NEW YORK — Kim Raver, known for her role as Dr. Teddy Altman on ABC’s acclaimed series Grey’s Anatomy, has been embodying this character for over a decade. Despite the years, Raver believes Teddy’s story is far from over, with fresh developments still unfolding.

“I love that moment, as challenging as it was for both the fans and me—since I adore the couple—when Teddy chose to put herself first,” Raver shared.

The recent storyline saw Teddy and Owen, played by Kevin McKidd, opt for divorce, prompting both characters to explore new romantic avenues. For Raver, this shift is a significant and meaningful evolution for her character.

“It’s a fascinating journey for Teddy,” Raver explained. “For years, her life revolved around Owen, from coming back from Iraq to their intertwined relationship. Now, she’s on a path of self-discovery, seeking what’s truly best for her.”

Despite this new direction, Raver admits she still holds a fondness for the enduring pair.

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

Like fans, she’s waiting to see how Teddy’s story unfolds.

Her Third Turn in the Director’s Chair

While the character’s future remains a mystery, 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 are we collaborating in a different way, and what is the vision that I have in my head? And how can we as this incredible team that I know so well paint the picture of this vision?” she said.

She says watching the episode come together is one of the most rewarding parts of directing.

“One of my favorite things is imagining it in my head, and then I’m watching the monitor… and I’m seeing them in a completely different light because I’m behind the camera now. Working together to make the story come to fruition is really exciting,” Raver said.

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

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

An Episode Not to Miss

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

“It was just extraordinarily important for me to make sure that I honored his own health journey as well as getting to tell this story,” Raver said. “And, you know, Jim is such an extraordinary actor that I really didn’t need to do anything. And watching his work – he’s so incredible in this episode.”

She calls it a “nottobemissed” episode largely because of Pickens Jr.’s performance.

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

“I think the audience is going to love seeing a whole new side for Nick and sort of what his journey is,” Raver said. “And Ellen is so good in this episode… it’s a little bit like a bottle episode where you really get to do a deep dive into these characters.”

Expect Some Messiness Ahead

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

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

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

“I’m working on, I have the rights to a book, so I’m working on a film,” Raver said. “She’s always leading an amazing path and an amazing example.”

You can watch new episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.