As the series finale of Station 19 draws near, many fans are left wondering what will become of beloved characters like Carina DeLuca. Stefania Spampinato’s portrayal of Carina has been one of the standout performances throughout the show, and her character has become an essential part of the larger Grey’s Anatomy universe. When Carina first appeared as a recurring character on Grey’s Anatomy before making her way to Station 19, few could have predicted the depth she would bring to the role, both as a compassionate OB/GYN and as Maya Bishop’s (Danielle Savre) love interest. Carina and Maya’s relationship, affectionately dubbed Marina by fans, became one of the most celebrated LGBTQ+ couples in television, bringing joy, heartbreak, and intense emotional stakes to the series. With Carina now pregnant with Maya’s child, it seems like a natural progression for her character to make a return to Grey’s Anatomy, especially since the hospital is where her professional life has always been rooted.
Given that Carina still works as an OB/GYN at Grey Sloan Memorial, even though Station 19 is nearing its end, it feels like the writers have an opportunity to bring her back and continue to develop her story. Fans have invested so much in Carina and Maya’s relationship, and with Carina carrying their child, it seems imperative to follow that narrative thread. This would allow fans to witness Carina’s journey through pregnancy, especially as she interacts with her fellow doctors at the hospital, most notably Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington), who is also expecting a baby in Grey’s Anatomy season 20. The dynamic between these two doctors could add a new layer of complexity to both Carina and Jo’s characters, especially as they navigate the challenges of pregnancy in their high-stakes, demanding careers. The idea of Carina returning to Grey’s Anatomy feels like a logical and rewarding next step, and yet, I find myself increasingly concerned that this will not come to fruition.
One of the major hurdles to Carina’s return to Grey’s Anatomy lies in the question of how to continue her storyline without Maya. While Station 19 has provided a rich narrative backdrop for Carina and Maya, Grey’s Anatomy operates within a different framework, and Carina’s return to the hospital would likely require a strong narrative focus. However, Maya’s storyline is primarily tied to Station 19, where she is expected to continue her growth as a firefighter and ultimately ascend to the rank of captain. The love story between Maya and Carina has been integral to their character development, so separating them could feel like a significant disruption to both characters’ arcs, particularly Carina’s. While some fans may accept a potential long-distance relationship between the two, it’s unclear how much of Carina’s journey would feel satisfying or complete if Maya isn’t involved in some capacity. This is a significant challenge that other characters, like Ben Warren, don’t face, as his wife, Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), remains a key figure on Grey’s Anatomy despite Ben’s shift back to medicine. Without Maya by her side, Carina’s presence on the show could feel somewhat disconnected, leaving viewers yearning for more continuity and integration between the two storylines.
Adding to my concern is the looming budget cuts facing Grey’s Anatomy in season 21. While ABC and the show’s creators have yet to confirm the full extent of the financial constraints, there have been multiple reports suggesting that fewer series regulars will be added in the upcoming season. In fact, two major cast members have already announced their plans to exit, and many others may see reduced screen time as the show adjusts to its new financial landscape. This makes the possibility of Carina returning to Grey’s Anatomy as a regular character seem more unlikely. As much as fans would love to see her on the show, the reality is that there may simply not be the room or resources to bring her back full-time. Even if Carina does return, it’s likely she would make only sporadic appearances, which could leave her storyline feeling incomplete or sidelined.
What frustrates me further is that, in the Station 19 series finale, there was a clear setup for Ben Warren’s return to Grey’s Anatomy—his medical residency was highlighted, and he made it clear that he intended to continue his career at Grey Sloan. Ben’s return seems like a certainty, with many sources indicating that Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Meg Marinis plans to bring him back full-time. However, Carina’s future is far more uncertain. Unlike Ben, whose storyline is intertwined with the hospital and whose return aligns with Grey’s Anatomy’s larger narrative, Carina’s future remains ambiguous, and her role in Station 19 has been far more sporadic. Given the lack of any definitive mention of Carina’s return to Grey’s Anatomy, I can’t help but worry that, even though her pregnancy could provide compelling storylines, the show may decide not to prioritize her character in favor of other storylines or characters who are more central to the hospital’s ongoing plot.
This is particularly disappointing because Carina’s return to Grey’s Anatomy feels like a natural next step, especially now that fans have invested in the potential of her becoming a mother with Maya. The emotional payoff of seeing them navigate parenthood together, balancing their demanding careers and their relationship, would be a rewarding and poignant chapter for the show. Without Carina, there’s a noticeable gap in the Grey’s Anatomy universe that would be hard to ignore, and it seems like the writers would be missing an opportunity if they don’t make space for her in the hospital once Station 19 wraps up. But with the uncertainties surrounding budget cuts, the lack of clarity about her future, and the focus on other characters, I can’t help but feel uneasy about whether Carina will truly get the closure she deserves.
