Meredith Grey and Cormac Hayes, affectionately known as “McWidow,” never officially “got together” in the romantic sense on Grey’s Anatomy. While their connection was undeniable and a relationship seemed imminent, Hayes ultimately resigned from Grey Sloan Memorial before they could solidify their bond, leaving Meredith heartbroken and viewers perpetually wondering “what if.”
The Spark of Something Special
The introduction of Cormac Hayes in Season 16 injected a fresh dynamic into Meredith Grey’s life. After the departure of Derek Shepherd, the death of Nathan Riggs, and a brief dalliance with Andrew DeLuca, Hayes offered a different kind of potential partner: someone grounded, mature, and understanding of the profound grief Meredith had endured. Their initial interactions were often barbed and filled with playful banter, but beneath the surface, a palpable chemistry was brewing. He was a widower, burdened by his own loss, which resonated deeply with Meredith.
The Near Misses: Moments of Connection
Numerous episodes hinted at a blossoming romance. There were stolen glances, meaningful conversations about loss and healing, and moments of vulnerability that underscored their shared experiences. For example, in the episode “Snowblind” (Season 16, Episode 14), their teamwork in the midst of a medical crisis further solidified their professional respect and hinted at something more. However, these moments remained tantalizingly close to, but never quite reached, a committed relationship.
Why They Never Became “Official”
Several factors contributed to Meredith and Hayes remaining just friends (with intense longing glances):
- Timing: Timing is everything, and for Meredith and Hayes, the timing was consistently off. Meredith was recovering from DeLuca’s death, grappling with her own trauma, and focused on her children. Hayes, too, was still processing the loss of his wife.
- DeLuca’s Shadow: Andrew DeLuca’s unexpected death cast a long shadow over Meredith’s life and relationships. Hayes’s arrival, while offering solace, also came in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy, making it difficult for Meredith to fully embrace a new romance.
- Hayes’s Departure: Ultimately, the most significant reason for their lack of a committed relationship was Hayes’s departure from Grey Sloan Memorial in Season 18. The catalyst for his resignation was his moral conflict regarding Meredith’s actions with Richard Webber and the patient Farouk Vance. He couldn’t reconcile his integrity with potentially jeopardizing Meredith’s career and potentially facing legal repercussions. This forced him to choose between his feelings for Meredith and his principles, and he chose the latter.
The Aftermath of What Could Have Been
Hayes’s departure left a void in Meredith’s life and among viewers who had invested in their potential romance. It served as a poignant reminder that not all connections lead to lasting relationships, and sometimes, even the most promising sparks fizzle out due to circumstances beyond our control. It reinforced the theme of loss and resilience that is so central to Grey’s Anatomy.
FAQs: Unpacking the Meredith and Hayes Dynamic
1. What episode does Cormac Hayes first appear in?
Cormac Hayes makes his first appearance in Grey’s Anatomy in Season 16, Episode 9, titled “Let’s All Go to the Bar.”
2. What was the immediate attraction between Meredith and Hayes?
While not immediately romantic, the initial attraction stemmed from a shared understanding of loss and grief. Both had experienced significant personal tragedies and could relate to each other on a deeper level than Meredith could with many others. His directness and no-nonsense attitude also intrigued Meredith.
3. Why did fans call them “McWidow”?
The nickname “McWidow” was coined by fans because both Meredith and Cormac were widows, both having lost their spouses unexpectedly and tragically. It highlighted their shared experience and contributed to the expectation of a potential romantic connection.
4. What obstacles did they face besides the death of their spouses?
Besides grief, they faced obstacles like professional responsibilities, the lingering feelings from Meredith’s past relationships (particularly with DeLuca), and the challenges of raising children as single parents. Hayes’s ethical dilemma regarding Meredith’s actions concerning Farouk also played a crucial role.
5. Did Meredith ever explicitly express romantic feelings for Hayes?
Meredith never explicitly stated “I’m in love with you” or similar phrases. However, her actions and subtle expressions betrayed her growing affection. She showed genuine concern for his well-being, sought his advice, and confided in him about her struggles. These actions spoke volumes.
6. Did Hayes ever confess his feelings for Meredith?
Hayes did confess his feelings for Meredith, albeit indirectly. He made it clear he was leaving because of his feelings for her and the untenable situation he found himself in regarding Farouk. His actions suggested he prioritized her well-being and career over pursuing a relationship based on potentially compromised circumstances.
7. Was there a specific scene that showed their strong connection?
There wasn’t one defining scene, but many moments underscored their bond. One notable example is their interaction in Season 17 while Meredith was battling COVID. Hayes’s unwavering support and concern highlighted the depth of their connection, even when Meredith was unconscious.
8. What was the significance of Hayes’s children in their potential relationship?
Hayes’s children were a significant factor. Meredith, as a mother herself, understood the complexities of blending families. The fact that Hayes was a dedicated father made him even more attractive to her. However, it also added another layer of responsibility and potential complications to any relationship.
9. How did the other characters at Grey Sloan view Meredith and Hayes?
Many characters, including Amelia and Richard, noticed the chemistry between Meredith and Hayes and encouraged them to pursue a relationship. They saw Hayes as a good match for Meredith, someone stable and supportive after the rollercoaster she’d been on.
10. What episode does Hayes ultimately leave Grey Sloan Memorial?
Hayes leaves Grey Sloan Memorial in Season 18, Episode 9, titled “No Time to Die.” This episode marks the end of his character arc and the dashed hopes of a Meredith and Hayes romance.
11. What impact did Hayes’s departure have on Meredith?
Hayes’s departure undoubtedly affected Meredith. While she didn’t dwell on it explicitly, it added to the sense of loss and uncertainty in her life. It also likely contributed to her decision to eventually leave Grey Sloan Memorial herself. She felt the hospital was becoming too closely tied to memories, both happy and sad, that she needed to move on from.
12. Will Cormac Hayes ever return to Grey’s Anatomy?
As of the current airing schedule, there are no confirmed plans for Richard Flood to reprise his role as Cormac Hayes. However, given the unpredictable nature of Grey’s Anatomy and its penchant for bringing back former characters, a future return cannot be entirely ruled out. Whether such a return would reignite the romantic potential between Meredith and Hayes remains to be seen.
In conclusion, while the undeniable chemistry between Meredith Grey and Cormac Hayes sparked the imagination of viewers, ultimately circumstances conspired against them. They never truly “got together” in the traditional sense, leaving their story as a poignant reminder of the complexities of love, loss, and the unpredictable nature of life.