In several seasons on "Grey's Anatomy,' Jerrika Hinton aka Dr. Stephanie Edwards has witnessed her fair share of drama.
After her fellow intern was killed in a freak electrocution, she dated sensitive plastic surgeon Dr. Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams), but was only dumped at a wedding for the runaway bride, Dr. April Kepner (Sarah Drew).
Stephanie was also suspended after lying and making excuses for her boss, Dr. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), who injected a patient with HIV in opposition to his parents' consent.
Nonetheless, the premiere of "Grey's Anatomy' season 12 on Thursday will allow fans to know more about Stephanie's past.
"Once you discover more about where a person came from and what demons they're carrying, obviously that informs so much about where they want to be and the circumstances around them, and it's gratifying to finally be able to delve into that," the 34-year-old actress shared.
Hinton also assured fans that her character is getting a new love interest, although she believes that it is necessary for viewers to understand her personality before having to see her become involved in another romantic relationship.
In terms of filming without former co-star Patrick Dempsey, the actress acknowledged Dr. Derek Shepherd's significant role in the storyline, hence the need to look for new ways to move on with the show as well as possibilities for the characters that surrounded him in the past seasons.
When asked if "Grey's Anatomy' season 12 will pick up right from where it left off in the last installment, Hinton explained that Ellen Pompeo's character Meredith will still need some time to move on from the death of her partner.
"If anything, you saw at the end of last season we already had a time jump. She disappeared for a while and then we jumped ahead a bit in time," she added. "I think we've got to respect her process and respect the audience's process, as well. And to do another time jump wouldn't be wise, so this picks up right at the end of last season. "
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, series creator Shonda Rhimes confirmed that actor Martin Henderson has signed on to the show and his character will be introduced towards the later part of the new season.
Rhimes also said that the new doctor should not be seen as McDreamy's official replacement because Meredith is bound to go on a personal journey in season 12.
"That's not really the point. Meredith's on a journey, Meredith's always been on a journey, and I'm taking her where the journey leads her, so we'll see what she feels like," the executive producer stated.
However, TV Line has predicted that towards the last few episodes of "Grey's Anatomy' season 12, Meredith will begin opening up to a new man, and this could be Henderson's character.
"Grey's Anatomy' season 12 is set for an official premiere on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
