Kim Raver on Teddy’s Future, romance twists and directing a ‘not‑to‑miss’ Grey’s Anatomy episode on ABC

New York — Kim Raver has played Dr. Teddy Altman on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy for more than a decade, but even after all this time, she says her character continues to evolve in unexpected ways, and perhaps the best is still to come.

“I think I love the fans, even though it’s hard, for me, who loves the couple, I love when Teddy says: ‘You chose me,'” Raver said.

Teddy and Owen (Kevin McKidd) have recently decided to divorce, and both characters are exploring new relationships. For Ravier, it’s a turning point that she finds meaningful.

“Because I think this is just an interesting journey for Teddi – the fact that, for many years, she’s been talking a lot about Owen, you know, about her coming back from Iraq and Owen, and kind of about them and their relationship…and the fact that she’s on this journey of finding out who she is, and what’s best for her,” Raver said.

However, she admits that she has a soft spot for the longtime couple.

“I mean I love Teddy and Owen,” she said. “I hope it’s not forever because they’re not together. I honestly don’t really know what they’re going to fall into… whether that’s them staying together, whether it’s them not being together, or whether they’re best friends again. I’m still trying to get that out of the book, and they’re like, we don’t know, okay.”

And like the fans, she’s waiting to see how Teddy’s story unfolds.

Her third role in the director’s chair

While the character’s future remains up in the air, Raver is stepping behind the camera to direct this week’s episode — her third time directing during her run on Grey’s Anatomy.

“For me, it’s about how do we collaborate in a different way, and what is the vision that I have in my head? And how can we, as this amazing team that I know so well, paint the picture of that vision?” She said.

Watching the episode together is one of the most rewarding parts of directing, she says.

“One of my favorite things is to imagine it in my head, and then I look at the screen…and I see them in a completely different light because I’m behind the camera now. Working together to bring the story to fruition is really exciting,” Raver said.

It’s also changed the way she sees her fellow cast members.

“I think the most beautiful thing is that I see that every actor approaches his character and techniques in a completely different way,” she said.

An unmissable episode

This episode allowed her to expand on Dr. Richard Webber’s (James Pickens Jr.) recent cancer story — something she took very seriously.

“It was very important for me to make sure I respected his health journey and also be able to tell this story,” Raver said. “And you know, Jim is such a phenomenal actor that I didn’t need to do anything. And watching his work – he’s so amazing in this episode.”

She called it a “not to be missed” episode largely due to Pickens Jr.’s performance.

Fans will also get a new insight into Dr. Nick Marsh (Scott Speedman).

“I think the audience is going to love seeing a whole new side of Nick and kind of his journey,” Raver said. “And Elaine is so good in this episode…it’s kind of like a bottle episode where you can really delve into these characters.”

Expect some chaos ahead

For viewers who think they know where Teddy and Owen are headed, Raver says: Not so fast.

“I’m just going to say you think it’s going to be neat with Teddy and Owen and it’s going to get a little messy again. So stay tuned,” she joked.

Raver also credits mentor Debbie Allen with pushing her into directing and helping her seek new opportunities.

“I’m working on a book, and I have the rights to a book, so I’m working on a movie,” Raver said. “She always leads a great way and sets a great example.”

You can watch new episodes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ every Thursday at 10pm ET on ABC.