Grey’s Anatomy season 16 episode 5 preview: There’s a breakup coming (probably)

Relationships on Grey’s Anatomy have always been complicated. This week, it seems like every couple is boarding the struggle ambulance.

Of all the couples that haven’t broken up yet this season — but could — the one we’re most expecting to last could be the one to fall apart.

This week’s Grey’s Anatomy promo wants us to think Meredith Grey and Andrew DeLuca are headed for Breakup Town — completely convincing us that Amelia and Link, the ones we’re all rooting for most, aren’t going to make it out of this episode still holding hands.

Amelia is worried how much she still doesn’t know about Link, despite the fact that he’s the father of her soon-(ish)-to-be child. Which might seem like a great opportunity to learn more about him, but could end in tragedy.

But that’s too devastating to think about right now. So let’s consider our other options — mainly Bailey and Warren, who have already seen their fair share of relationship troubles in recent seasons, and back to Meredith and DeLuca, whose relationship started out weird and in many ways hasn’t gotten any less so.

Now that Bailey knows she’s pregnant, she’s determined to tell her husband right away. They don’t seem to be syncing up, though, both of them being so busy saving lives and all that.

And MerLuca … well, it’s just a giant mess. Hasn’t it been from the start?

Meredith just doesn’t know if DeLuca is anything other than cute and fun — and at this point in her life, after all she’s been through, she’s probably looking for much more. Probably someone who will stand by her no matter what, support her through even her toughest choices, and love her even when she’s at her worst …

Wait. Isn’t he already doing that? He almost went to prison he loved her so much. That’s a weird genre of romance, but hey, it still counts.

Most fans’ issues with their relationship seem to lean heavily on the fact that she’s technically his boss, there’s a huge age difference, and, well, he’s not Derek, or Nathan, or that doctor who was her patient for an episode (can we bring him back, please? PLEASE?).

If they do end up staying together despite his arrogance in the operating room and her — let’s just say she’s being very “Meredith” and leave it at that for now — it wouldn’t be the end of the world.

But if she doesn’t want to be with him, if she wants to focus on whatever direction her career might go next or simply on seeing if there’s anyone else out there, she should follow her heart. And not in the “I’m going to commit insurance fraud because I need to do the right thing for my patient” kind of way.

Without fail, there’s always at least a few breakups per season of Grey’s. They often end with said broken-up couples getting back together, but not always. Maggie and Jackson are (presumably) done. Owen and Teddy are still a big question mark. Link and Amelia BETTER STAY TOGETHER.

Meredith Grey and Andrew DeLuca have had their ups and downs. Whether or not they’ll make it through this unusual season in their lives (and on the show) is likely a question we will continue to ask as the weeks go on.

Will they break up at least once, even if they end up getting back together later on? Probably. It’s dramatic. We’re all here for the drama. Come on.

Will they break up multiple times, only to finally realize that one of those times is going to be the last time? It’s also possible.

But as frustrating as their relationship has been … Meredith does deserve happiness already. Let’s not forget that. Even if DeLuca is her new Forever Romance, at least she’ll be happy in love again. She doesn’t need a man to succeed and be her own Person. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t deserve love if it’s destined to come along.

Now, Richard and Catherine? That’s a debate for after this episode airs. Because something weird is going on, and if there’s any week to escalate the growing conflict between them, it’s this one.

Grey’s Anatomy returns this Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.