Name | Jackson Avery
Portrayed by | Jesse Williams
Specialty | General Surgery (Resident)
Current Relationship | None
Past Relationships | Unknown
First Appearance | “Invasion” (6×05)

Just like all the other new-comers, once Jackson arrived to the Seattle Grace Hospital he was seen as nothing but an intruder the current residents there couldn’t wait to get rid of. Much to their dismay, he got off on the right foot by impressing Dr. Hunt on his very first day and snagging a much coveted chance to scrub in on one of Dr. Shepherd’s big surgeries.

Even though the rivalry between the old Mercy West residents and the “local” residents was far from little, there was one doctor in particular who didn’t wore the orange scrubs but caught his attention anyway — Cristina Yang. Attracted by her “badassness,” it took him some alcohol running through the blood stream to create the courage to make a move on her, and it wasn’t a small one — he surprised her with kiss, only to get his hopes crushed and eventually learn she had a boyfriend.

Later on we stumble upon the fact that Jackson is the grandson of Dr. Harper Avery, the legendary doctor who created the biggest medical award there is. The discovery happens when “pretty boy’s” grandfather is admitted into SGMW for a major procedure, in which he requires Jackson to scrub in, breaking the rule that doctors can’t treat family members. Once the first try goes badly, Chief Shepherd repeals Dr. Avery’s demands and forbids Jackson from participating on the second surgery.

His surgical skills were also put to test during the hospital’s lockdown, when not only did he help Cristina to save Derek, but also “saved the day” by taking charge of the gunman situation once all of her, Owen’s, and Meredith’s lives were at stake.

What’s Next | Even though Jackson wasn’t left on the back burner as much as his fellow Mercy West friends were, his participation in season six was quite limited, which is why I, for one, am really happy with Jesse’s full-time promotion, for now we’ll get the chance to see his character actually gain some growth throughout the new season. And if there’s anything from last season that can be availed in Jackson’s future it’s his fondness for Cristina — he may like her just a bit more than he should, but I believe they can get past that and become really good friends, which is something I personally look forward to.

Jackson Avery, Then&Now