ABC's Grey's Anatomy could use a bit of love right now.
Following the midseason finale, the show's signature couple Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek (Patrick Dempsey) were in peril as the latter prepped for a potential move to D.C. Just a few episodes prior, married couple Callie (Sara Ramirez) and Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) are officially separated with the former going so far as to say they're divorced. Then there's newlyweds April (Sarah Drew) and Jackson (Jesse Williams), who are poised to be dealt heartbreaking news about their unborn baby.
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Meanwhile, Alex (Justin Chambers) and longtime girlfriend Jo (Camilla Luddington) have weathered third-wheel Meredith, who has encroached on their relationship as she navigates the bumps in her own marriage. Jo even called Alex out for taking in all the hospital's strays — including newly separated Arizona — as Ellis Grey's-turned-Alex's house continues to be a home for those in need.
"Jo doesn't want to be jealous," Luddington says. "It's driving her crazy that she's jealous but Jo has never seen that relationship between Meredith and Alex and Cristina. I don't think she really understands how close they are and what kind of family they are."
After Jo raised the issue with Alex in the midseason finale, the couple seem to be back on the same page — at least until Meredith likely turns to Alex after Derek takes the job in D.C.
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That conversation, Luddington told THR during a set visit for the midseason finale, is going to wind up being a key one for Alex and Jo.
"They're both bad at communication and it could have gone on forever. He lets her know that she and Meredith two totally different people and she should understand that people need to lean on other people, especially when their own family is awry," Luddington says. "Jo should understand that and be supportive, so Alex breaking it down for her, I hope, will give her comfort and she'll be more relaxed about the situation."
As for the couple's future, both Luddington and Chambers would like to see Alex and Jo become the next major wedding event on Grey's Anatomy.
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"They're so messy together, but every single couple on the show is and they have their issues," Luddington says. "They work well together and I think they're both really growing in their relationship. Even Jo being open and having this conversation where she's like, 'You know what? I am jealous and this sucks; I don't feel like I'm No. 1.' That's tough for her to have. You can see Alex really growing up in their relationship, too, and stepping forward and being a supportive boyfriend. I think they do have what it takes."
Chambers agrees and sees Jo as Alex's endgame.
"He really likes her a lot," he says. "Maybe we'll get to see them in more domesticated situations and the typical day-to-day relationship stuff. I think they compliment each other, I really do."
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Chambers, one of the handful of original series regulars to remain on the Shonda Rhimes-produced drama for all 11 seasons, has enjoyed seeing a new side of Alex this season as Meredith continues to see him as her "person."
"It's great to see that side of Alex. You get to see him become a voice of reason, and Alex has always seemed a little more impulsive or reactive," he says. "This time with Meredith, it seems like he's more thoughtful and paces himself. He's articulating himself. To help her bonds the relationship more. It's an interesting dynamic. It seems like Alex has become a little more like George (T.R. Knight) this year. Everyone's coming to him for advice. He seems to be more in touch with his emotions and being able to voice them. He was such a prick in the beginning and now he's not angry all the time and just gives advice and gets to be a little sane. It's a nice change."
Grey's Anatomy returns Jan. 29 on ABC.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
