Grey's Anatomy courtesy of ABC.

Chief Webber officially announced he is stepping down as chief of surgery with Owen as his unexpected replacement. Surprisingly, Webber seemed stoked about his new freedom and lack of responsibility. However Miranda Bailey, Webber’s right hand (wo)man was none too pleased.

Meredith and the rest of the residents faced new challenges as they were faced with the task of performing solo surgeries. Meanwhile Kepner continued to struggle with her new role as Chief Resident as she fought to maintain control. 

With baby Zola gone, Meredith and Derek continued to deal with their crumbling marriage… by fighting… again. This time, however, their bickering began to affect their ability to work together as the two quarreled in a heated argument in the operating room. And even though the surgery was a success, the same could not be said about their work ethic together. 

Alex’s surgery was a plain disaster as his nerves got the best of him and he was unable to complete it. Avery was just as unsuccessful when Sloane stepped in to take over his surgery on a baby’s cleft palette.

But it was Cristina whose surgery mishap was the most disastrous… and embarrassing, as she forgot the steps to a simple appendix (yes appendix) surgery.

At the end of the episode, Derek and Meredith’s fighting continued and amplified outside the hospital walls. Their arguing, that had previously been so passive, finally hit a climax and it was decided that they couldn’t work together on the same service and keep their marriage from falling apart.

“Take the Lead” was a much-needed refresher compared to last week’s pandemonium that has finally set in. Mercy West Hospital finally seems to calm down… at least by the show’s standards. But it’s only a matter of time until before chaos ensues once again. 

Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on ABC.

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