For VarietysPower of Women cover story about Greys Anatomy, Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, Debbie Allen and showrunner Krista Vernoff sat down to discuss the show its past and present.

They also talked about some of their favorite episodes over the years.

Vernoff, who was head writer for the first seven seasons of Greys Anatomy and returned for Season 14 as showrunner, said a two-part Season 3 episode about the death of George OMalleys dad was her favorite thing shes done. It was very much my story, Vernoff said. And its the thing Im most proud of.

Vernoff also prompted Allen to talk about a Season 15 episode shed directed called Silent All These Years that focused on sexual assault. The hallway of women, Allen said, summoning imagery from the episode. Silent All These Years, this episode we did about rape and women who are survivors, not just victims, but survivors and we changed the face of the planet with that episode. And around the world we encouraged people to stand up for themselves, and not to be ashamed.

Wilson pickedSliding Doors,an episode she had directed from Season 10, Sandra Ohs final year on the show. In the episode, Ohs Cristinanarrates the episode, and sees two parallel paths her life might have taken.Sandra wanted me to take care of her for that, Wilson said. She looked at it as her last episode, but we gave her more to finish the season. So that was an honor for me to be in that position.

For Pompeo, she cited being directed by Denzel Washington in Season 12s The Sound of Silence.

Being directed by Denzel was definitely a highlight of all 17 seasons for me, Pompeo said. Hes one of my acting idols, and such an incredible talent and force, and to have him have the humility to come in here, because of Miss Allen, and want to direct an episode of our little show, I thought, was so exciting.

And it was really a boost, I think, she continued. They knew I needed something that year! I was really losing my steam, and they knew that I needed something, and Debbie came through, like she always does, and gave me the gift of Denzel, and that episode. And it was really fantastic. So that would definitely be one of my highlights, for sure. And made me cry. I always cry when I watch.

Since Pompeo toldVarietythat it may be the shows final season, the group also discussed its legacy.

For more about Greys Anatomy including why Vernoff decided to set Season 17 of Greys in the world of the pandemic, whether theyve ever taken anything from the set, and a conversation about the shows creator, Shonda Rhimes watch the whole video, filmed for the VarietyPower of Women: Conversations presented by Lifetime.

Excerpt from:
The Women of Greys Anatomy on Their Favorite Episodes, Filming With COVID-19 Protocols and the Shows Legacy - Variety