Flowers Grow Out of My Grave

"Flowers Grow Out of My Grave" is the sixth episode of the fifteenth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 323rd episode overall. Written by Kiley Donovan and directed by Nicole Tubiola, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on November 1, 2018.

The episode centers around the Day of the Dead celebration at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, with the return of several deceased characters from previous seasons, including George O'Malley (T. R. Knight), Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh), Ellis Grey (Kate Burton), Doc the dog, Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), and Mark Sloan (Eric Dane). The storyline explores themes of grief and remembrance as the hospital staff reflect on their past losses.

Although the episode was fictionally set in Seattle, Washington, filming occurred in Los Angeles, California. The title of the episode, "Flowers Grow Out of My Grave", is a reference to the song "Flowers Grow Out of My Grave" by Dead Man's Bones.

Upon its initial airing, "Flowers Grow Out of My Grave" was watched by 6.71 million viewers, rising from the previous episode's 6.54 million, and garnered a 1.6/7 rating/share in the 18–49 demographic. It received positive reviews from television critics, with high praise for its unique concept and the emotional montage of deceased characters.

The episode opens with a voice-over narration from Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), reflecting on the inevitability and unpredictability of death.

Meredith treats a patient whose family is celebrating the Day of the Dead, prompting her to reflect on the loved ones she has lost. Meanwhile, Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) informs her that her estranged father, Thatcher Grey (Jeff Perry), is dying of acute myeloid leukemia. Unsure of whether to reach out, Meredith grapples with her unresolved feelings, as they haven't spoken since the death of her sister, Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh).

Elsewhere, Nico Kim (Alex Landi) and Levi Schmitt (Jake Borelli) work a case together, leading to their first kiss. However, Nico pulls away after discovering that Levi has no prior experience with men. Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) attempts to reconcile with Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary), while Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington) encourages Atticus "Link" Lincoln (Chris Carmack) to pursue Meredith, who continues to go on blind dates. During a case involving a young cancer patient, Link demonstrates more emotional depth than Meredith initially expected, while Andrew DeLuca (Giacomo Gianniotti) also begins showing interest in her.

Meanwhile, Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) tries to inform Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) about her pregnancy, but their conversation is interrupted when Betty (Peyton Kennedy) disappears. In another storyline, Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) and Jo work together to revive a liver for a patient who has already accepted her fate, successfully bringing it "back from the dead".

The episode was written by Kiley Donovan and directed by Nicole Rubio. It features the characters of George O'Malley (T. R. Knight), Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh), Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), and Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) through the use of manipulated archive footage. Additionally, Ellis Grey (Kate Burton) made a guest appearance in the episode.

"Flowers Grow Out of My Grave" was originally broadcast on November 1, 2018, in the United States on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). The episode was watched by 6.71 million viewers, an increase from the previous episode's 6.54 million. In the key 18-49 demographic, it earned a 1.6/7 rating/share, a slight decrease from the previous episode.^[1] The episode ranked #14 in the Top 25 primetime broadcast shows of the week for adults 18-49, and was the second most-watched drama series of the week, following This Is Us.^[2]

"Flowers Grow Out of My Grave" received positive reviews from television critics, with high praise for its unique concept and the emotional montage of deceased characters.

Entertainment Weekly commented on the episode, stating, "It’s not about celebrating death. It’s about celebrating the dead. The holiday is all about coming together to remember the ones who have passed away. And for our Grey’s Anatomy cast, that list is pretty long."^[3]

• "Flowers Grow Out of My Grave" at IMDb