April and Jackson are one of the biggest pairings on Grey’s Anatomy. Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) and April Kepner (Sarah Drew) had a relationship timeline that was just as tumultuous and heartbreaking as Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd’s. Introduced in season 6, Jackson and April’s relationship had one of the best build-ups as viewers saw them start a slow-burn romance after years of friendship. Although they weren’t always at the forefront of the drama and episodes, the couple did create many show-stopping moments, ranging from Jackson’s wedding objection and their impulsive elopement. However, that didn’t mean they didn’t face any major obstacles.
Despite Jackson and April’s deep love, the couple initially struggled to find common ground because of their different faiths and beliefs. Jackson and April also struggled with timing, as the pair would often acknowledge their feelings for one another just as they were dating someone else. However, after many seasons and several periods of self-reflection, it didn’t take long for April and Jackson to realize that they were meant to be together.
Jackson & April Arrive At Seattle Grace Mercy West And Become Close Friends
After it was announced that Seattle Grace would be merging with Mercy West, both April and Jackson made their debut appearance in season 6, episode 5, “Invasion” as two new residents. Although they seemed to be just simple work colleagues, Jackson and April began interacting more as they struggled to fit in with the Seattle Grace residents (episode 6 “I Saw What I Saw”).
While season 6 didn’t have many standout episodes for ‘Japril’, the writers did do a great job in setting up the foundation of their relationship, providing glimpses of their playful dynamics when Jackson often teased April about her crush on Derek (episode 20, “Hook, Line and Sinner”). However, their relationship changed forever when the hospital was involved in a mass shooting, resulting in their friends, Charles and Reed’s, sad deaths (episode 23/24, “Sanctuary/Death And All His Friends”).
Jackson & April Become Roommates And Their Friendship Continues To Grow
By the season 7 premiere, Jackson and April had grown closer and were shown to be living at Meredith’s house (“With You I’m Born Again”). While Jackson did continue to tease April, it was clear their dynamics had become more serious as Jackson grew protective of the surgical resident (as seen when he punched Alex in the face for upsetting her in episode 8’s “Something’s Gotta Give”). They also became close confidants, with them each helping each other with their placement interviews (episode 20, “The Girl with No Name”).
Although they weren’t in the middle of the drama, the subplots exploring Jackson and April’s friendship were quite enjoyable as they provided plenty of sweet and funny moments (which allowed Drew and Williams’ amazing chemistry to be more noticeable).
Jackson & April’s Relationship Takes A Romantic Turn, Leading To Them Starting A Casual Relationship (Which Quickly Backfires)
Season 8, episode 21, “Moment of Truth” marked the beginning of Jackson and April’s romance as the two slept together while taking their medical boards. Although April initially panicked because this was her first time, she and Jackson soon began a casual relationship (season 9, episode 3, “Love The One You’re With”). Unfortunately, this didn’t last very long as the couple had a ‘pregnancy scare’ and Jackson realized that they envisioned different things for their future (episode 7, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”).
Although there had since been complaints as to how the Grey’s Anatomy writers mishandled April’s virginity storyline (particularly as they turned it into a gag), the prospect of Jackson and April becoming a couple was quite intriguing and helped make the series feel fresh and unique again.
Jackson & April Struggle To Repair Their Friendship & Continue Fighting Their Feelings For One Another
After Jackson ended their relationship, Jackson and April struggled to become friends again since it was clear they had feelings for one another (episode 8, “Love Turns You Down”). While they tried again after Jackson started a romance with Stephanie (episode 10 “Things We Said Today”) and April became engaged to paramedic Matthew Taylor (episode 23’s “Readiness”), the writers did hint that their romance was far from over as April almost called off her wedding after Jackson’s near-death experience (season 10, episode 1, “Seal Our Fate”).
Jackson also seemed to be having second thoughts about their romance as he told Matthew he might not come to the wedding (episode 11, “XX”). This ‘will-they-won’t-they’ format became a new captivating hook as viewers waited to see whether Jackson and April would end up changing their minds.
Jackson Interrupts April’s Wedding & They Get Married
Season 10’s “Get Up, Stand Up” is one of Jackson and April’s best Grey’s Anatomy episodes as it saw the infamous couple make a life-changing decis
ion. Just as April was marrying Matthew, Jackson confessed his love for her and asked for another chance. Viewers waited months to see the outcome of this unforgettable cliffhanger, and when the show returned in February, the writers didn’t disappoint. “Take It Back” (episode 13) revealed that April and Jackson left the church together and got married in secret. Considering that the episode also revealed Grey-Sloan Memorial had just implemented a non-fraternizing policy, the writers hinted that this wouldn’t remain a secret for long.
