I Can’t Believe How Grey’s Anatomy Season 21, Episode 9 Sneaked in a Subtle Alex Karev Insult!

An underhanded comment subtly and surprisingly insulted Alex Karev, five years after the pediatric surgeon disappeared from Seattle and Grey’s Anatomy . One of the original interns part of MAGIC, Karev made progress in leaps and bounds as a character, going from an intern very easy to dislike to a skilled peds surgeon and thoughtful friend to Meredith throughout the medical drama. His progress nevertheless clashed greatly with how Alex Karev’s departure was handled in Grey’s Anatomy season 16, with his exit storyline puzzling viewers both for what caused him to leave Grey Sloan and how Alex’s choice influenced several characters.

Karev’s departure left many unsettled, as his decision to move to Iowa to reunite with Izzie and their children was only ever communicated via letters, effectively depriving his loved ones in Seattle and Grey’s Anatomy’s viewers of a chance to say goodbye. However, the one hurt the most by Karev’s choices was indubitably Jo Wilson. Ever since beginning their romantic relationship, Jo and Alex matched perfectly in their ability to take themselves not seriously while also supporting one another unconditionally through their toughest moments. Karev’s departure wrote over the good of their relationship, influencing Jo’s Grey’s Anatomy season 21 story.

Jo Confesses That She Isn’t Used To Having A Dependable Partner In Grey’s Anatomy Season 21, Episode 9

Jo’s Other Major Positive Relationship Was The One With Alex Karev

Jo and Link surprisingly getting pregnant in Grey’s Anatomy season 20 propelled their relationship to a new stage, even as they already shared parenting duties with Luna and Scout. This led their relationship to a point Jo didn’t even reach with Alex, with whom she had discussed children but had never gotten close to put the plan in action, as Alex left her little time after his mother started knitting baby hats and Jo’s mental health crisis. However, Jo’s admission about her struggle to let Link in her decision-making, never having a dependable partner, was a clear jab at Alex.

Jo’s Confession Means That Karev Wasn’t The Best Partner

Admitting Why Jo Reacted Like That Proved She Sees Link As Her Most Supportive Partner

After Alex left in season 16, Jo rarely mentioned him except for in the immediate aftermath of his departure, as she was still dealing with his world-shifting decision to leave her, something he did unilaterally without having the decency to explain why face-to-face. How Alex left Seattle inevitably stained the memory of his and Jo’s relationship, leaving a sour taste because his behavior went back on all the promises he had made Jo, on their wedding day, but also in the different moments of their relationship when Jo and Alex both needed the insurance they wouldn’t just abandon one another.

Jo’s confession in Grey’s Anatomy season 21 admitting to Link being her best partner because he was the most supportive was the only possible conclusion considering Jo’s past relationships. Indeed, Jo’s first marriage to Paul quickly becoming abusive made it Jo’s worst relationship, but the others were generally positive, starting from her casual hookups with Jackson in season 17 to her steadily progressing bond with Alex. With Alex listening to Jo and deeply understanding her due to their similar, heartbreaking past, Alex could have easily been her best partner, if he only hadn’t ended their marriage so unexpectedly and brutally.

Why Link Is The Perfect Partner For Jo In Grey’s Anatomy

Link & Jo Want The Same Things From Their Relationship

Jo’s appreciation of Link nonetheless makes sense in light of their history. Indeed, Jo and Link’s whole story began way before they appeared on Grey’s Anatomy as friends, which gave them a unique perspective into the challenges of their past. Jo and Link bonded quickly, and their friendship in Grey’s Anatomy was evident from the moment Link arrived at Grey Sloan, establishing a strong relationship to start from when they both ended up being single. How their romance started also proved how much Link listened to her, avoiding to make a move because of her ongoing flirtation with Sam Sutton.

While Link and Jo spent the best part of Grey’s Anatomy season 21 clashing over their different approaches to the pregnancy, Link’s reaction to Bailey’s words proved his ability to change the course of action when he understood he was wrong. Link’s unwavering support, even in the face of Jo not welcoming his weighing in only because she was unaccustomed to that, proved him the right person for her, embodying the stability she always longed for even when Jo’s knee-jerk reaction was to shut him out. Hopefully, this can let Jo and Link’s relationship reach new heights in Grey’s Anatomy.

Enjoy ScreenRant’s primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for our weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check “Network TV” in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.

Episode #	Title	Release Date
1	If Walls Could Talk	September 26, 2024
2	Take Me to Church	October 3, 2024
3	I Can See Clearly Now	October 10, 2024
4	This One’s for the Girls	October 17, 2024
5	You Make My Heart Explode	October 24, 2024
6	Night Moves	November 7, 2024
7	If You Leave	November 14, 2024
8	Drop It Like It’s Hot	November 21, 2024
9	Hit the Floor	March 6, 2025
10	Jump (for My Love)	March 13, 2025
11	I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For	March 20, 2025
12	Ridin’ Solo	March 27, 2025
13	Don’t You (Forget About Me)	April 3, 2025
14	Love in the Ice Age	April 17, 2025
15	Bust Your Windows	April 24, 2025
16	Papa Was a Rollin’ Son	May 1, 2025
17	Love You Like a Love Song	May 8, 2025
18	Sea of Love	May 15, 2025