'Grey's Anatomy''s shocking death: Was it a brave move or a betrayal to fans?
Why would you do it, Shonda? Why?
After nearly a full 11 seasons building a romance and marriage between Drs. Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd, creator Shonda Rhimes abruptly killed off the iconic McDreamy in a car accident that rendered him in a vegetative state. As Meredith agreed to pull the plug on her husband's life support, collective hearts broke around the world.
Unsurprisingly, Twitter lit up with comments -- some in mass fits of rage, others mourning a character they've grown to adore for more than 10 years.
Some are heartbroken and in a state of disbelief:
I think everyone felt like this today after that episode #GreysAnatomy pic.twitter.com/dktUwlMRw6
— dani (@derpingbtr) April 24, 2015
Seriously. #GreysAnatomy pic.twitter.com/doLb5cZL2y
— Anna De Souza (@annacdesouza) April 24, 2015
In memory of Derek Shepherd. You will forever be missed #GreysAnatomy (found photo from: @dark_twisty_mer ) pic.twitter.com/9YpWzDZgTy
— Shondaland Thursday (@Greysfan502) April 24, 2015
Others, are furious that their decade-old committment to 'Mer/Der' ends like this:
Ten years of commitment to one of the best shows on television and they ruined it for me in 60 minutes. #GreysAnatomy
— swerve. (@MorganSaraaa) April 24, 2015
"How to save a life"..How about "How to ruin a show" or "How to shatter 30 million hearts"?#GreysAnatomy
— Brandi (@BrandiNucks) April 24, 2015
they never grow old together ???????? #GreysAnatomy pic.twitter.com/f51gSxQ5dq
— Leilani Wallace (@wallace_leilani) April 24, 2015
Done with #GreysAnatomy and all other #shondarhimes shows. I hope the ratings tank on all of then. Such a disrespectful death.
— SCTrojan19 (@SCTrojan19) April 24, 2015
Rhimes seems to be mourning too. In a statement after the shocking episode, she waxed nostalgic on McDreamy's impact.
"Derek Shepherd is and will always be an incredibly important character -- for Meredith, for me and for the fans," Rhimes said. "I absolutely never imagined saying goodbye to our 'McDreamy.' Patrick Dempsey's performance shaped Derek in a way that I know we both hope became a meaningful example -- happy, sad, romantic, painful and always true -- of what young women should demand from modern love. His loss will be felt by all. Now, Meredith and the entire Grey's Anatomy family are about to enter uncharted territory as we head into this new chapter of her life. The possibilities for what may come are endless. As Ellis Grey would say: the carousel never stops turning."
It's not easy playing God for such a beloved character. For a show that's been on for 10 years, Rhimes's argument that the death opens up new avenues of development for Meredith isn't entirely wrong. After all, these are her "people," this is her vision and her story. But, when fans have devoted so much of their time into said story, should it mean something? Are they owed more for their investment or were they cheated? Should we all calm down because it's just a TV show?
Whether you're fuming or flailing - we want to hear what you think. Did Shonda Rhimes make a brave move or was it incredibly unfair to long-time fans?
Gather and commiserate in the comments below. We know you want to.
