“Station 19” has taken a significant step towards repairing Maya and Carina DeLuca-Bishop’s relationship by acknowledging the need for a slower pace. After Maya’s efforts to heal and respect Carina’s boundaries, the couple has finally rekindled their romance with a much-anticipated date. This new beginning allows Maya and Carina to revisit the foundational moments they missed during their initial whirlwind courtship, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.
Procedural dramas often face the challenge of balancing fast-paced action with character development. Relationships can sometimes be rushed or overlooked due to the need to advance the plot. However, “Station 19” has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the underlying issues in Maya and Carina’s relationship. By taking their time, the show is allowing the characters to build a stronger foundation for their love, ultimately enhancing the depth and authenticity of their story.
The decision to slow down Maya and Carina’s relationship echoes a similar approach taken by another procedural drama, “The Rookie.” In “The Rookie,” the relationship between Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford has also benefited from a slower pace. By taking the time to develop their connection, the show has been able to explore the complexities and challenges of their relationship, leading to a more meaningful and satisfying arc.
“Station 19” is proving that even within the fast-paced world of procedural dramas, it is possible to prioritize character development and meaningful relationships. By giving Maya and Carina the time and space to rebuild their bond, the show is offering fans a more satisfying and emotionally resonant storyline. As the couple continues to navigate their journey together, viewers can expect to witness the growth and evolution of their love, creating a truly memorable experience.
Maya and Carina’s Relationship Is Always on the Fast Track
While Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy’s crossover leaves Maya’s fate a cliffhanger, Season 6, Episode 7, “We Build Then We Break,” recognizes Maya and Carina’s highs and lows as Maya’s mental and physical health continue to spiral. By Season 6, Episode 11, “Could I Leave You?” Maya continues to take account of her actions while she, as Ben Warren says, “had what could be called a nervous breakdown.” Part of that journey manifests in realizing that Maya frequently prioritizes her job above all else, including her health and wife. That elevated tension clashes with the fast-track romance that the firefighting drama sets Maya and Carina on from the beginning of Season 3, Episode 5, “Into the Woods.”
From then, the couple (affectionately penned “Marina” by fans) faces repeated obstacles, from Maya admitting she cheated with Jack Gibson in Season 3, Episode 15, “Bad Guy,” to Carina and Maya making up in the following episode. The pandemic and Carina’s expiring visa understandably complicate their relationship. The couple is engaged by Season 4, Episode 13, “Comfortably Numb,” and married in Season 4, Episode 16, “Forever and Ever, Amen.” Maya and Carina never really get a honeymoon period, let alone a dating phase, as Maya’s demotion and their efforts to start a family put immense pressure on their relationship, compounding on Maya’s struggles with her health, leading to Marina’s separation.
So, it’s a relief when Maya brings attention to the gaping cracks in the couple’s foundation in “It’s All Gonna Break.” The recognition of what doesn’t work means that Maya and Carina have so many more places to go and at a pace that Station 19 hasn’t granted them until Season 6. Not to mention, it’s crucial that the show does so in a way that acknowledges what Maya and Carina need from their relationship because it’s always been evident that they want each other. Carina even says so before telling Maya, “I need you to win me back. Slowly.”
Station 19 Season 6 Slows Marina Down for the Better
Maya taking care of Carina in Season 6, Episode 10, “Even Better Than the Real Thing,” exemplifies how beneficial slowing Marina down will be for Maya, Carina and Station 19. This slow-burn reconciliation means that Maya and Carina can relish their relationship’s tenderness again after overcoming many obstacles. It also allows Station 19 to represent Maya’s growth in prioritizing Carina over her work. The show can lean into romantic callbacks, like Maya bringing Carina lasagna like Carina did Maya in Season 3, Episode 7, “Satellite of Love,” and transform those touchstones as Marina heals their relationship.
Carina and Maya aren’t starting over entirely. Their history makes this second chance mean so much more. For example, “It’s All Gonna Break” builds on “Even Better Than the Real Thing,” where Carina tells Victoria Hughes that she has a crush on Maya. The episode sees Carina and Maya waking up in the same bed for the first time in a while, and Carina tells Maya, “Thank you. It felt good to feel safe with you.” The scene’s dialogue and the characters’ proximity elicit a fluttering feeling that usually accompanies the beginnings of any great TV relationship.
It’s impactful that Carina wants to speak to Maya after seeing Ben and Miranda Bailey’s relationship confront conflict during “It’s All Gonna Break,” as they are one of the Grey’s Anatomy universe’s longest-running relationships. Carina sees her marriage as one that can go the distance, but she needs to see that Maya believes that, too. “It’s All Gonna Break” showcases that Maya and Carina are prepared to rebuild their foundation by investing in the pillars, and Station 19 finds no better first step than a first date.
