'Grey's Anatomy' season 13 air date, spoilers: Upcoming season's storyline focuses on domestic violence

"Grey's Anatomy" season 13 will premiere on ABC in a little over a week. From the looks of it, the upcoming season will be rife with new romances, drama and a focus on some serious issues.

One of the arcs for season 13 will zero in on Dr. Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) and his girlfriend Jo (Camilla Luddington). Fans and viewers of the show know that both have dealt with domestic violence in various capacities throughout their lives, and according to writer Shonda Rhimes, she plans to explore that particular angle deeply.

"I don't think that I ever think about doing things, like, 'Oh, we're doing a domestic violence story as an issue," Rhimes told Entertainment Weekly in an interview. "It felt like it was time to tell Jo's story, and it felt like it was time to tell Jo's story especially in the context of Alex, who he is and how he grew up. Alex is so defined by who he used to be and who is trying to become, and so is Jo."

With that said, Rhimes made it clear that while "Grey's Anatomy" is not one to tackle such heavy issues, discussing domestic violence as it pertains to Alex and Jo is necessary to season 13's arc.

In addition, what Rhimes said obviously has something to do with the newly-released photos from the premiere of "Grey's Anatomy" season 13, one of which shows Alex and Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) having what looks like an intense conversation. According to the synopsis, season 13's premiere will pick up from Alex and DeLuca's (Giacomo Gianniotti) violent confrontation in the season 12 finale.

No one knows how DeLuca ended in a hospital bed, but Meredith knows it was due to her friend Alex's jealous rage. Thus, it remains to be seen how things will play out once the truth comes out in the open.

"Grey's Anatomy" season 13 returns Thursday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.