'Grey's Anatomy' Season 23 Gives Meredith a New Rival

The 23rd season of the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy premiered yesterday (15) in the United States, on ABC. Here's everything you need to know about what happens in the first episode, but beware of spoilers.

The new season begins a month after the events of the 22nd season finale and introduces a new rival for Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo). Surgeon Seth Norton (James Wolk) arrives at Grey Sloan Memorial after financing the construction of a luxurious VIP wing through his company, Olympic Regent Health. A businessman above all else, he prioritizes profits, which puts him at odds with Meredith's vision of medicine. The rivalry intensifies when Norton is announced as the hospital's new chief of surgery, a position previously held by Teddy Altman (Kim Raver).

The main twist in the episode, however, involves Simone Griffith (Alexis Floyd). After being torn between Wes (Trevor Jackson) and Lucas Adams (Niko Terho) at the end of the previous season, the doctor appears a month later alongside Wes, but continues to have unexpected encounters with Lucas. In the end, Simone discovers she is pregnant, opening up a new issue for her personal life and relationships.

Other characters also face changes. Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington) tries to return to work, but a medical emergency awakens painful memories. In the final moments, she reveals to Link (Chris Carmack) that she has resigned. Meanwhile, Winston Ndugu (Anthony Hill) receives an unexpected promotion: Bailey (Chandra Wilson) appoints him director of the medical residency program, placing him directly above Jules Millin (Adelaide Kane), with whom he has a relationship.

The premiere also shows Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone) and Toni Wright (Jen Landon) facing a professional conflict that ends in reconciliation and the resumption of their relationship. Meanwhile, Blue Kwan (Harry Shum Jr.), still unemployed, secretly returns to Grey Sloan to help save the life of his French teacher.

The episode doesn't bring any new information about Nick Marsh (Scott Speedman) or his engagement to Meredith, announced at the end of the previous season. There are also no updates on Teddy and Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd), who have started a new life in France.