"Grey's Anatomy" featured its biggest shocker ever in Season 11 Episode 21 "How to Save a Life." Patrick Dempsey's fan-favourite character Derek Shepherd met his end in a tragic car crash. He is declared brain dead as Meredith signs the papers and let the doctors take him off life support. Derek takes his last breath as the tubes are taken off. While the ending has evoked emotional reactions from the fans, show creator Shonda Rhimes is hopeful about the future for Meredith Grey Slaone Memorial Hospital.
In a statement to TV Line, Shonda Rhimes reacted to the most shocking death on "Grey's Anatomy" and teased what's next for Ellen Pompeo's Meredith Grey. Shonda Rhimes describes Derek Shepherd as an "incredibly important character" to the series. She revealed that she "never imagined saying goodbye" to Derek who is popularly known as McDreamy.
In her statement, Rhimes praised Dempsey's performance and how he made Derek a fan-favourite. Meanwhile, Derek's unexpected death means new struggles for Meredith who not so long ago said goodbye to her best friend Cristina (Sandra Oh). However, there are new possibilities to look forward to.
"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," Shonda Rhimes told. The show creator assures that "possibilities for what may come are endless."
Derek has been a key character on "Grey's Anatomy" since Season 1. The character got romantically involved with the leading lady Meredith and they eventually got married. Fans know that Meredith is now a single mother of two children.
Dempsey spoke about his exit for the first time after the show aired the shocking death of his character in just aired episode of "Grey's Anatomy." He told TV Line that he will "forever be grateful and humbled by the experience."
Meanwhile, "Grey's Anatomy" star Caterina Scorsone, who portrays Derek's sister Amelia, talked about the death. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, she said the character's departure "fundamentally changes" the show and it becomes about "human resilience." As for its impact on Derek's sister, the actress said it will be a "devastating blow" for her character as Derek as has been most important person and part of Amelia's life. And Derek's death will change Meredith forever.
"Grey's Anatomy" Season 11 returns on April 30 with Episode 22 titled "She's Leaving Home" at 8:00 pm on ABC. Come back for more updates and spoilers.