May 18th, 2012
09:32 AM ET
'Grey's' creator: Finale was incredibly hard to write[The following post contains spoilers for the May 17 episode of "Grey's Anatomy."] No, Shonda Rhimes, say it ain’t so! Right on the heels of reports that "Grey's Anatomy" stars Patrick Dempsey, Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Justin Chambers, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, Jr. are all expected to return next season came Thursday's heartbreaking season 8 finale. If you're still waiting to watch the latest episode of "Grey's" and don't want to know what happened, we advise against reading any further.
Last night, series creator Shonda Rhimes decided to write off two characters from her hit medical drama. Chyler Leigh's character Lexie fell victim to a plane crash, and Kim Raver's Teddy was fired. Rhimes knew her rabidly loyal audience might take it hard, so she tweeted a warning earlier on Thursday, and then released an emotional extended statement following the West coast broadcast. The writer/producer admitted she did not enjoy writing the fateful episode, and that writing off her beloved characters made her “sick” and “sad.” "Okay,” she started, “Callie said it best tonight: Life changes in an instant. Turns on a dime." “This finale was incredibly hard to write,” she continued. “I did not enjoy it. ... We end the season not knowing ANYTHING about the future. Except for two things. We know we are definitely saying goodbye to two of my favorite people: Chyler Leigh (Lexie) and Kim Raver (Teddy).” She also wished the actors well in real life. “I know this season’s finale had some surprises for viewers, and the exit of Kim Raver was one of the big ones,” Rhimes went on. “But Kim’s series option was up and she was ready to give Teddy Altman a much-needed vacation. It’s been a pleasure working with someone as talented and funny and kind as Kim; everyone is going to miss her terribly,” she said. “I like to imagine that Teddy is still out there in the 'Grey’s Anatomy' universe, running Army Medical Command and building a new life.” And as far as Leigh's Lexie, Rhimes said no love has been lost. "She was an important member of my 'Grey's' family," Rhimes said. "This was not an easy decision. But it was a decision that Chyler and I came to together. We had a lot of thoughtful discussion about it and ultimately we both decided this was the right time for her character's journey to end. As far as I'm concerned, Chyler will always remain a part of the Shondaland family and I can't wait to work with her again in the future." Raver returned the Twitter love. "I've had one of the best times of my creative career working on 'Grey's' with Shonda, Betsy and the best cast on Television," the actress said. "I feel fortunate and grateful to have worked with such an amazing team at GA. i am going to miss everyone!! And to the GA fans, you guys rock! I am sure S9 will be great!" Season 9 will begin airing this fall.
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Love "Grey's" and am sad to see Eric Dane go. I am not surprised, however, as his character's story line seemed to have become redundant, especially if you also watch "Private Practice." I always hoped he and Lexie would finally get together, but the season finale was a satisfying end to their story. Food for thought for every fan of this genre, and I hope nothing but the best for anyone who leaves a show after years of service to all us fans.
You sound like a bitter, old, fat f*#k. Probably hooked on Operation Repo or Swamp People.
I love the show.
It must be hard to continue writing such crap TV.
Lmao @ Silver! 2 funny! The only part that disappointed me was Lexi dying, she was an awesome part of the show. Poor McSteamy, what's he going to do now without her? (if he even survives) I cannot wait for its return in the fall. From the first episode I've loved the show and will continu to watch every season it is on. Shondra has also now hooked me with the mini preview/season of Scandal as well, lol.
I was shocked at the season 8 finale such a downer. This isn't fair to leave us hanging this baldy over the entire summer. They will die in the woods by then all of them !! (HA HA.) Getting a bit fed up with all the fatalities. Lexie was one of your best characters the show won't be the same now. The show should pre record 16 shows and air all summer not leave us now for months waiting....
Show is great.
If by great you mean steaming pile of crap.
Grey will soar.
What a sad shocking evening. I am stunned at the death of Lexie. Feels like family gone.
I can't belive that Lexie was killed off of the series. She was a favorite & had so many avenues of storyline for future episodes. Seriously think that with all Meredith's medical trauma, she should be brain dead and in a wheelchair by now. Fiction is one thing, absurd is another! Series is becoming absurd and it's a shame with all the talented actors.
People keep complaining about the characters leaving yet they forget it is a teaching hospital. Some of them will leave Seattle Grace. If you knew anything about the show, you would know that every medical emergency they have has been taken from a real life medical emergency. So this plane crash and last years hospital shooting all probably happened in real life somewhere.
Stop saying you are no longer watching the show because no matter how much you get frustrated, you'll be sitting on your couch this comiming September watching it again and waiting for the next disaster.
Was so sad to see Lexie die. I would have rather saw Patrick Dempsey go. For those of you saying you will not watch next season.....stop lying. You will be glued in on the Season premier just as you were for the Season finale.
Noooooo she didn't? 🙁 I didn't read the post cuz I didn't see it last pm. That's enough info for me. Lol, I'm outta here before I "hear" anymore.
DITTO TO OC...I think they just ruined the show for the next season! Why do they have to keep killing good cast members off!
Lexie was the best character of the show. I thought her character could grow so much more and she finally had a shot with McSteamy. I really don't want to see the show couple him with someone else. I think I'm done. The crazy has gotten too crazy when the characters that give the show a bit of heart and innocence keep dying off.
it was probably horrible because she was just jumping the shark. probably started from at the of season 5? just killing off everyone. i mean people die daily but not like this. seriously. plus she has three shows to run which none of them are doing that great. i hate how she characterized baily after season three or four.
I have always liked GA but not sure I will watch another season, I agree with Debbie always so much disaster, does anyone get to be happy on the show for at least one episode? Loved Lexi though, I was looking forward to her and McSteamy to get back together finally now you let her die! I was looking for a happy ending once.
I still watch this show every Thursday, and I'm not a "cold fish old housewife". I was completely devastated that Lexie died, as she was one of my favorite characters. I definitely thought April was going to shoot herself or something and everybody in the plane accident would be okay. After every season finale I say I'm not watching anymore because it's just too sad, but who am I kidding, I come back every season waiting for the next disaster. Now I am upset the doctors on this show keep dying or leaving. You get me very much into their character and then they just leave, you just can't do that to nineteen year old who takes tv shows more seriously than her own life.
Does anyone watch this show-I mean besides cold fish old housewives? Didnt know it was still on TV. Is the Chineese girl with the high scrunched up forehead still on it? -RY
I am a 33 year old male who still loves watching this show. If you don't like the show, don't post about it.
Then you are g@y, and nothing wrong with that. You should enjoy your g@y show. Get the DVD set and watch with your boyfriend, you h@m@.
I won't be watching S9. I'm investing my time in something better than this show which can't seem to stray from disaster. As far as I'm concerned, Shondra has run out of ideas because she keeps repeating herself. Just like all of the other "creative" talent in LA.