his concern that he’s changed her, molded her into someone she’s not, in his own words, “taking away her edge.”
The handover of the hospital share is subtle. It isn’t a grand gesture but rather a quiet, almost nonchalant declaration made in the midst of their fractured engagement. The implications of this act, however, are profound. It represents a power dynamic shift, a desperate attempt at redemption, and ultimately, a surrender of control.
The Significance of the Hospital Share
The hospital share, initially owned by Dr. Hahn, represents a significant amount of power and influence within Seattle Grace. It allows the holder to have a say in the hospital’s operations, make decisions that impact the staff, and contribute to the overall direction of the institution. By giving this share to Cristina, Burke is not just giving her a piece of the hospital; he’s giving her a voice, a platform, and a responsibility.
However, this “gift” is laden with complex emotions. Was it truly a gift, or a way to alleviate his own guilt about his actions? Was it a genuine act of love, or a calculated move designed to secure his legacy, even in his absence? These questions linger long after the episode ends.
FAQs: Deeper Dive into Burke and Christina’s Hospital Saga
Here’s a comprehensive look at some frequently asked questions surrounding Burke’s departure and its impact on Cristina:
Understanding the Circumstances
FAQ 1: Why did Burke leave Cristina in the first place?
Burke left Cristina because he realized that he had been trying to change her to fit his own ideal of a wife and partner. He felt he had been pushing her towards the altar, despite her reservations, and suppressing her ambition in surgery. He ultimately decided he couldn’t go through with the wedding knowing that she wasn’t fully happy or true to herself. His actions, while painful, stemmed from a twisted sense of love and realization of the damage he was inflicting.
FAQ 2: Did Burke and Cristina ever reconcile after he left?
Yes, Burke and Cristina do reconnect later in the series. In Season 10, Cristina is invited to Zurich, Switzerland, to speak at a medical symposium. She later discovers that Burke is running a cutting-edge cardiothoracic research hospital and offers her the position of Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery. This reconciliation, however, is brief and primarily focused on Cristina’s professional future, not a romantic rekindling.
FAQ 3: What happened to Cristina’s career after Burke left?
After Burke’s departure, Cristina’s career soared. She became a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, pushing the boundaries of medical innovation. While the initial heartbreak was devastating, she used the experience to fuel her ambition and dedication to her craft. She eventually accepted Burke’s offer to run his hospital in Zurich, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in the medical world.
The Hospital Share and its Implications
FAQ 4: Did Cristina actually use the hospital share after Burke gave it to her?
This is a nuanced point. While Cristina technically inherited the share, the complexities of the hospital’s ownership structure and the ongoing power struggles between the attending surgeons meant her individual influence was diluted. While she was part of the collective ownership, she didn’t have singular, unilateral power. Its true impact was more symbolic than practical, representing her growing autonomy and stake in the hospital’s future.
FAQ 5: How did the other doctors react to Cristina inheriting the hospital share?
The other doctors’ reactions were a mixture of surprise, resentment, and understanding. Some, like Derek Shepherd, were wary of the power dynamic shift, while others, like Meredith Grey, were supportive of Cristina’s growing independence. The inheritance further fueled the existing tensions within the hospital’s leadership.
FAQ 6: Was the hospital share a valuable asset?
Yes, the hospital share was a valuable asset. It represented a significant portion of the hospital’s overall ownership, granting the holder a voice in major decisions and a share of the hospital’s profits. While the exact monetary value is never explicitly stated, its importance is evident in the constant power struggles surrounding the hospital’s management.
Burke’s Motives and Actions
FAQ 7: Was giving Cristina the hospital a genuine act of love, or something else?
Burke’s motives are complex and open to interpretation. On the surface, it appears to be an act of love, a way to secure Cristina’s future and ensure her continued success in her career. However, it could also be interpreted as a way to alleviate his own guilt for hurting her and leaving her at the altar. It is likely a combination of both.
FAQ 8: Did Burke ever regret giving Cristina the hospital share?
There’s no explicit evidence to suggest Burke regretted giving Cristina the hospital share. His actions in Season 10, offering her the opportunity to run his hospital in Zurich, indicate that he still recognized her talent and valued her contributions to the field of cardiothoracic surgery. He seemed to respect her even after their broken engagement.
FAQ 9: How did Burke’s departure affect the overall dynamics of Seattle Grace Hospital?
Burke’s departure had a ripple effect throughout Seattle Grace. It created a void in the cardiothoracic department, leading to a power struggle for his position. It also affected the personal relationships between the doctors, particularly Cristina’s relationship with Meredith and the other interns.
Long-Term Impact on Cristina
FAQ 10: Did Burke leaving help Cristina grow as a person and a surgeon?
Yes, arguably, Burke’s departure was a crucial turning point in Cristina’s growth. It forced her to confront her own ambitions and priorities. It allowed her to become a more independent and self-assured surgeon, free from the influence of Burke’s expectations. The pain of the experience ultimately shaped her into the extraordinary doctor she became.
FAQ 11: How did Cristina’s relationships change after Burke left?
Cristina’s relationships, particularly her friendship with Meredith, deepened after Burke left. Meredith became her rock, providing unwavering support during a difficult time. Her relationship with Owen Hunt, her subsequent romantic interest, was also heavily influenced by her past experience with Burke, leading to a more cautious and independent approach to relationships.
FAQ 12: Where did Cristina eventually end up after leaving Seattle Grace?
Cristina ultimately moved to Zurich to head the Klausman Institute for Medical Research, a hospital built and run by Burke. This move allowed her to focus on her research and push the boundaries of medical innovation, solidifying her legacy as one of the most brilliant surgeons of her generation. Her final departure from Seattle Grace was bittersweet, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
The episode “Didn’t See It Coming” serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of love, ambition, and sacrifice. Burke’s decision to leave Cristina, and subsequently give her his share of the hospital, set in motion a series of events that profoundly impacted her life and the trajectory of Grey’s Anatomy. While the pain of their separation was undeniable, it ultimately paved the way for Cristina to become the extraordinary surgeon she was destined to be.