Warning! SPOILERS about Grey’s Anatomy season 21, episode 8, "Drop It Like It's Hot" ahead.
On the heels of Levi Schmitt's exit, Grey's Anatomy season 21 also had to say goodbye to Mika Yasuda, but there's a silver lining to her departure. Reeling from the car accident that put her in critical condition and killed her younger sister Chloe, Midori Francis' character tries to return to work to move on. During Grey's Anatomy season 21, episode 8, Grey-Sloan Memorial is flooded with dying patients, which causes Mika to struggle to save lives and grapple with her own grief. After one patient codes, Mika spirals into a breakdown, yelling at Doctor Bailey, played by Chandra Wilson.
The rest of the episode follows Mika's quest to feel "normal" again, leading her to confront the room where her sister died and even taking her relationship with Jules to the next level. Mika apologizes to Bailey by the end of the episode and realizes that she can't stay at Grey-Sloan because everything reminds her of Chloe. While unhappy with her departure, Bailey reminds Mika that she will always have a place to return to. This effectively sees Mika leave Grey's Anatomy.
Grey's Anatomy Season 21, Episode 8 Officially Writes Mika Out
Mika's Exit Continues To Grieve Chloe
Ahead of the current year, it was announced that Francis was set to exit the TV institution, but she would appear in Grey's Anatomy in season 21 to wrap up Mika's storyline. "Drop It Like It's Hot" manages to write Mika out in true Grey's Anatomy fashion with a tragedy and unbearable grief for the character. Mika's emotional exit allowed Francis to show her range as an actor.
In Mika's attempt to return to work, she realized that she would always be haunted by the death of Chloe in the Grey-Sloan hallways. This realization is what fueled Mika's sudden decision to leave Seattle altogether. The concern, however, is that this exit leaves Mika to grieve without her friends and mentors who understand the medical side of her sister's death that her family may not understand. Mika's departure also affects the interns as they try to figure out how to move forward without her and how Jules will deal with the breakup.
Mika's Departure Leaves The Door Open For Her Potential Return
Grey-Sloan's Doors Will Always Be Open For Mika
While many fans are mourning the departure of Mika, it's important to remember that walking away is a kinder fate than many other characters have received. The tragic deaths of Derek Shepherd, Lexie Grey, George O'Malley, and others have prevented these lovable characters from returning unless in a COVID-19 fever dream. Mika's return wouldn't be out of the ordinary for Grey's since Taryn Helm, played by Jaicy Elliot, did the same thing in season 20.
Mika departs the show with her relationship with the interns, Bailey, and the hospital intact, which leaves room for her to come back for a visit or even return to finish her residency once healed. In an interview with Deadline, Francis said that if asked, she "would be so delighted" to return. The good news is that Francis' split from Grey's Anatomy was amicable, which makes her return much more likely.
Source: Deadline
