It’s been an exhilarating week in the world of TV and film, and I’m diving straight in! With the Oscars making waves on Sunday, it was hard to resist rounding up all the fabulous gay red carpet looks. Drew shared some heartfelt thoughts on Lily Gladstone’s loss (seriously, still not over it) and explored what the future of representation in Hollywood could look like. Meanwhile, Riese’s comprehensive research on the true history of LGBTQ+ performers contending for Lead and Supporting Actress Oscars was both enlightening and thought-provoking. In case you missed it, Chingy Nea offered a brilliant piece on Todd Haynes’ cinematic gaze and his latest work, May December.
Meanwhile, Drag Race kept us on our toes with its latest twist, while Peppermint took the opportunity to speak her truth at the Traitors reunion. Over on Peacock, Girls5eva may have been canceled, but the beloved series has found a new home on Netflix, where it’s giving us fresh, queer-driven content. And let’s not forget the hilarious Love Lies Bleeding, where Kristen Stewart’s nervous ticks somehow speak louder than words. Netflix also delivered with Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda, featuring incredible trans comics who are taking the famously transphobic platform to task. On the flip side, Apples Never Fall on Peacock, aiming to channel the drama of Big Little Lies, unfortunately falls flat with lackluster writing.
One of my personal favorites made a return this week — Lost Movie Reviews From the Autostraddle Archives, with Drew diving deep into Mulholland Drive, exploring the shadows and secrets that make the film a masterpiece. Plus, there’s a new Frida documentary out, shedding light on the queer, disabled, communist icon in a way that truly honors her voice.
And lastly, if you’re a fan of the real Housewives drama, Kyle Richards caused a stir at the Beverly Hills Reunion by openly admitting she’d be curious to kiss Morgan Wade — and yes, the chaos that ensued was as entertaining as expected.
But now, back to what we’re all here for: Station 19.
Station 19’s Return: Carina and Maya’s Fresh Start
It’s safe to say that I’ve missed this show — and these characters — so much. The reunion with Station 19 feels like a breath of fresh air, as the show picks up right where we left off 10 months ago. Yes, I’ll admit, I didn’t revisit last season’s finale before diving into the new season, and in hindsight, I probably should have. The events that transpired at the end of last season are pretty crucial to where we find Carina and Maya now. If you need a refresher, last season ended with Carina delivering a baby during a chaotic accident at a banquet where the ballroom floor collapsed. Tragically, the mother, Nannette, passed away, leaving her newborn behind at Grey Sloan Memorial.
But here’s where things get really exciting: surviving the aftermath of this traumatic event sparks a profound change in Carina’s life and perspective. After all, she’s been through a lot, and the emotional weight has finally pushed her to make a big decision: she no longer wants to stay in Maya’s apartment. It’s not about Maya — it’s about the painful memories that linger there. Carina envisions a new chapter for them — a house, a backyard, a garden for her to grow herbs, and a space where their friends can gather for dinner on warm evenings. She dreams of a fresh start, one where they can build a family together, with room for kids to run around and explore.
It’s a significant moment for Carina, especially when it’s revealed that she and Maya are about to embark on IVF once more, with hopes of starting their own family. But that’s not all. The baby Carina delivered is still without his parents, and despite being surrounded by well-meaning people, it’s clear that the only viable option for this little one to grow up in a loving, stable home is with Carina and Maya.
As Maya and Carina exchange meaningful glances, contemplating the future, it becomes clear: adoption is their next step. They decide to adopt baby Liam, who has already formed a bond with Carina. Maya, a firefighter, and Carina, a doctor, make the perfect potential parents, and the two women are ready to embrace this new chapter together.
From a storytelling standpoint, yes, this turn of events feels a bit too convenient, even a little reminiscent of Grey’s Anatomy’s Callie and Arizona’s own storyline. But let’s be real — Station 19 is heading into its final season, and after everything these characters have been through, they deserve a beautiful and fulfilling ending. They’ve made it this far, and now it’s time for Carina, Maya, and baby Liam to create the family they’ve always dreamed of.
So, while it might feel a tad familiar, I’m wholeheartedly embracing this new chapter. Carina and Maya are on the verge of becoming the “hot moms” we never knew we needed, and you bet I’m here for it. Bring on the backyard dinners, the kids playing in the yard, and of course, all the love that’s sure to come their way. After everything, this feels like the perfect send-off for two of the most beloved characters in Station 19.
