Ever since Greys Anatomy debuted in 2005, the series has been known for its buzzy, eclectic soundtrack from making mainstream hits out of alternative bops, to platforming countless artists for some of the shows most emotional moments. (Sleeping At Lasts 500 Miles cover from the shows storm two-parter in Season 9? Try not to cry on your next rewatch!)

But sometimes, the simplest flourish of the shows original score is enough to get the tears flowing, like the musical Easter egg that could be heard in Season 20s Never Felt So Alone. The next Greys Anatomy episode wont be until May 2, so this is the perfect time to catch up on the MerDer homage you might have missed the first time around.

During the Season 20 episode, Meredith is upset that her son, Bailey, became ill with appendicitis while she was away from home. As she told Dr. Webber (who helped get her back to Boston with his Catherine Fox Foundation plane), the experience brought back traumatic memories of Dereks death.

Even the best hands make mistakes: bleeding, perforations, Meredith says. Its the middle of the night. Theyre tired. Mistakes happen.

Later, Meredith told Webber that she wished she had Derek to lean on in times like this. I mean, of course I miss him, she says. Its just really only when the kids wake up in the middle of the night, and I dont have anyone to talk to.

If you listen closely during the vulnerable moment, you can hear a familiar piano melody playing in the background. Its the original music, aptly nicknamed their love theme, that has been used to score Meredith and Dereks relationship since their earliest encounters. (Yes, it even plays during the iconic Pick me, choose me, love me scene.)

As it turns out, this isnt the first time MerDers theme music popped up after Dereks death. It could be heard during the couples encounter on Merediths illness-induced dream beach in Season 17, for example.

But to have those familiar notes play at a time of reflection for Meredith is especially impactful. Like real-life memories of loved ones, the song sneaks up on fans in a quiet moment a subtle reminder that no matter how much time has passed since Dereks death, he is still very much a part of Merediths (and Greys Anatomys) story.

Its also a testament to the beloved series longevity. As the longest-running primetime medical drama in history, Greys Anatomy is able to weave in nostalgic Easter eggs that feel well-earned due to the passage of time.

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Excerpt from:
'Grey's Anatomy' Season 20 Has A Meredith & Derek Easter Egg - Bustle