full size Cristina in Seattle Grace on Grey's Anatomy Season 8, Episode 17
Credit: Vivian Zink/ ABC

As we know, many of the Grey's Anatomy doctors will be flying across the country at some point in Season 8, to interview for an attending position or a fellowship at a different hospital. Now, show creator Shonda Rhimes is spilling on just what an emotional ride it will be, not just for the characters, but for viewers as well.

“You really get a sense of nostalgia, that this is the ‘graduating class’ that might not be together anymore. It’s really beautiful to watch our actors portray, and it’s been wonderful to write,” Shonda tells TVLine.

Of course, not all of the six original cast members with contracts up after this season are part of this story arc. The doctors who will be seeking new jobs away from Seattle Grace-Mercy West are: Alex (Justin Chambers), Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), Jackson (Jesse Williams), April (Sarah Drew) and Cristina (Sandra Oh).

That leaves Derek (Patrick Dempsey), Richard (James Pickens Jr.), and Bailey (Chanda Wilson) with no definitive way out, at least plot-wise. Is it possible that those three are most expected to leave the show, so Shonda didn’t need to create plots for them that could go either way?

Hopefully we’ll know by the time summer comes, when the fate of the contracts will be announced.

Grey’s Anatomy returns with an all-new episode on Thursday, April 5 at 9 pm ET/PT on ABC.

Source: TVLine

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