Introduction: A Forgotten Doctor’s Return Can Right A Past Wrong
As Grey’s Anatomy continues to evolve, the show’s extensive cast and complex plots often leave certain storylines unresolved. With Season 21 on the horizon, it’s the perfect opportunity for the writers to bring back one of the most forgotten characters from past seasons—Dr. Izzie Stevens, played by Katherine Heigl.
Dr. Stevens was a fan favorite, known for her emotional journey, strong personality, and rollercoaster love life. However, Izzie’s sudden departure and the way her story was written off left many fans feeling like her character deserved more closure. As the show continues to evolve, bringing back Izzie could give her the proper ending she was denied—a plot that would make fans feel more satisfied with her journey, offering a sense of justice for a beloved character.
Let’s dive into why Izzie Stevens deserves a proper ending and how her return in Season 21 can bring closure to one of Grey’s Anatomy’s most unfairly handled plots.
1. Izzie Stevens: A Character Left in Limbo
Izzie Stevens’ exit from Grey’s Anatomy was one of the most shocking and controversial moments in the show’s history. In Season 6, after an intense and emotional storyline—including the tragic death of her fiancé, Denny Duquette—Izzie’s character suddenly left the hospital with little explanation.
While the show’s writers initially made it seem like she would be taking some time off, Izzie never returned, and her story was left hanging. In an emotionally charged episode, Izzie and Alex Karev, who had been her romantic partner, had an emotional farewell. She disappeared from the series without closure, leaving many fans with lingering questions about her future.
Over the years, Grey’s Anatomy fans have always wondered: Why was Izzie’s character abandoned? Did she deserve a better send-off?
Her plotline was left unresolved, and her sudden exit didn’t seem to align with the deep, well-developed character fans had come to know and love. There’s no doubt that a proper ending for Izzie’s character could provide the closure that many fans believe she deserves.
2. Izzie Stevens’ Return Could Provide Closure to Her Storyline
Izzie’s story is one of the most underdeveloped exits in Grey’s Anatomy. After a dramatic departure, she was never heard from again, and fans were left wondering if she would ever return. If Season 21 brought back Izzie Stevens, it would provide fans with the closure they’ve been longing for. Here’s why it’s essential:
1. The Alex and Izzie Love Story Deserves a Final Chapter
One of the most memorable relationships on the show was between Izzie Stevens and Alex Karev. Their bond was one of the defining aspects of their early years on Grey’s Anatomy. However, after their heart-wrenching breakup, the show made it seem like the relationship was permanently over. Izzie’s sudden exit cut off any potential for resolution.
In Season 21, bringing Izzie back could provide a final chapter for Alex and Izzie—especially since Alex Karev’s exit was equally controversial. Alex’s abrupt departure left fans with more questions than answers about his relationship with Izzie. Izzie’s return could give them the closure they both need, whether that means rekindling their relationship or understanding why it ended the way it did.
2. Izzie’s Life After Grey Sloan Memorial
Izzie’s departure left fans in the dark about what she had been up to after leaving Grey Sloan. After all the trauma and emotional hurdles she had faced, including her cancer diagnosis, there was no real resolution to her character arc.
Did Izzie ever get the happiness she deserved? What happened in her life after leaving Seattle? Bringing her back would allow the writers to address these questions and offer fans the closure and satisfaction they’ve been craving. Whether she’s married with kids, has become a successful doctor elsewhere, or simply found peace in another way, the storyline should be completed in a way that feels authentic to Izzie’s journey.
3. A Proper Goodbye: Healing Unresolved Emotions
Izzie’s exit didn’t just leave her fans wondering; it also left unfinished business with several characters. Dr. Miranda Bailey and Dr. Callie Torres were important parts of Izzie’s life, and neither received any significant farewell. Furthermore, Izzie’s relationship with her children—whom she left behind in Season 6—is something that has never been addressed.
A return could allow Izzie to finally tie up these loose ends, reconnecting with those she left behind. For fans, it would be incredibly fulfilling to see Izzie find peace with her past relationships and fully heal emotionally.
3. Izzie Stevens’ Impact on Grey’s Anatomy’s Core
When Izzie Stevens first joined Grey’s Anatomy, she became a part of the core group of characters who shaped the show’s early years. Her dynamic with Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, and George O’Malley helped establish the iconic friendships that the series is still known for today.
Izzie’s return in Season 21 could rekindle that spirit of camaraderie. Fans would love to see her reconnect with Meredith and Cristina, who have both undergone significant personal changes since her departure. There’s potential for new storylines to unfold with these characters interacting in ways we haven’t seen in years.
4. Izzie Stevens as a Catalyst for New Story Arcs
Beyond the nostalgia factor, Izzie’s return would provide new and exciting narrative possibilities for Grey’s Anatomy. Izzie could come back as a mentor to new residents, offering fresh insights into the medical world. She could also offer guidance to the newer, younger doctors who are still finding their place in the hospital.
Additionally, if Izzie has undergone personal growth in her time away, she could bring a new perspective to the relationships in the hospital. Whether that’s reconciling with old friends or making amends with old enemies, there’s no shortage of drama and emotional stakes to explore with her return.
5. Why Now? Izzie’s Return is the Perfect Closure for Season 21
With Season 21 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to bring back Izzie Stevens. After 20 seasons of ups and downs, Grey’s Anatomy is approaching a critical point in its history. The writers have the opportunity to close the book on many long-running storylines, and Izzie’s return could serve as a fitting way to address her unfinished arc.
Furthermore, Izzie’s return would speak to the themes of healing, growth, and closure—all central themes of Grey’s Anatomy. Her story would offer not just a personal resolution for her, but also a chance for fans to look back at the journey they’ve taken together with the show.
Conclusion: Bringing Izzie Stevens Back for a Proper Ending
Izzie Stevens is one of the most beloved and tragically sidelined characters in Grey’s Anatomy. Her abrupt departure left a gap that has been felt by both fans and the characters around her. Season 21 presents the perfect opportunity to bring Izzie back for the proper ending her character deserves.
By addressing her past relationships, offering closure to her fans, and exploring new storylines, Izzie’s return could provide one of the most emotionally satisfying moments in the history of the show. It’s time to give Izzie Stevens the final chapter she never received and let her leave the world of Grey’s Anatomy on a high note.
FAQs
1. Why did Izzie Stevens leave Grey’s Anatomy?
Izzie left in Season 6 after her engagement to Alex and cancer diagnosis. Her departure was never fully explained, leaving many fans with unresolved questions.
2. Will Izzie Stevens return in Season 21?
While nothing has been confirmed, many fans are hoping for her return to give her character the closure she deserves.
3. What could Izzie’s return mean for Alex Karev?
Izzie’s return could provide closure to their relationship, whether it means reconciliation or understanding why it ended.
4. How could Izzie’s return impact the current storyline?
Izzie could provide closure for unresolved storylines, offer mentorship to new residents, and bring emotional depth to existing characters.
5. What is the significance of Izzie’s return in Season 21?
Bringing Izzie back in Season 21 could allow the show to tie up loose ends and offer fans a satisfying conclusion to a long-running and unfinished plotline.