The Ideal Episode For Cristina Yang's Return

As one of the longest-running medical dramas on TV, Grey’s Anatomy has broken ground in dozens of ways including bringing past cast members back to the series, with another chance to do so this season. Grey’s Anatomy season 22 is rapidly approaching, and while the series has had milestones in the past, this season’s is the perfect moment to bring a veteran back to the show.

After years of seeing past Grey’s Anatomy cast members return to the show, which even the titular Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) has left, viewers are prepared for some familiar faces to come back during the monumental 450th episode. Moving into season 22, Grey’s Anatomy’s second episode of the season will mark the halfway point to 500, and there’s a chance viewers will see surprising characters.

Known for major stars returning during milestone episodes, Grey’s Anatomy has always been ready with a natural disaster, massive accident, or hospital-wide tragedy during its biggest episodes. While there may be high stakes for the show upon its return, it’s also possible that Grey’s could bank on a big return for its next milestone, keeping things exciting for long-time viewers.

Grey’s Anatomy Season 22’s Perfect Yang Comeback Episode Is Its 450th Outing

The Milestone Could Usher Yang Back To Her Roots

With Grey’s Anatomy’s 450th episode coming quickly after its season premiere, the series could be looking to make a big impact with long-time viewers by bringing Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) back to her roots. While Yang left the series after Grey’s Anatomy season 10, it’s been speculated many times that her return could be coming soon, even for just an episode.

Cristina and Meredith’s relationship was one of the most important of the series, and though their friendship has been referenced several times throughout the last ten-plus seasons of the show, they haven’t shared the screen in over a decade. With Grey’s Anatomy’s 450th episode coming up, it could be the perfect time for Cristina to return and reunite with Meredith.

With fan favorites having made surprise appearances in the past, including a post-humous Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) and Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) after years off the show, Grey’s Anatomy often has sway with its previous cast members. The 450th episode may be one of the rare opportunities, if not the final on-screen opportunities, for Yang to return to Grey’s Anatomy.

Although Oh has been vocal about feeling like her time on Grey’s Anatomy is very much over, it’s possible that making a guest appearance wouldn’t be out of the question for the actress. With Yang being a beloved character, it seems probable that Oh would return for a short appearance if the story worked for her both creatively and logistically.

Why Grey’s Anatomy Season 22’s Milestone Episode Might Be The Last Chance To Give Yang A Special Comeback

The Series Could Be Coming To A Close

Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang in Grey's Anatomy season 8, episode 13 in straight black hair — Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang in Grey’s Anatomy season 8, episode 13

Although Grey’s Anatomy hasn’t announced any plans of ending soon, the series has been on for over 20 years. Grey’s has become less of a success due to its storytelling, and more of a spectacle due to its length of time spent on the air. An institution, the show is still telling stories and bringing an interesting perspective to the screen, but it’s not innovative, anymore.

Grey’s Anatomy season 22 hitting a major milestone is a huge deal, but it’s likely that it may be one of its final milestones as it moves toward the end of its life on the air. Grey’s could last until 500 episodes, but it seems more likely that the show will come to a close before it ever does so.

With that in mind, the Grey’s Anatomy season 22 milestone may be the final time that Cristina would be able to return to the show outside of its series finale, which will surely see familiar faces. While Oh has been upfront about feeling like Grey’s is behind her, knowing that this could be her last chance may change things for the actress.

How Yang Can Return In Grey’s Anatomy Season 22

Things May Not Be As Simple As A Guest Spot

Katherine Heigl as Izzie Stevens, Justin Chambers as Alex Karev, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang and Chyler Leigh as Lexi Grey in Grey's Anatomy season 6 episode 5 — Katherine Heigl as Izzie Stevens, Justin Chambers as Alex Karev, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang and Chyler Leigh as Lexi Grey in Grey’s Anatomy season 6 episode 5

While bringing Oh back to the series may be a difficult ask, it’s possible to do it in a variety of ways that may not impact her schedule as much as an episode-long arc. Cristina could easily come back to the series in a different capacity, sharing emotional moments with Meredith and other long-standing cast members without a full-blown cameo.

If Oh’s schedule isn’t working with filming an entire episode, it may be possible to bring her back to the 450th episode in a more pandemic-like capacity, filming her scenes elsewhere and using a phone call or FaceTime method to bring her back to the series. Yang could also appear in a flashback sequence of some sort, using footage of the character that already exists.

While it would be best to see Cristina return to Grey’s Anatomy in the flesh, having her back in some capacity would be an exciting turn for the series. After years of viewers hoping that they’ll see Yang back on screen again in the future, Grey’s Anatomy could finally deliver on bringing back one of its most beloved, most sought-after characters.

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Release Date: March 27, 2005
Directors: Rob Corn, Kevin McKidd, Debbie Allen, Chandra Wilson, Allison Liddi-Brown, Jeannot Szwarc, Tony Phelan
Writers: Shonda Rhimes, Julie Wong, Jen Klein, Tameson Duffy, Meg Marinis