Was Grey’s Planning to Kill Off a Major Character in Original Season 16 Finale?
It appears a major Grey’s Anatomy character has dodged a bullet — for the time being at least.
Sources confirm to TVLine that the ABC drama’s original Season 16 finale — one of four episodes scrapped as a result of the coronavirus pandemic — was to feature a cataclysmic event that would have likely claimed the life of a major character. One insider says the event in question was going to be an explosion, something Grey’s showrunner Krista Vernoff would neither confirm or deny in a recent interview with TVLine.
It remains unclear which cast member was headed for Grey Sloan’s legendary revolving door. Another unknown is whether the rumored departure will now be folded into Season 17 or delayed indefinitely.
As we previously reported, Grey’s fans may be able to glean clues about the ill-fated finale in this season’s final episodes of sister series Station 19. (It would stand to reason that an explosion would reverberate on Station 19, given its firefighter premise.)
“Ironically, when fans watch Episode 15 and 16 of Station 19, they will probably have a feeling of some of what we had planned for [the original Grey’s finale],” Vernoff previously told TVLine.
Production on Grey’s Anatomy’s 16th season was shut down before the show was able to complete production on the final four episodes. Luckily, Episode 21 — which ended up serving as a makeshift finale — functioned well as a season-ender. “From the minute we read the script for 21,” Vernoff noted, “it — coincidentally — felt like a season finale.”
With Grey’s off the air until (at least) fall, Station 19 this week shifts back to its old 9 pm timeslot with the first of its final four Season 3 episodes.
Jackson. They were setting him up, having hime ride along with the fire team.
Jesse signed up for seasons 16 AND 17 at the same time, so it wasn’t him.
Patrick Dempsey had just signed a two year contract extension when they killed him off. In Shondaland contracts mean nothing to the safety of characters!
Thank you for pointing that out. People forget that he had another year on his contract.
People also forget he was causing trouble on set, was suspended, and then sacked. Which probably voided his contract.
Omg people. PATRICK DEMPSEY QUIT IN REAL LIFE! Why are people still refuting this years later?!?
Yes! I feel like people don’t remember that. I remember when he went missing before the death episode, I still didn’t believe they were going to kill him because I had that false sense of security of him having re-upped through season 12. Then, as most of us know at this point, he asked to be released early from his contract. So Jesse William’s could have done that. It could have also been Owen! I have this feeling that given the disdain for the character by many of the fans added to the fact that he has been on the show since season 5, it would have been an interesting twist and Teddy may have even lost Owen and then felt horribly guilty when he dies….
I guess there are no other shows to talk about.
When the comments are on a story about Grey’s, no, there ARE no other shows to talk about. Lord.
You clicked on a story about GA. You feeling okay?
I get alerts sent to me and even for this website, that adores Grey’s and everyone involved, there have been an awful lot of stories about the show. Just making an observation.
A. Very few network shows are airing new episodes right now for them to talk about and this one just aired its finale less than a week ago.
B. Despite people complaining about it, Grey’s still has a big following and the articles probably garner large hit counts.
C. It’s a huge show that had to cut four episodes. Speculation on what those contained seems inevitable.
I think they were writing out Deluca and Giacomo Gianniotti’s less-than-thrilled recent interviews might indicate he was over it.
Recent interviews ? Where can I read them ? Thanx!
They’re treating him very bad.
US Magazine. Title: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Giacomo Gianniotti Thinks the Show Will End After Next Season. /// CinemaBlend: Grey’s Anatomy Star Gets Fans Worried About Exit After Career Loss Posts
Let’s go with Teddy, DeLuca, Catherine and Maggie. They all are annoying and/or suck. Let’s get some fresh blood along the lines of Christina’s gift. More McDreamy’s to show up. No more whiney interns. If they do do an intern shakeup let’s make really kick ass. More like a Noah Wiley from ER and less like a whiney baby. Noah made mistakes and learned but he was also a badass, even as an intern. The current intern class is boring as hell.
Eh, I don’t think it would have been a major character. It’s definitely time for an intern purge. I was very surprised that so many of them survived the car crashing into the bar.
Again, why would they cancel any original plan? The scripts are likely done and ready to be shot, why change all that and not just start back where the season stopped?
If they didn’t follow the Grey’s timeline so closely on Station 19, that would probably work. But Station 19 was done shooting episodes that referenced what was happening on Grey’s. Vernoff already said that they did some re-cutting to take out major spoilers, but the fact that when Grey’s comes back in the fall, that timeline will have already played out on Station 19 means they can’t just use those scripts.
