‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Fans Lash Out at Alex Karev’s Goodbye: “I Am Livid”

Well, that’s one way to say goodbye to a Grey’s Anatomy OG. Last night, Grey’s officially parted ways with asshole-turned-good guy Dr. Alex Karev, played for 16 seasons by Justin Chambers. After Chambers announced his sudden exit in January, Alex’s farewell played out entirely off-screen, and fans aren’t happy about how things went down. Yes, there are spoilers ahead for Grey’s Anatomy Season 16 Episode 16, “Leave a Light On,” so read on at your own risk!

For the past few episodes, Alex has been mysteriously “visiting his mother” in Iowa, but last night, it was revealed that he had actually reunited with Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl), his ex-wife from Grey’s Anatomy‘s early days. In a letter sent to his current wife Jo (Camilla Luddington), Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), and Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), Alex revealed that Izzie used his sperm to have children, and she has been raising twins alone for years. In an attempt to be the father he never had, Alex chose to stay with Izzie and the twins, Eli and Alexis, in Kansas and left everything he owns — his house, his share of the hospital, his money — to Jo.

Even for those who haven’t watched Grey’s Anatomy in a decade, the decision to reunite Alex and Izzie is a bizarre one. Heigl’s character hasn’t appeared on the ABC drama since Season 6 (her final episode aired in January 2010), when Izzie left Seattle Grace Mercy West for good in search of a fresh start. Izzie’s departure destroyed Alex, but in the 10 years since, he has recovered, and his relationship with Jo has been one of the focal points of the last few seasons. To totally ignore Alex’s emotional growth does a disservice to the character, but more so, to have it all play out off-screen is just plain lazy.

Fans seemed to agree, and they weren’t quiet about their disappointment in Alex Karev’s final episode. “A new one for the books,” wrote one viewer. “This is abandonment of a character that has been through hell and back … Alex Karev would NEVER have done this,” said another. Other fans took issue with ABC’s montage of Alex Karev moments, with one writing, “You ruined one of the best character redemption arcs in television history. I am livid.”

Goodbye, Evil Spawn. You will be missed!

Grey’s Anatomy airs every Thursday at 9/8c on ABC.

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