Grey's Anatomy - Who's the "Big Death"?

Twitter is on fire tonight with news that there will be a character death in the Season 8 finale of Grey’s Anatomy. Not just any character, we are ‘reliably’ informed that it is a beloved character. William Keck, of TV Guide received an exclusive interview with show creator Shonda Rhimes delivering the devastating news that one of Seattle Grace Mercy Death West’s brightest stars will evaporate into TV history come this May. 

Speculation on who it could be naturally starts with the knowledge that several actors who have been with the show since day one have expiring contracts this season and more than one has expressed a desire to leave. With four episodes left there is plenty of screen time to develop plot lines leading towards the finale drama and thoughts might evolve over the coming weeks but in the meantime here are some words to chew over.

There are many reasons why a showrunner might decide to kill a beloved character in a successful show. From the actors’ perspective things to consider include expiring contracts, relationship to producers and personal circumstances. From the creative perspective the main considerations are progression of the story, creative drama and to maintain story and character realism; being true to the show. The combination of actor and creative perspective along with the calculated risk to viewing figures and advertising revenues will determine whether it’s appropriate for a character to die. After all, big bucks are at stake with the success or failure of such a move. A show can live or die on it – no pun intended.

Keck says:

“Executive producer Shonda Rhimes has confirmed to me exclusively that a beloved character will die in the ABC drama's May 17 season finale.”

Shonda says:

"A lot of our writers were crying, which is a very rare thing," she says. "There's some really shocking, horrible moments."

"People's mettle is going to be tested."

“I understand the choice I made, but it scares me how fans are going to react."

“The ominous (Vonnegut) quote, Rhimes says, was just what she needed to give her "...the courage to do what we're doing in the finale."

“It's sort of the medical case of their lives”

"there are certain characters on this show that you can't kill. It wouldn't be acceptable not only to the audience, but to me and my vision of what this show is. They can't die."

William Keck tweeted – a series regular, he wrote – a beloved character. These two are not necessarily the same thing. The most obvious ‘beloved’ character who is not a series regular is Adele. Is it Adele? Let’s get this out of the way first. No. Adele may die but much as I like this character I don’t believe her death would prompt Shonda to say “it scares me how fans are going to react”. Moving on...

Here are the runners and the riders for the Grey’s season finale FATALITY and ultimately my view on who it will be. Its possible more characters may leave but for now we’ll just concentrate on who’s gonna die.

Meredith or Derek

For: Both actors have expiring contracts and both have, at some point in the last year, indicated a willingness to move on from the show. Despite the drama that has befallen Meredith and Derek over the last 8 seasons the couple are together and happy. Should one or both of the actors decide to leave the death of either Meredith or Derek would be the only legitimate end to this couple that Shonda could deliver for her fans. Any other kind of separation would be a bitter pill to swallow. The death of either would give enormous drama for season 9, should there be one, and allow for new original story lines.

Against: As well as expressing a desire to leave Patrick Dempsey would like to prioritise his career in racing ahead of acting. Racing is expensive and Grey’s provides a regular income to supplement his sport. It is more likely, and oft touted, he will return to the role as a recurring character. Ellen Pompeo has kept her cards close to her chest but it is more likely ABC has worked very hard to keep her in the show, given she is the original title character. In my opinion Meredith and Derek are two of the characters Shonda refers to when she says “there are certain characters that you can’t kill”. Derek’s been touched by death and came back already and if Meredith can survive a near fatal drowning and bomb disposal surely she’s good for another season.

Cristina or Owen

For: Sandra Oh has ‘apparently’ expressed an interest in spreading her wings beyond Grey’s. She is by far the most talented actor on the show with the broadest range from impeccable comic timing to dark angst. This makes her an easy steal for the movies. Owen and Cristina have been tortured by Shonda this season. The primary relationship focus has been the destruction of these two souls. She has ripped them apart on the basis of fundamental values whilst successfully persuading the viewer that these two love each other despite all. It is difficult to conceive of a way in which they can be happy again. The death of Cristina would be epic, horrific. It would indeed cause Shonda to worry for fan reaction. It would take courage. Mostly, it would be believable. It would provide an ‘acceptable’ end to the marriage dilemma but more importantly it will provide the show’s writers with extremely fresh and suitably dramatic material for season 9. The fall out of such a death would be immense and far-reaching. For Meredith it will turn both her and the show back to it’s dark and twisty best. It will torture Owen further. And characters such as Teddy and Alex will also feel the vibrations.

Against: There is nothing to suggest Kevin McKidd has any intention of leaving the show at this point. Killing off a beloved character like Cristina, and she is beloved, may well be too much of a risk for the show. Sandra may leave but they may give her the option to return in the future. Besides, we almost lost her already didn’t we?

Callie or Arizona

For: A happy couple must always be on the look out for a dark and twisty turn in the road. Twenty episodes down and these two are still floating on the cloud of romance and happiness. It cannot last. Sara Ramirez has stated on a few occasions her desire to return to the stage and Broadway. Her contract may not be expiring but it’s possible she may have indicated to Shonda enough is enough. Some speculation exists that Jessica Capshaw’s contract expires end of Season 8.

