Grey’s James Pickens Jr. Unpacks the Heartrending Twist ‘That’s Going to Test Richard Like Nothing Before’
Charlie Mason
Editor
Be afraid. Be very afraid. We already know that the Season 19 finale of Grey’s Anatomy is going to break our hearts (thank Kevin McKidd and Camilla Luddington for the heads-up). And since Catherine’s cancer has progressed, there would seem to be a good chance that we — and her adoring husband — will lose her.
What lies ahead is “something that’s really going to test Richard like maybe nothing before has up to this point,” OG James Pickens Jr. told TVLine at the ABC drama’s recent PaleyFest panel. “His focus is going to be ushering her on and cheerleading her. He’ll try to not dwell on [the potential of her dying] as much as possible, if that can be done.
“But I think he wants to just make her landing, wherever that is,” he added, “as comfortable as possible.”
The harrowing storyline is certainly challenging Pickens and leading lady Debbie Allen, who not only plays Catherine but directed the second hour of the two-part Thursday, May 18, finale (starting at 9/8c). “Obviously, we both have longtime spouses, and so you get in the mindset of ‘Oh my God, what if this were really my wife or husband or something? How do you deal with that?’ So, it’s kind of cathartic in that way.”
Too soon — way too soon, we know — but we had to ask: Should the worst happen, does Pickens think that Richard happened to hang onto the phone number of flirtatious Gemma (Jasmine Guy)? “Oh my God, I’m not going to talk about that,” he said with a laugh. “That’s all secret.” (With reporting by Scott Huver)
What do you think? Is Richard — and are we — about to lose the force of nature that is Catherine Fox?
NOOOOO!!! He already lost Adele and that was harrowing. Please can’t we just let Richard be happy?
agreed. Adele’s death scene still haunts me.
Only thing that can break Richard at this point is if his wife dies. So, I suspect Debbie Allen won’t be gracing us with her presence after this season.
If Jasmine Guy joined the show, I might actually watch it again.
Ah yes. Let’s kill Catherine and immediately talk about him finding another woman. Eye roll.
That sounds bleak honestly. If the situation is that bad, Jackson should be there. As should April. I dont think they even know that her cancer is progressing.
Oh, COME ONNNNN!!! STOP THE CHARACTER BUTCHERING ALREADY! I agree…let Richard be happy! And let Jo be happy. Enough!
Buh bye
Ok no no. Richard would fall off the wagon ESPECIALLY without Meredith there to help him. Plus I agree if she is about to die wouldn’t Jackson and April be there to say goodbye to her. This is just too much for me to take 🙄🙄🙄
On a recent episode of SWAT, the actress who plays Catherine on Grey’s Anatomy is now playing the part of “Hondo’s” mother. Seems she will be a regular as she is helping out with the new baby.