Greys Anatomyis headed to the courtroom.
Its a very intense, very emotional, heartbreaking episode, star and director Kevin McKidd tells EW.
Im really proud of it.
Credit: ABC
I felt really honored to be asked to direct this.
It almost feels like its own standalone movie.
Most of the episode takes place in or around the courthouse and in the courtroom.
It handles issues about custody, working parents and what you do in these situations.
Its a miniKramer vs. Kramerin a sense.
Its awful and heartbreaking for everybody because these doctors have known each other for years, McKidd says.
Theyre all friends and all just want the best for Callie, Arizona, and Sofia.
But the nature of courtrooms is you have to pick a side.
Its one side against the other.
Its really tough and very intense.
Even though everybody is trying to be respectful, McKidd says not to expect an amicable trial.
Lawyers being lawyers, [theyre] very smart with cross examination, McKidd says.
Some of the cross examinations dont go so well or are derailed.
Its very dramatic and very intense.
Thats true for at least Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), who is testifying on behalf of Callie.
Theres a moment in court where Meredith gets in a little bit of trouble.
She thinks shes helping her and says some stuff, and the lawyer uses it against her.
Thats a heartbreaking episode, Pompeo continues.
Sara and Jessica are both so good.
Its a great storyline because its meaningful.
When families break up, its a big deal.
The tears are going to be flowing for that episode, for sure.
Meredith and Penny have reconciled, Pompeo insists.
She had that moment of redemption with Meredith.
From then on, Im a big supporter of Penny.
But not everyone will be happy with Penny by the end of the hour.
Pennys testimony starts very well, but the lawyer really goes for the jugular, McKidd reveals.
And by episodes end, someone will have full custody of Sofia.
Its a beautiful episode.
Its going to be hard to watch for some people.
Whoever ends up victorious, the aftermath of the trial will reverberate throughout the hospital.
Peoples really ugly sides come out in custody battles, which well see, costar Kelly McCreary says.
Its hard when you obtain chosen sides and you feel maybe that youve betrayed a colleague.
Getting back to a regular working relationship might be challenging.
Greys Anatomyairs Thursdays at 8 p.m.
