While Grey’s Anatomy finally said goodbye to Justin Chambers’ Alex Karev, it wasn’t exactly the send off most fans were hoping for. In fact, many fans were quite livid with the way the long-running ABC series wrapped up Alex’s storyline. As one of only a handful of original cast members left on the medical drama, viewers expected a bit more from his exit, with some wishing the writers had actually killed him off instead. However, Ellen Pompeo thinks Grey’s Anatomy gave Alex Karev “the best send off.” Really?
When Justin Chambers formally announced that he was leaving Grey’s Anatomy for good in January, with his final episode having already aired last November, Ellen Pompeo took to social media to react to her long-time co-star’s departure. While her response at the time was brief, Pompeo recently took to Instagram to share her expanded thoughts on Alex’s ending, explaining why that controversial ending was a good one for Alex. In her words:
Hi here I go again ... Thank YOU! You are truly the best most passionate most loyal fans anyone could ever ask for. Because of you we got to make great tv... because of you we got to make television history! I say often life is hard and thank God it is because like I tell my kids... it shows us what we are made ...of how strong we really are and let’s face it... without the lows there would be no dancing it out or celebrating this incredible experience we call life. Thanks to our national treasure Debbie Allen and the writers for giving Alex Karev the best send off.Thanks to Shonda Rhimes for creating the most amazing character. For me personally for Karev to go back to the beginning.... was the best possible storyline. It pays homage to those incredible first years and the incredible cast ...that created a foundation so strong that the show is still standing. So let’s not be sad. As our fearless leader DA always says let’s PULL UP and celebrate the actors, the writers and the fantastic crew who make this show come to life every week. No matter what the challenge or how tired we all are in the end... you keep us going.....That is worth dancing it out over! So much love and gratitude to you all. Xo E
Alongside her message -- which did not mention actor Justin Chambers -- Ellen Pompeo posted a video of all of Meredith and Alex’s moments together over the years. Their friendship really has been one for the ages and will remain a cornerstone of Grey’s Anatomy. Check out the video and full caption below!
Personally, the flashbacks to Alex’s early days were nostalgic, but they were more to remind fans that he and Izzie Stevens were together. Alex, who leaves letters behind to those most important to him, including his wife Jo, explained that he’d reconnected with his ex-wife Izzie and that she’d given birth to twins she’d failed to tell him about them for five years. After 16 seasons on the show and so much character development, fans wondered whether Grey’s Anatomy ruined Alex by having him leave Jo for Izzie so abruptly.
For what it’s worth, Ellen Pompeo clearly doesn’t think so, encouraging fans not to be “sad” about Alex’s departure or the way that he left Grey Sloan behind. However, considering that Pompeo’s Meredith Grey relied on Alex’s support to get her medical license back and how close a friendship they’ve had all these years, I’m honestly surprised she thought his ending was the “best possible storyline,” but to each their own.
Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET. For more on what to watch, be sure to check out our 2020 midseason schedule for updated premiere dates and times.
