It is a rare treat when once can catch cast members from one of television’s hottest shows and find out their thoughts on their increasingly complicated characters. One such opportunity was at “An Evening With Shonda Rhimes & Friends” at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, where cast members Ellen Pompeo and Sandra Oh chatted briefly about what they foresee in the future for their characters as the 8th season of rushes towards its climatic season finale.
While the cast are understandably cautious about revealing any real spoilers lest they invoke the ire of their illustrious creator who was standing nearby, Ellen and Sandra were clearly ecstatic to continue portraying their complex characters for the foreseeable future. (Nudge: Are those contract negotiations finalized yet?!)
Life is changing for the residents of Seattle Grace. With the residents facing their “Boards” and the daunting task of finally becoming board-certified in their specialty areas, the stress does not end with just passing an exam. Next comes the more tricky decision of where to practice. Not everyone can stay at Seattle Grace, nor just walk into a waiting position in their specialty. That means that board certification may open new doors to opportunities far outside the Seattle area for doctors in search of homes for their practices.
For characters like Meredith and Cristina, there is a whole wide world out there. Are they content to stay close to their makeshift “home” because of the friendships and relationships they have fostered and forged over the past eight years? Or are they just waiting for the chance to venture out and explore new opportunities? It is not only their careers and callings that they must heed, but also their marital relationships and family obligations. Meredith and Cristina have both gotten married, and Meredith now has a daughter, Zola, who she must also consider. Those significant ties are things that may stop one or both from just moving away too quickly. Plus, what would become of Meredith and Cristina if they did not have each other to help get through the tough times?
Regardless of whether they successfully conquer their “Boards,” the real challenge will be deciding the next chapter of their lives. With GREY’S ANATOMY itself on the verge of a pivotal season finale, we hold our breaths to find out what lies ahead for all the Seattle Grace characters. Keep your fingers-crossed, things are about to get interesting! 
GREY’S ANATOMY airs Thursdays at 9PM on ABC (CTV in Canada) and stars Patrick Dempsey, Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Justin Chambers, Chandra Wilson, Sara Ramirez, Eric Dane, Chyler Leigh, Kevin McKidd, Jessica Capshaw, Jesse Williams and Sarah Drew. Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv
Photo Credit: Tiffany Vogt
Tiffany Vogt is the Senior West Coast Editor, contributing as a columnist and entertainment reporter to TheTVaddict.com. She has a great love for television and firmly believes that entertainment is a world of wondrous adventures that deserves to be shared and explored – she invites you to join her. Please feel free to contact Tiffany at Tiffany_Vogt_2000@yahoo.com or follow her at on Twitter (@TVWatchtower).