In its nearly two-decade run, Grey’s Anatomy has become synonymous not just with medical drama but also with its revolving door of characters. Given its extensive ensemble cast, it’s no surprise that characters have come and gone over the years.
To manage actor contracts and behind-the-scenes drama, creator Shonda Rhimes and her team have often resorted to a controversial but effective narrative device: killing off characters. One such departure that still stings, and could have been handled better, was that of Chyler Leigh’s Lexie Grey.
Lexie was introduced in the Season 3 finale as the half-sister of Meredith (Ellen Pompeo). Family twists are a hallmark of Grey’s Anatomy, and Lexie’s arrival was one of the earliest. Over five seasons, viewers grew to love her character, making her exit all the more difficult.
When Leigh’s contract expired, she chose to leave the show to spend more time with her family. Her departure was amicable, with both Leigh and Rhimes agreeing on her character’s tragic end. Looking back, it’s clear that Lexie’s exit could have been handled differently to allow for her potential return.
The death of Lexie was both brutal and heart-wrenching.
In the Season 8 finale, “Flight,” a plane carrying several doctors from Seattle Grace crashes, leaving them stranded in the woods. Lexie is gravely injured, with her lower body crushed by debris. Her love interest, Mark (Eric Dane), remains by her side as they share heartbreaking goodbyes, envisioning the life they could have had together.
Lexie’s death was unexpected and brutal, marking the beginning of a tragic experience for viewers. Meredith, in particular, is devastated, and not even her best friend Cristina (Sandra Oh) can comfort her.
The devastation is compounded when Mark dies in the Season 9 premiere. Adding to the tragedy, Cristina later shares gruesome details of Lexie’s fate during a PTSD episode.
Despite initially seeming like a plot device, Lexie evolved into a fully-fledged character. She brought out the best in Meredith and Mark, and her departure left a void in their lives. Lexie’s character growth, resilience, and bright personality endeared her to fans, making her untimely death all the more painful.
While Lexie made a brief return in Season 17, it was only as a figment of Meredith’s imagination. Killing off Lexie closed the door on any future opportunities for her character to return. Unlike other characters who have left the show but later returned, Lexie’s fate was final.
As Grey’s Anatomy continues its 20th season, and with a 21st season on the horizon, it’s clear that the show’s formula of killing off beloved characters is here to stay. Fans can only hope that their hearts won’t be broken again.