"Grey's Anatomy" executive producer Shonda Rhimes recently revealed Derek Shepherd's storyline if his character was not killed off in season 11.
Rhimes recently spoke at the 2015 Television Critics Association summer press tour. She said that ahead of Derek's death, she and the other writers of the show were contemplating on whether or not it was best to really kill off the character.
According to BuzzFeed, Rhimes was left with only two options in relation to Derek. First is to kill off his character or two, allow Derek to abandon Meredith. Rhimes said that the first option was most realistic because if Derek were only to leave Meredith, it would seem like their love for each other was not real.
However, fans were unhappy with the fact that Rhimes did not necessarily explain why Derek had to be killed or axed from the show in the first place.
Meanwhile, Ellen Pompeo's reaction to Rhimes' statement surprised fans as well because they were expecting that she would not be okay with Rhimes' decision to axe Patrick Dempsey.
However, according to Providence Journal, Pompeo said that she understands why Rhimes came to that decision. The actress added that Derek's death only means that new things will happen on the show. She added that Derek's demise could inspire the writers to think creatively when it comes to new storylines.
In other news, "Grey's Anatomy" season 12 will be much lighter than season 11. However, it is unclear whether or not another death could be expected in the upcoming installment.
"Grey's Anatomy" season 12 will premiere on ABC on Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. ET.