Grey's Anatomy Fans React to Alex Karev's Shocking Ending: 'This Is Worse Than McDreamy' (original) (raw)

Thursday's episode finally gave fans answers as to why Justin Chambers' character left the show after 16 seasons

Published on March 6, 2020 09:39AM EST

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Thursday’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy_._

After months of leaving fans in the dark as to how Justin Chambers‘ beloved Grey’s Anatomy character would be written off the show, viewers have finally been given answers — but not the ones they wanted.

During Thursday’s episode of the ABC drama, it was revealed that Dr. Alex Karev left Grey Sloan Memorial and his wife Jo (Camilla Luddington) to move to Kansas to be with his ex-wife, Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) and their 5-year-old twins.

The news was shocking one, especially considering that Heigl left the show back in 2010 and that Chambers’ character appeared to happily move on over the years.

Following the episode, fans flocked to Twitter to share their strong reactions, lamenting that the show should have just killed off Chambers’ character instead and criticizing Grey’s Anatomy scribes for destroying character development built up over Chambers’ 16 year run on the show.

“I actually wish they would have just killed Alex off than give us what we just got,” one user asserted.

“You ruined one of the best character redemption arcs in television history,” fumed another. “I am livid. DAMN YOU SHONDA. This is worse than Derek… this is f—ing worse than MCDREAMY GETTING KILLED OFF.”

“Sending a text to Meredith saying, ‘Hey, look, I’m actually dying of cancer and I have two days to live.’ WOULD’VE BEEN A WHOLE LOT BETTER THAN THIS SH–,” said someone. “ALEX DESERVES BETTER ??????.”

Another added: “Gonna just pretend that Alex went to go take a life changing job with Cristina and Jo knew and was supportive because that literally made no sense.”

Even fans who no longer watch the show were disappointed in the surprise ending. “I stopped watching years ago and i’m still f—king furious,” wrote one former fan, while another agreed “and this is why I stopped watching this show after they killed Derek lmao.”

Fans were also critical of show creator Shonda Rhimes — one writing, “Have a great night everyone! Except you Shonda Rhimes.”

But many also jumped to Rhimes’ defense, pointing out that she left the series as a showrunner years ago hadn’t written a new episode in years .

“This isn’t Shonda Rhimes’ fault,” wrote on supporter. “She hasn’t been the head showrunner for Grey’s Anatomy for a long time. … Let’s not pin our grievances on the back of a very successful black woman when she is not to blame.”

Justin Chambers on Grey’s Anatomy. Richard Cartwright/Walt Disney Television via Getty

In January, ABC confirmed to PEOPLE that Chambers, 49, was not returning to the franchise.

“There’s no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that’s defined so much of my life for the past 15 years,” Chambers said in a statement to PEOPLE. “For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices. And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time.”

He added, “As I move on from Grey’s Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rimes, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride.”

While the actor told Page Six he’s “taking it one day at a time,” he has an idea of his next career move.

“Producing documentaries, that’s what I’m most interested in right now,” Chambers told the outlet. “Grey’s has been very supportive of me and I’m very grateful and it’s been a great ride.”

Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays (at 9 p.m. ET) on ABC.