The longevity of Grey’s Anatomy is a testament to its deep connections with viewers, its emotional rollercoasters, and the unforgettable characters that have come and gone over the years. As the show progresses into its 21st season, there’s one major thing many fans have noticed—a number of unresolved plotlines still linger, with some characters unfairly sidelined or forgotten. But what if bringing back one of these forgotten doctors could offer a proper resolution to an unfinished story and provide closure for long-time fans?
In this article, we’ll explore how bringing back one specific character in Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 could right the wrongs of an unjustly forgotten plotline. This character holds the potential to offer closure, fix narrative inconsistencies, and deliver a proper ending that fans deserve.
A Quick Recap: The Forgotten Doctor in Grey’s Anatomy
In a series as vast as Grey’s Anatomy, it’s easy for certain characters to be overshadowed by the main protagonists. For example, doctors like George O’Malley, Lexie Grey, and even Cristina Yang have received their moments of fame, but some have slipped through the cracks in later seasons. One of the most glaring examples of this oversight is the character of Dr. Izzie Stevens.
Izzie Stevens was once one of the central characters on the show. She started as a compassionate and sometimes naive surgical resident and grew into one of the most loved characters. However, after a controversial departure in Season 6, Izzie’s storyline was left hanging. Her exit was abrupt, leaving fans wondering if there was ever going to be a proper resolution to her narrative arc.
Why Izzie Stevens Deserves a Proper Ending in Season 21
Izzie’s Unfinished Storyline
Izzie Stevens was written off in a way that many fans felt was rushed. Her relationship with Alex Karev was a central plotline, yet her sudden departure from Grey’s Anatomy left fans with more questions than answers. After all, Izzie was a character who had endured incredible personal challenges—her battle with cancer, the loss of a child, and her dramatic love affair with Alex.
In Season 21, bringing Izzie back could give her story the closure it deserves. Fans have been yearning for her return to tie up loose ends, especially regarding her relationship with Alex, her children, and her career. Izzie’s return would allow the show to revisit her personal and professional growth, giving her the narrative justice she was denied.
The Importance of Closure for Fans
When beloved characters like Izzie Stevens are written off without proper closure, it can leave a lasting impact on the audience. For many viewers, Izzie was a role model, a character they saw struggle, grow, and ultimately overcome life’s challenges. The abruptness of her departure felt like an unfinished symphony—disrupting the flow of the show and leaving a void that hasn’t been filled since.
Fans who watched Izzie’s journey want to see her complete arc, get the peace she deserves, and understand where her story fits in the larger context of the hospital’s ever-changing environment. Season 21 provides an opportunity to right this wrong and honor the character with a much-needed storyline resolution.
The Narrative Gaps That Need Fixing
Izzie and Alex’s Unresolved Relationship
One of the most painful loose ends in Grey’s Anatomy history was the unexplained departure of Izzie Stevens from Alex Karev’s life. Their relationship was a significant part of the show, and Izzie’s sudden absence left a massive hole in the storyline. Fans never got to see Alex and Izzie properly navigate their relationship after her exit. Bringing Izzie back in Season 21 could allow for a full-circle moment, whether that means healing old wounds, exploring unresolved emotions, or bringing them together for good.
Izzie’s return could provide both a closure arc for Alex, who also found his way to a bittersweet ending with Jo, and a satisfying reunion for fans who have been waiting for this moment for years.
Izzie’s Professional Journey: A Missed Opportunity
Izzie’s professional development as a surgeon was cut short when she left the hospital. At the time, she was one of the most promising residents with exceptional skills and a big heart. However, after her departure, fans were left wondering what happened to Izzie’s career. Did she become a renowned surgeon? Did she move on to a different field?
By bringing Izzie back in Season 21, the show could provide closure to her professional journey. Was she able to achieve her dreams? Did she find fulfillment in her career? This would add another layer of depth to her character and show viewers that she truly grew, not only personally but professionally.
Could Izzie’s Return Help Tie Up Other Unfinished Plotlines?
While Izzie’s storyline deserves individual attention, her return could also have a broader impact on other unresolved plotlines. For example:
- The Fate of George O’Malley: George’s tragic death left fans devastated. While his death was necessary for the narrative, Izzie’s return could bring some much-needed reflection on his legacy, especially given her emotional connection with George.
- The Grey Sloan Memorial Team: Izzie’s return could provide opportunities to explore how her former colleagues, including Meredith, Miranda Bailey, and Richard Webber, have changed in the years since her departure. How would they react to her return, and what new dynamic could she bring to the team?
- Bringing Izzie into the New Generation: Izzie could be positioned as a mentor for the new generation of residents, bridging the gap between the past and present. This would allow the show to explore how much has changed and how the hospital has evolved over time.
How Izzie’s Return Could Revitalize Grey’s Anatomy in Season 21
Reviving Emotional Investment
By bringing back Izzie Stevens, Grey’s Anatomy can tap into the deep emotional investment that fans have in her character. Audiences have followed Izzie’s journey from her first days as an intern, so her return would be a highly emotional moment. Reuniting Izzie with old friends, like Meredith and Alex, would provide a sense of continuity, grounding the show in its roots while simultaneously offering something fresh.
A Chance to Reinvent Izzie’s Character
Izzie Stevens’ return to Grey’s Anatomy doesn’t have to be just about closure; it can also be a chance to reinvent her character. How has Izzie changed over the years? What kind of person has she become? This could be an opportunity for the character to evolve in unexpected ways, making her return not only satisfying but also intriguing for long-time viewers.
Conclusion: Izzie Stevens’ Return Is the Key to a Fitting End for Unfinished Business
Bringing Izzie Stevens back in Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 could serve as a way to finally wrap up her story, fill in the gaps, and provide the closure that fans have been yearning for. Her relationship with Alex, her professional growth, and her impact on the Grey Sloan Memorial team all deserve proper resolution. Izzie’s return would not only bring justice to an unfair plotline but could also revitalize the show by reconnecting with its roots, reminding viewers of what made Grey’s Anatomy so special in the first place.
FAQs
1. Why was Izzie Stevens written off Grey’s Anatomy?
Izzie Stevens was written off the show in Season 6 due to actress Katherine Heigl’s decision to leave the show, citing personal and professional reasons. Her exit was abrupt and left many plotlines unresolved.
2. What was left unresolved with Izzie’s character?
Izzie’s relationship with Alex Karev, her future as a surgeon, and her emotional development were left hanging after her departure, leaving fans longing for closure.
3. How could Izzie’s return affect Alex Karev’s storyline?
Izzie’s return could provide closure for her relationship with Alex, helping to resolve any lingering feelings between them, especially given Alex’s eventual ending with Jo.
4. Could Izzie return in a permanent or guest-starring role?
Izzie’s return could be as a guest star initially, but it’s possible that her character could be brought back on a more permanent basis, depending on the direction of the show.
5. Would Izzie’s return help Grey’s Anatomy remain fresh for fans?
Yes, Izzie’s return could bring fresh emotional depth and revitalized energy to the show, offering fans the closure they need while also offering new narrative opportunities for existing characters.
