Breaking Expectations: Grey’s Anatomy Season 20 Revamps Helm's Storyline

Grey's Anatomy initially introduced Taryn Helm as a intern in season 14. While she has yet to reach her full potential, Grey's Anatomy season 20 presents an opportunity for the medical drama to finally give justice to the returning resident. Helm was part of the Grey's Anatomy B-Team intern class, which consisted of six members who had their own web series documenting their first day at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Out of the original six interns, Helm and Schmitt are the only ones still present. Historically, Schmitt has received more attention and development compared to Helm. However, Grey's Anatomy season 20 could potentially bring about a positive change for Helm.

At the conclusion of Grey's Anatomy season 18, the residency program at Grey Sloan Memorial was discontinued, leaving Helm and others unemployed. The program was reinstated at the beginning of Grey's Anatomy season 19, but only Schmitt returned to the hospital. During the gap between seasons, Helm decided to leave the surgical world behind and became a bartender at the Emerald City Bar, also known as "Joe's Bar" to Grey's Anatomy viewers. Fortunately, Jaicy Elliot took on a recurring role and frequently appeared as doctors visited the bar. Eventually, Helm made her return to the hospital towards the end of Grey's Anatomy season 19.

Meredith’s Absence Is Good For Helm In Grey’s Anatomy Season 20

When Helm initially appeared on Grey’s Anatomy season 14, one of her distinct attributes was her intense, unreciprocated affection for Meredith. As one of the few lesbian characters on the show, following in Arizona Robbins' footsteps, Helm's character was fixated on Meredith instead of having a proper love interest during her earlier seasons. However, with Meredith's eventual return in Grey’s Anatomy season 20 and Helm's blossoming romance with fellow resident Yasuda, it indicates a shift towards taking Helm and her love life more seriously.

Helm Becoming Co-Chief Resident Will Finally Allow Her To Shine In Grey’s Anatomy

One of the major storylines in Grey's Anatomy centers around Helm, who takes on the role of co-chief resident alongside Schmitt. The revival of the residency program in season 19 sheds light on the ongoing need for significant changes within Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. These changes aim to foster the development of exceptional surgeons who can navigate the demanding environment without experiencing burnout. Helm plays a significant role in driving these changes forward. Her advocacy for Yasuda not only secures a grant to support Yasuda's continued presence at the hospital but also prompts the department heads to reevaluate the workload faced by residents.

Having earned the admiration and approval of her superiors, Helm makes a triumphant return to surgery in Grey's Anatomy. This time, she can fully showcase her abilities without compromising her well-being. Helm's exceptional talent as a surgeon is evident, as she was appointed co-chief resident despite her months-long absence. Furthermore, she even trained Yasuda in a surgical technique that secured her victory in a hospital competition. With the arrival of Grey's Anatomy season 20, Helm will have the opportunity to fulfill her professional potential and delve into her romantic life, representing the LGBTQIA+ community as one of the show's few characters.