Dr. Jackson Avery has completed his stay at Grey Sloan Memorial. ‘Tradition’ marked Jesse Williams’ final appearance on the long-running ABC medical show – Grey’s Anatomy, with heartfelt goodbyes and the promise of a brighter, more meaningful future.
“Tradition” began with Jackson visiting the hospital one last day, with his letter of resignation, following the previous part, which featured Sarah Drew’s reappearance as April Kepner.
Jackson Avery & Miranda Bailey
Dr. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) and stepfather Dr. Richard Webber are first on Jackson’s list of farewells (James Pickens Jr.) Although the news of Jackson’s film does not surprise him, it does startle Bailey. Jackson thinks on his journey to see his father while handing in his official resignation letter, which includes a list of proposed replacements.
“I went to see my dad who has shown me my entire life the kind of man I never want to be, checked out, you showed me the opposite,” he said.
Jackson Avery described the Grey Sloan combination as his teachers, saying they taught him to be strong, bold, and enthusiastic, and that they both set an example for the father and surgeon he aspired to be.
“We’re proud of you Avery,” Bailey said.
“I’m proud of you, son,” Webber added.
Despite the fact that the news may take some time to sink in, Bailey and Webber were eager to point out what else Jackson’s shift entails.
“To clarify, what has just happened, Jackson Avery is now –” Bailey starts.
“Our boss,” Webber interrupts.
Jackson Avery & Jo Wilson
Jackson Avery then notifies Jo (Camilla Luddington), a friend with a benefit, who is transitioning to OB responsibilities. They meet at an observation deck and bond over the fact that they are both undergoing huge changes.
“Turns out you can change careers in the middle of the pandemic, thanks for being a good friend especially when I needed one…also the sex is worth a ‘thank you.‘”
She expresses her appreciation but also praises him for notifying her in person, as opposed to ex-boyfriend Alex Karev, who left a note. Jackson gets one more bird’s eye view of the bustling hospital floor, where he first roamed the corridors as an intern, as Jo exits to address a page.
Interspersed with current events is a video from Williams’ early days on the ABC show, from his first appearance with the main cast through recent season highlights.
Jackson Avery & Meredith Grey
To clean out Meredith’s room, Jackson Avery eventually meets with her (Ellen Pompeo), whose continuously high post-Covid numbers are enough to send her home. He informs her of his plans to bring April and Harriet, to assist them in settling in, and then to “transform the world.” Mer discovers she won the bet among the founding members of the residency class when they converse on the hospital bed.
“I’m the last man standing,” she said.
She then takes them back to their first date, sharing her initial impressions with him. “I thought that’s a big name to live up to, but you’re making it your own, you’re reinventing it. I’m impressed.” Meredith tells Jackson to give hell to the foundation and the folks in Boston.
“Thanks for showing me how,” he says.
They choose to skip Meredith’s huge clap-out, where many staff members and friends are eagerly awaiting their departure. Jackson pushes her to the parking lot and drives her home to Amelia and her children (Caterina Scorsone).
Jackson Avery & Thomas Koracick
Just before leaving Seattle for Boston, Jackson Avery meets with Koracick (Greg Germann), who was inspired by Jo’s career change. He informs his coworker about all the patients he’s lost as a result of the epidemic, emphasizing that he owes it to the victims, particularly minorities, to effect change.
“The world is only the way because we let it be, or because people who look like me let it be, let me become worthy of being spared. I want to be an ally. I want to spend whatever time I got left making this lousy, stinking place better.”
Jackson took Koracick under his wing and told him to meet him in Boston.
What’s next for Grey’s Anatomy?
Williams’ final episode concludes with a closing scene of Jackson’s most memorable sequences, ranging from his wedding preparations to meeting April Kepner to memorable hospital scenes. Before driving tearfully back home, he takes one final glance at the Grey Sloan Memorial.
Jackson Avery’s relocation to the Avery Foundation in Boston comes as he grows increasingly angry with the healthcare system’s injustices in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic, which has disproportionately affected people of color and marginalized people. As the chairman of the distinguished Avery Foundation, Dr. Avery strives to encourage change at an institutional level, having used his own finances to give Covid-19 patients with hotel rooms to quarantine.
Although the focus of “Tradition” was on William’s departure, it is confirmed that Greg Germann’s Dr. Thomas Koracick will also leave Grey Sloan, making him the third cast member to leave this season. Grey’s Anatomy lost Giacomo Gianniotti’s Andrew DeLecua in March.
Jesse Williams’ career since Grey’s Anatomy
Williams has dabbled in a variety of abilities other than acting throughout the years. He has directed episodes of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and Rebel, as well as producing credits on films including Random Acts of Violence, With Drawn Arms, and Two Distant Strangers, which won an Oscar.
In Season 6, he joined the Grey’s Anatomy cast as a recurring character, and the following season, he was moved to a series regular. Williams got an NAACP Image Award for the part.
