‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Fans Went Through the 5 Stages of Grief Before Alex’s Farewell

Dan Clarendon March 2, 2020, 4:00 pm

Justin Chambers Leaving Grey's Anatomy Season 16 Alex Exit Fan Reactions — ABC/Kelsey McNeal

Dr. Karev is out, and not since Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew’s Season 14 departures have Grey’s Anatomy fans been so upset.

At least we had time to process Arizona and April’s exits. But news of Alex’s broke the same day that fans learned Justin Chambers’ final appearance had already aired.

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Then, six long weeks passed before ABC announced that the March 5 installment—“Leave a Light On”—would be Alex’s “farewell” episode. In the interim period, uncertainty swirled onscreen and off. Jo Karev (Camilla Luddington), Alex’s wife, wondered what had become of her marriage. Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), the only other remaining alum of the “M.A.G.I.C.” intern class, wondered what had become of her best friend at the hospital. And fans wondered if they’d ever get closure for the character—or if this was another Izzie situation.

And along the way, they went through all five stages of grief on Twitter…

Denial

i am literally not ready to say goodbye to alex karev pic.twitter.com/WzmyHIhqBN

— iza (@wIwsfilm) February 28, 2020

“Say Goodbye to Dr. Alex Karev”
“See how his story ends”

SEE HOW HIS STORY ENDS?????? #GreysAnatomy pic.twitter.com/J65QtjWMIp

— destroy the patriarchy (@kenandthejets) February 28, 2020

https://twitter.com/itsmeredeath/status/1233236931678371840

I just watched one of those Alex and Meredith mashup videos of the progression of their friendship and I wanna cry my eyes out because it can’t be real that Alex Karev is leaving Grey’s Anatomy

— court🫠 (@courtneighkang) January 12, 2020

https://twitter.com/mariiiye_/status/1216058612205924352

Anger

https://twitter.com/holyfaulkner/status/1233257611895635969

https://twitter.com/sembikengoku_/status/1230768678519488512

If anyone wants me to write an essay about how mad I am that Alex Karev isn’t going to be in his final episode, just let me know because I have a lot of feelings that need to go somewhere.

— emma (@emmaaaaj_) February 29, 2020

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Bargaining

Please @shondarhimes DO NOT KILL ALEX KAREV. Give at least one person the happy ending they deserve. And I’m talking about me, I’ll be happy if he’s happy. This will be a harder goodbye than seeing Mark Sloan leave. @GreysABC #letkarevlive

— Bethany Sichina (@bethrosich) January 12, 2020

SHONDA LEAVE POOR JO ALONE SHE DOESNT DESERVE ALL THE TORMENT YOU PUT HER THROUGH 😭😭😭😭 I BEG OF YOU PLEASE

— 🌸coochie flower bomb🌸 (@desslyy_) February 29, 2020

Depression

https://twitter.com/michonnesrj/status/1230677133837688832

alex karev deserved a proper ending and not just iphone bubbles disappearing

— h 🍒🪩 (@x0heathyyy) February 21, 2020

https://twitter.com/zareen_annxo/status/1233518333322055681

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Acceptance

If we are saying goodbye to Alex Karev please make it GOOD. He’s not a ghoster #GreysAnatomy pic.twitter.com/ABNL3PKkxo

— ♡ (@tvgoldtweets) February 28, 2020

Alex Karev, I miss you, I really miss you so much! ❤️❤️❤️ Everything looks so different now without you, miss your scenes, miss you. #greysanatomy pic.twitter.com/KPkQKnLTh6

— ℳαddy ♡ (@ciaoluddington) February 21, 2020

We can’t watch a show for 16 years & be shocked that people leave. Or that they up & leave mid-season.
But I swear if y’all undo all this damn growth & development… if his exit is dirty and it was all for shit…
tbh … we’ll keep watching regardless #GreysAnatomy #alexkarev pic.twitter.com/d9uHBhMaWi

— rebecca is a mask-wearing feminist (@femisintkilljo1) February 29, 2020

Grey’s Anatomy, Thursdays, 9/8c, ABC