Grey's Anatomy: 5 Times Cristina Yang Was An Overrated Character (& 5 She Was Underrated)
Over the last 15 years, Grey's Anatomy has seen a lot of characters come and go. Some left on their own accord to further their careers and others left for personal reasons. There have also been a few poor souls who had lost their lives on the operating table at Grey-Sloan. It's just strange to think that Meredith is the only member of MAGIC still there...
However, would fans have them back now they have seen how much Meredith has grown without them? Take Cristina for example - some fans wouldn't like Sandra Oh to return because they believe Cristina is overrated. Yet, others believe she deserves even more recognition for the way her character developed. What do you think? Maybe the following entries would help sway your mind...
10 Overrated: The Best Surgeon
From the very beginning, the writers made it clear that Cristina was an extraordinary surgeon. The viewers heard how she was 'the best in her class,' a possible 'Gunther,' and 'a very capable asset.' Even the attendings awarded her the first solo surgery. It also didn't come as a surprise to many when she was involved in two Catherine Fox award storylines.
However, it would have been nice for the writers to knock her off that pedestal for an episode or two. Other than the Burke situation, Cristina never messed up. She was depicted as the perfect surgeon - almost too perfect.
9 Underrated: Honoring Her Hippocratic Oath
One aspect of Cristina's journey that deserves to be recognized was the respect she had towards her Hippocratic oath. Although Cristina has shown her distaste over certain patients, fans should praise the way she manages to "rise above" and put her feelings aside to do the best job possible.
Remember when she treated the bigot in season 4? Or the death row inmate in season 5? She had every right to turn down these cases but didn't because of her duty. One can't help but admire this dedication.
8 Overrated: Insensitive Towards Others
Cristina often gets praised by fans for her direct and honest manner. However, upon closer inspection, most of the comments Cristina makes a plain rude and offensive. For instance, at the beginning of season 6, she offended several of her colleagues for the nonchalant way she called a patient "ceviche."
She also offended her friends when she made inappropriate jokes about Izzie's cancer and George's death. Let's not forget how she used her PTSD as a tool to rob Jackson of a surgical case in cardio. Sometimes it's best to say nothing at all.
7 Underrated: Her Compassionate Nature
Out of all the characters on the show, fans typically don't rate Cristina as a compassionate person. However, there have been many moments where Cristina has proven she's not heartless when she comforts those who needed it. Remember when she comforted Lexie and took her to Meredith's after Nick Hanscom died?
Or when she gave up a surgical case to comfort a little girl because she was scared her mother was going to die? People may think Cristina is socially-inept but she does step up when need be.
6 Overrated: Obsession With Cardio
The minute she felt her father's heart in her hands, Cristina said this was her defining moment. The point where she knew she was going to be a cardiothoracic surgeon - which is good. It showed she had direction and ambition. The problem was, Cristina's obsession with cardio meant her colleagues' education suffered because she stole all the cases.
For instance, she once told Izzie to "stop flirting" with cardio because "she was married to it." She also got annoyed when Hahn consistently chose other residents over her. Everyone knew her future was going to be in cardio so why did she spend so long sabotaging other people's careers? Did she know there was more than one cardiothoracic surgeon?
5 Underrated: A Great Mentor
Out of all the interns, it was surprising that Cristina was one of the best teachers. While Izzie did spend a significant amount of time teaching the interns, it is important to note that it was Cristina's interns that made the final cut (Lexie and Steve).
The second time around, Yang proved to be an even better teacher - especially with Shane Ross and Leah Murphy. She was kinder, calmer, and very patient. Even after they messed up, she treated them with respect and compassion. This part of her arc deserves a lot more attention.
4 Overrated: Loyalty To Her Colleagues Blinds Judgment
Another overrated aspect of Cristina's personality is the loyalty she gives her friends. While many fans praise her loyalty, no one seems to remember the fuss she makes in the aftermath. After the Duquette situation, she is willing to throw Izzie under the bus for the sake of her career.
In season 3, she did the same thing to Burke despite her being the brains of the operation. Season 5 then saw her not only fail to report the interns for the cabal but she also took it out on the residents. If Cristina has a problem with the time then maybe she shouldn't cover-up the crime.
3 Underrated: A Supportive Friend
Everyone already knows what a great friend Cristina had been for Meredith but no one seems to recognize what a good friend she was for the others. She provided Callie with a home after she split from George and played a huge part in her recovery. She comforted George when his father died. Helped Izzie with her cancer.
Cristina even consoled Alex when he struggled with Jo's new romance after he realized he was in love with her. If Cristina was fighting in your corner then one would know you had a friend for life.
2 Overrated: Her Love For Owen
By far, the most overrated aspect of Cristina's arc had to be her love for Owen. While fans were on board with Cristina and Owen's tumultuous affair, they soon changed their mind once they realized they wanted different things from life. Where Cristina was devoted to her career, Owen wanted to settle down and start a family.
The best thing for both of them to do was end the marriage and go their separate ways. However, it took them another three years to reach this resolution. Not only did she sabotage his relationship with Emma but she then broke his heart by leaving. There was nothing special about her and Owen's marriage - it was full of torture and pain.
1 Underrated: Her Strength Through Adversity
Cristina gets praised for her talents and surgical prowess but many people fail to recognize her strength in adversity. Meredith is not the only one who has experienced tragedy, Cristina has too. She witnessed her father's death after feeling his heart stop, suffered an ectopic pregnancy, was involved in a mass-shooting, and in a plane crash.
Despite having extreme PTSD twice, Cristina managed to overcome her demons and make a full recovery. She's just as much of a warrior queen as Meredith is.