Is Grey’s Anatomy about to ruin its happiest ending?
Grey’s Anatomy star Kate Walsh has addressed the status of Addison and Jake’s marriage following its shocking season 22 revelation. Grey’s Anatomy season 22 saw Walsh return as Addison, who revealed that her marriage to Jake (Benjamin Bratt) might be in jeopardy. This is despite the spinoff Private Practice giving the pair a conclusive, happy ending in its final season.
Speaking with Variety, Walsh addressed the events of Grey’s Anatomy season 22, episode 10, which hinted that Addison and Jake might be on the road to divorce. The actor explained how Addison’s current life path and her choices could undo the happy ending Private Practice provided. However, there’s still hope the pair don’t wind up splitting apart by the end:
There’s always hope! But I think, look, what she’s doing is so radically different, and everything’s changed so much. I think it’d be really interesting to actually see that transpire or see what comes of it. But I really loved [the storyline]. I was like, “She should be in jeopardy.” My thing is, I love that she’s doing all these things and coming back. There’s this sort of desperation, but how does that manifest in her life for real? How does it manifest at work? What does the clinic look like? Is Oceanside still [around]? What’s happening? So [I want] to have a little catch up and to actually see the ramifications of the choices she’s making and the sacrifices she’s making. I think a lot of people can relate to that.
Walsh’s return as a special guest star on the cast of Grey’s Anatomy season 22 revealed that her work running a mobile clinic, something established in previous seasons, is putting a schism between her and Jake. This is despite the pair’s positive relationship in Private Practice, which had previously offered a definitive happy ending for both characters.
According to Addison, Jake is threatening to divorce her because of how much time she’s spending at the clinic, unable to be there for him and their son, Henry. She says the pair never speak anymore, and when they do talk, the conversation is usually negative. This rocky time seems like it’ll permanently damage their relationship in the long run.
It’s a bold move for Grey’s Anatomy to make, considering how much of a happy ending Addison and Jake earned in their spinoff. However, with each new appearance by Addison in the main show, the series has been slowly undoing that ending to make room for a different type of story. One that, it seems, could end with a divorce, despite the spinoff’s events.
For now, the future of Grey’s Anatomy seems to dictate Addison is going to continue conflicting with Jake and his wants for her as his wife. While Walsh puts a positive spin on the events that are going to unfold, her statement makes it seem like Addison will be dealing with the aftermath of her choices, which may include sacrificing her marriage.
Even so, Grey’s Anatomy appears to be moving in a direction that will undo elements of how Private Practice ended. It seems inevitable that Addison and Jake’s relationship will be put on the backburner as she continues her work with the clinic. Depending on how events unfold, though, it could influence her on a different path as her work continues.
Grey’s Anatomy season 22 returns with new episodes Thursday, February 26 on ABC.