The wait is almost over.
The new season has veteranGreys Anatomywriter-producerMeg Marinisat the helm as new showrunner, succeeding Krista Vernoff.
In an interview with Deadline, Marinis previews Season 20 and reveals its theme.
Ellen Pompeo, Jessica Capshaw, Natalie Morales & Scott Speedman on “Grey’s Anatomy” (Inset) Meg MarinisABC/Courtesy
Marinis also teases Arizona and Nicos returns and how Morales and Miyares characters will fit in.
(Read our story here).
She also addresses whether Season 20 could beGreyslast.
Scott Speedmanon “Grey’s Anatomy”ABC
Check back after the premiere for Deadlines postmortem interview with Marinis.
DEADLINE:Ellen Pompeo is not listed as a guest star this season.
What is her status on the show?
MARINIS: Her status is that shes always a huge part of the show.
I dont know the answer to your question about why they choose to list it that way.
But we have an open door policy with her.
When she is able to be here, we welcome her with open arms.
We work with her schedule, she still does the voiceover.
She was a huge part of the premiere for me, she and I have a great relationship.
Shes constantly in my head, her voice.
DEADLINE:Can you give us an estimate how much well see of her this season?
We have to let her go and do some other things, but shes still our queen.
Shes still our number one,Greysexecutive producer/director/recurring guest star Debbie Allensaid in December.
DEADLINE:Meredith and Nick reconciled in the Season 19 finale.
How do you feel about that?
Also, whats up with Scott Speedmans hair?
MARINIS: Well, its been awhile since weve been on the air.
We do our best to match but we arent magicians… yet.
I grew up withFelicityso Im always a big fan of Scott.
Were just so excited for Meredith and Nick to be together.
For a second consecutive season, Speedman is a recurring guest star onGreys.
DEADLINE:How was that decision made to bring back Arizona and Nico?
And could we expect otherGreyscharacters from the past to come back?
MARINIS: We could always be expecting people to come back from the past.
Its a 20-season show, weve got so many people that wed love to have come and go.
Jessica, it had been so long since we had seen that character.
And also, our show is about teaching and learning.
I think theres got to be so much fun to be had.
And it was such a joy to have Jessica back on set.
It was like shed never left, it was a seamless transition.
DEADLINE:Can you tease how much well see of Arizona and Nico?
Is it one-offs or could there be more episodes?
MARINIS: Jessica is one episode, yes.
DEADLINE:Will Levi and Nico rekindle their relationship?
Will we see that with Levi and Nico?
Theyve both done a lot of growing in between seeing each other.
Nico is not the same Nico that we saw, its been some time.
And I think seeing each other in these different parts of their lives, its really nice.
Its a great story for Levi.
She gets off to a bumpy start with Amelia after a run-in in the parking lot.
What can you tell us about how the new doctor will fit in at Grey Sloan?
DEADLINE:There was a moment between Amelia and Monica when they were properly introduced.
Could there be a romance between the two?
MARINIS: You never know who will be romantic with who.
This isGreys Anatomy, theres always going to be some of that.
DEADLINE:What about Freddy Miyares Dorian, how will he be introduced?
MERINIS: Oh, hes great, hes so wonderful.
He goes along with the story with the interns and their teaching and learning.
So youll see him mainly with the interns.
MARINIS: Its a dream come true.
I feel like Ive been training for something and I finally got here.
Well, it came and then there was the writers strike but [we started after that.]
I think a theme for the season is back to basics for these interns.
Just like you recover from an illness, these interns have a recovery to go through.
And so much of what happened at the end of last years finale continues throughout this season.
We really dont just forget about it.
Everything still weighs on everyone and how they can truly move forward and not make the same mistakes again.
DEADLINE:Could Season 20 beGreys Anatomys last?Are you working on it with that possibility in mind?
We still have stories to tell.
We receive a tremendous amount of support from the studio and the web connection and from Shondaland.
So Im going to keep going until they tell me to put that pen down.
