Alex Karev's Grey's Anatomy Exit: Justin Chambers Says "That Chapter is Closed!"
Justin Chambers on a Grey's Anatomy Return: "That Chapter Is Closed (For Now)"
Big news for Grey's Anatomy fans, folks! Justin Chambers, the man behind the iconic Alex Karev, has finally spoken out about a possible return to the show after a pretty controversial exit back in season 16 (after 16 seasons!). It's been over four years since his character abruptly ditched Jo (Camilla Luddington) to run off with Izzie (Katherine Heigl). Many people thought his exit was one of the worst storylines in all of Grey's anatomy! And as many people recall from watching the show – the exit was particularly shocking, especially for those devoted viewers following Alex's long and complex story arc through all those years.
But now he has shut down hopes for fans anticipating a return of Alex; during an interview with TVLine while promoting his new show, Accused. This made the following statements. “That chapter is closed for now.” While he clearly appreciated the chance to play Alex Karev across those 16 seasons, and despite his heartfelt message he expressed concerning Shonda Rhimes, his excitement around pursuing other exciting opportunities shows no real desire for a return.
What Does This Mean for Alex Karev's Future in Grey's Anatomy?
While this statement is fairly straightforward in its conclusion regarding the status of the character of Alex Karev – his comments highlight a complete closing of the door regarding returning; but it is important to emphasize that those exact words also leaves an element of intrigue, by emphasizing his lack of certainty for future endeavors which could create that much anticipated comeback. For the moment? He's firmly enjoying that freedom, after that nearly two-decade-long run as that singular character. And if he isn’t sure what to expect; nor exactly if and when that might occur later.
This exit was initially his idea. He made similar comments around the time of leaving. He prioritized exploring other acting opportunities plus focusing on spending time with his family; which shows exactly just why some choices are simply preferable when balancing a professional and a personal life. It appears that four years later; he's remaining steadfast and sticking with these previously mentioned preferences, highlighting that it ultimately might've been one of the better professional and life choices ever.
Alex Karev's Grey's Anatomy Exit: One of the Worst Ever?
We all know it: Alex Karev's departure is infamous, widely cited as one of Grey's Anatomy's worst exits, folks. That rushed and poorly planned departure, and an ill-conceived storyline concerning Izzie resulted in leaving all viewers in quite the upset state of emotions – and that awful, awful note left for Jo and Meredith (the other people featured most notably) leaves several people to feel those emotions of betrayal and utter betrayal, not helped by some questionable aspects to Alex's personality in the actual exit itself!
Bringing Alex back now, in season 21, is an absolutely awful move, for many people! His abrupt exit in a terrible emotional setting should be allowed to stand, this creates better drama for a future storyline and gives better resolution. Getting back the actor will never, ever truly work for Alex; bringing back an ill-planned previous exit in Grey's Anatomy without completely fixing the storyline would greatly undermine his previous exit, which really made for intense feelings that no future appearance could repair effectively without removing that already-existing emotional storyline and context surrounding his departure; even bringing him back simply cannot do justice to his long arc in this specific story; therefore leaving it intact is for the best.
Conclusion: A Closed Chapter (for now?) in the Grey's Anatomy Universe
Chambers' statement ends most hopes. For now? There’s absolutely no chance of Alex Karev returning. And considering that controversial departure, this makes it the perfect conclusion and emphasizes exactly just why those previous story arc decisions were absolutely terrible and could not be rectified by a simple return later on in the story! While a potential return hasn't entirely been erased entirely; those exact words used by Chambers are perfectly acceptable and shows exactly just why this shouldn’t occur. Even attempting to bring him back simply wouldn’t address that poorly made exit in season 16; only causing greater hurt to those already profoundly negatively impacted characters involved.