Sure they can. You just start Station 19 later than Grey’s which has happened before. You could also not have crossover talk on 19 until Grey’s catches up. There are plenty of ways to do it in pretend land.
The Station 19 episodes in question are done and will air these next few weeks, as broadcast is scrambling for anything to put on. Therefore, your suggestions are not realistic.
This is a show that plays with time often. Why couldn’t they just have it be as flashbacks with new scenes added in?
The shows weren’t in sync for a while last season and S19 did a timejump episode after the chief died. It’s a tricky situation because Grey’s has a bigger episode order than s19 (and most other series) each year. So, yes, Grey’s can still use those scripts next fall — and probably will. Either to male up any lost time from the writer’s room possibly not openimg up on time (depending on whether or not the SiP order is lifted anytime soon) or, more likely, just to have a head start on the season.
It’s probably Gianniotti. Since January the internet is full of rumors that he might leave the show.
I’ve watched since the beginning but I can honestly say I don’t feel like I would care, no matter what character they killed off…in fact I feel like they could kill a whole bunch of them and I’d be ok…Its become more of a chore to watch than a joy, might be time for me to check out
Agree, they could all check out, tired of all of them. Korev had the right idea, got out before the ship sunk.
If you check out do it the right way and also put on blocks on social for the key words and don’t come to this site. LOL I checked out after the Alex debacle and yet here I am reading this hoping that he’s the character that died and that the bomber is his mom because I cannot accept the way he left Jo.
Honestly, that is a better ending. I would prefer that also.
Since it’s the only way they can keep viewers hooked, it’s not shocking they wanted to kill off someone else.
Owen. Please. God, please. Or Catherine? Catherine is killed off without Richard forgiving her, he takes a dark spiral turn and brings Jackson with him.
Which then causes Bailey and Maggie to spiral…and then Amelia, then Linc…it could be like a domino effect until only Meredith survives and she can decide she’s survived too much and she blows up the hospital
And that’s how the series ends. I’m good with that.
Please let it be Owen Hunt. I know it’s likely Deluca because it’s been rumored for months that he was quitting. But dear god, how have we lost so many other characters but we’re still stuck with A garbage person like Owen Hunt?
If it were Owen, I’d be thrilled. I know everyone in the cast and crew loves Kevin McKidd, but he can continue on as a director – he has directed several episodes over the years – and even direct more. Owen was a good character for a couple of seasons, but, since season seven, he has been insufferable and they just recycle pregnacy and cheating plots for him.
Love Owen Hunt. Don’t want it to be him. Though I have to admit, they haven’t been writing much for him and when they do, they don’t portray him in a sweet, fun, or likeable manner. Less temper/judgementalness, more loving.
I LOVE Owen Hunt! Don’t lose Owen, please! It has to be Giacomo so Meredith can move on with Christina’s gift without feeling like she has to look over her shoulder to see if he’s okay.
I’m okay with Katherine being killed off, too, especially if she leaves Richard controlling interest in a hospital or two. I love Debbie Allen, but I hate what’s become of her character’s character.
I’d much rather Teddy go. That woman is so horrendous. She’s been nothing but trouble, her whiny little voice and her little sad eyes… let it be Teddy.
When do they start filming for fall? Why at least? Things are set here to finally open back up early June – isn’t that enough time to be ready for regular premiere season
pleasebejackson pleasebejackson pleasebejackson
Given that he was pretty much the only GA cast member at the scene of the explosion…
Make it a 3 pack!
Take out Owen, Amelia, & Teddy.
agreed
It’s Owen Hunt! His storyline is running out.
Meh, so many characters have died/left/killed/disappeared that it’s to hard to care, especially when the old core characters are all gone.
I did watch the episode of Alex leaving, but I really stopped watching after the step-sibling dating situation. I mean really they couldn’t add another character for them both! Eew. I love Killing Eve but I wish they brought Cristina back.
Yang all day 🙌🏼
They’re definitely justifying Teddy’s confusion with a brain tumor or a hormonal anomaly or another unheard of illness
I’m so over Teddy. She needs to get out to Dodge.
Le5’s go with Meredith…SO tired of her!
I hope its Teddy….she is my absolute least favorite character.
100% agree. I’ve never liked her; I’m tired of her showing up, whining, and manipulating everyone. Ugh.
Andrew Deluca. He would have been killed when trying to expose the human trafficking ring that he saw previously.
The Station 19 finale has Meredith and Carina looking worried along with a scared Bailey showing up the meet Ben when he arrives in the ambulance at Grey-Sloane.
It was all to set up Meredith being with McWidow.