I am reminded of the scene back at the beginning of the season when Owen and Callie are on the precipice of the sink hole and Owen tells Callie it should be him not her who goes in, she has the family...foreshadow? And then there’s this - Arizona has not yet had her required near death experience.

Against: It is difficult to understand how either of these two characters could exit so abruptly when the emotional focus this season has been on other characters, especially the originals. I believe Callie falls in Shonda’s category of characters you can’t kill. I think the woman is actually in love with Callie and idolises Sara Ramirez. And I don’t believe Jessica Capshaw has any intention of leaving. Besides – this would take serious Calzona screen time – just not happening - and an epic amount of baby bump hiding. The ‘death’ of Callie was dealt with quite adequately last season and Arizona is not a big enough epicentre on the show.  Season 9 with a smaller cast could be good for this couple.

Alex

For: His contract is up for renewal and if I were Justin Chambers I’d ditch a show that can’t provide a decent storyline for me. I’m a bit tired of hearing how much Alex is growing and tired of seeing him with weird women. It seems we hear this every season and it never really happens. Alex did kind of die at the beginning of the season – was this foreshadowing?

Against: Although Shonda tells us Alex has a grown up moment I’m not sure his character has been through a big enough emotional journey to justify character death. This would have an impact but not one that will linger long. Alex was shot, nearly died and still came out of it his ass like self.

Bailey

For: Chandra Wilson has also come to the end of her contract and she also has a multi-pronged career as a stage performer and director. In my opinion the death of Bailey is the dark horse. She is finally happy. Shonda tells us - "extraordinarily romantic Ben and Dr. Bailey stuff," with Bailey making a decision "that will fundamentally change her life." Bailey’s babies are graduating and moving on. What an epic finale it would be for her to finally find love, potentially a marriage proposal and for her babies to try, and ultimately fail to save her life. When talking about S6 finale Shonda talks about the fact that she absolutely could not shoot Bailey, it was too hard. Hmmm...could this be the event which tests their mettle. It would be an epic season finale and fits with Shonda’s words "It's a great moment. We were joking in the writers' room that if this was the series finale we'd be good to go”. Bailey’s death could linger longest and darkest for Meredith, Cristina and Alex. And again, there’s this – Bailey also has not yet had her required near death experience.

Against: Bailey is a beloved character on the show and it’s difficult to see Shonda having the heart to kill her. But she could do it... 

Richard

For: James Pickins Jr has come to the end of his contract. There seems to be little direction for the character of Richard Webber in Season 8. His role has been confused and lacking consistency. Is it possible that Adele could put Richard in harms way? She’s already done it. In his speech to Gary Clark he reminded us of the good life he’s had. He’s loved and cared for Adele. Is it his time?

Against: Webber is a stalwart of Seattle Grace Mercy West. His character could be re-invigorated by the potential romance with Debbie Allen’s Catherine Avery, who would be a welcome addition to the hospital. Where’s the petition I can sign?

Mark or Lexie

For: Let’s put this couple out of its misery once and for all because this romance is unloved by the writers. Shonda tells us something is in store for Slexie fans but I don’t believe the writers’ hearts are really behind this couple. Whilst neither actor is apparently out of contract it is possible that either could leave. Chyler Leigh started the season saying she wanted more time with her family and was rewarded with a deeply dull storyline all through the season. Lexie’s death would provide interesting drama for Meredith, guilt perhaps and a nice direction for Mark, mourning. Eric Dane, looking significantly healthier than the beginning of the season has seen his character really grow; possibly the most character growth of all. It would be ironic to see him die. However his death would provide an interesting storyline for Lexie, Callie and Arizona. I suspect some Calzona fans might be somewhat happy...

Against: Mark is not connected enough with the original residents to warrant Shonda’s warnings, though there is residual tension between him and Bailey. Lexie is possibly still being groomed as the second Grey.

April or Teddy

For: These ladies are simply not strong enough or well enough developed to warrant appearance in Season 9. Sarah Drew’s pregnancy has not helped her Grey’s career.

Against: ...yet neither are beloved enough to die. (How depressing does that sound?). Teddy’s had her story for the season. April has potential to develop into a strong character for next year.

Jackson

Insipid, ineffectual, plastic runt of the resident litter. I’ve no energy to ponder his demise. It won’t happen anyway unfortunately.

So where’s my money?

My shortlist = Cristina or Bailey.

Cristina is one of my two most favourite characters on the show and I really do not want Sandra Oh to leave. But when the personal, professional and creative dots join up and the picture generated is a major character death...what an exit it would be! Or Bailey’s babies desperately trying to save her, and failing - all 8 seasons of medical training and they can’t save their mentor....a grand finale of the dark twisty kind.

I think Bailey edges it.

But remember... it’s all speculation people. I’ve no more idea than you do. And whilst I believe Shonda when she says a character will die, I take everything else she says with a large dose of salt.

Written by brouhaha aka @pipmaxine