Fans of Grey’s Anatomy are holding their breath as the show returns for its twenty-second season, which picks up seconds after the catastrophic explosion that rocked Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The premiere, titled “Only the Strong Survive,” sees the doctors scrambling to save lives amid the devastation, with the fate of several beloved characters hanging in the balance. Among the most pressing questions is whether original cast member Dr. Richard Webber, played by James Pickens Jr., will survive the blast.
The Core of the Fan Theory
The theory that Richard Webber could die stems from several key observations. Most notably, his character is conspicuously absent from much of the official Season 22 promotional material. While other central figures like Meredith Grey and Miranda Bailey are featured prominently, Webber is missing from major trailers and teasers, leading fans to speculate that the show might be hiding his fate.
This speculation is fueled by recent narrative arcs. In previous seasons, Webber has faced significant health issues, including a tumor, and has grappled with the idea of retirement and stepping back from surgery. These storylines have given his character a sense of closure, suggesting the writers might be preparing to conclude his long-running journey on the show. Some analysts even suggest that a heroic death for Webber would give the emotional events of the previous season greater meaning and impact.
Characters Confirmed in Immediate Danger
The Season 21 finale left several doctors in the direct path of the explosion, and the new season trailer confirms who is in the most immediate peril. Dr. Miranda Bailey was shown near the explosion’s origin, prompting Ben Warren to run back into the burning hospital to find her. Similarly, Dr. Atticus “Link” Lincoln was in the operating room when the blast occurred, and his wife, Jo, is seen desperately trying to reach him by phone.
Showrunner Meg Marinis has played coy about who makes it out alive. She confirmed that the premiere will focus on the immediate aftermath, figuring out “where everyone is, who’s OK, and who’s not.” She also hinted that the show deliberately undercuts happiness, noting that Link and Jo had just experienced the joy of their wedding and news of twins right before the disaster.
“We clearly saw Link in immediate danger. We’ll just have to see whether Link makes it through this explosion,” Marinis told one outlet, highlighting the uncertainty.
Evidence That Webber Will Return
Despite the ominous theories, there is strong evidence that Richard Webber will be part of Season 22. James Pickens Jr. is confirmed to be among the main cast returning for the new season. Furthermore, he and Chandra Wilson are noted as the only two original cast members set to appear in all 18 episodes of the season.
The official season key art also features Webber alongside Meredith Grey and Miranda Bailey, a placement typically reserved for the show’s core, safe characters. This, combined with his confirmed contract, suggests that while his character may be in danger, he is not necessarily scheduled for a final exit.
Other Major Storylines for Season 22
The explosion’s aftermath will set the tone for the entire season, focusing on the hospital’s rebuilding process and the doctors’ emotional recovery. Beyond the life-and-death drama of the premiere, other character dramas are set to unfold. Simone Griffith will have to deal with the consequences of her actions from last season, especially after her one-night stand, the new intern played by Trevor Jackson, arrives at the hospital, complicating her relationship with Lucas Adams.
The state of Teddy Altman and Owen Hunt‘s marriage is also a central point of conflict. After Teddy told Owen their marriage was over, fans are left to wonder how they will navigate working together. Additionally, Meredith Grey will be spending more time in Seattle this season, getting back into the OR and interacting more with patients and interns, all while continuing her Alzheimer’s research.
Also Read: Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Recap: Everything You Need to Know before new chapter
