"This Was Supposed to Be Our New Start" serves as a solid bridge. It doesn't have the high-octane drama of a season finale, but it excels in character study. It asks a poignant question:
The emotional core of the episode belongs to Jo Wilson. Her decision to track down her birth mother is a long-overdue arc that feels grounded and earned. The buildup—the DNA test, the nerves, and finally finding her mother’s address—is handled with a delicate tension that honors Jo's difficult history in the foster system. The Complicated: Mer-DeLuca-Link [S15E17] This Was Supposed to Be Our New Start
The "love triangle" (if we can still call it that) begins to settle here. While DeLuca and Meredith are officially a go, Link’s presence remains a refreshing change of pace. He isn't the brooding, "dark and twisty" archetype; he’s a "nice guy" who actually stays nice even when he doesn't get the girl. This episode highlights how much Meredith has grown—she isn't looking for a replacement for Derek, but a partner for her current life. The Frustrating: Owen and Amelia "This Was Supposed to Be Our New Start"
By this point in the season, the Owen/Amelia/Teddy carousel starts to feel a bit repetitive. The "new start" mentioned in the title is ironic for them, as they constantly loop back into the same communication breakdowns. Watching them navigate the fallout of Leo’s custody and Betty’s departure is poignant, but the romantic tension feels like a weight the show has carried for a few seasons too many. Verdict: 7/10 Her decision to track down her birth mother