When you think of Grey’s Anatomy, several characters likely come to mind: Meredith Grey, Derek Shepherd, Cristina Yang, and even the lovable Jackson Avery. But one name that might not immediately pop into your head, yet still left a lasting impact, is Dr. Nathan Riggs, portrayed by Martin Henderson.
Known for his compelling role as the charming, yet complicated cardiothoracic surgeon, Riggs’ time on Grey’s Anatomy may have been brief, but it certainly had its fair share of drama and emotional depth. For many fans, the exit of Riggs was one of those bittersweet moments that still lingers.
Fast forward to 2024, and Martin Henderson, now a fan favorite on Virgin River, is hinting at a potential return to Grey’s Anatomy. Could we really see Dr. Riggs back in action? The actor himself seems open to the idea, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Let’s dive into why Martin Henderson could return to the beloved medical drama, and what this could mean for the show’s future.
Martin Henderson’s Iconic Run on Grey’s Anatomy
Before we get to the big news, let’s rewind a bit and revisit Martin Henderson’s unforgettable role on Grey’s Anatomy.
Dr. Nathan Riggs: A Complex Character
Martin Henderson joined the Grey’s Anatomy cast in 2016 as Dr. Nathan Riggs, a heart surgeon with a mysterious past. He quickly became a key character, entering into a turbulent romantic relationship with Meredith Grey, which stirred up plenty of drama both in their personal lives and in the hospital.
Riggs was portrayed as a brooding yet likable doctor, a man who had experienced significant emotional trauma, most notably the death of his fiancée. This backstory added depth to his character, making him more than just another handsome face at Grey Sloan Memorial. His connection with Meredith added sparks to the show, and many fans were invested in seeing where their relationship could go. However, due to various personal and professional challenges, Riggs eventually left the hospital in 2017, which left fans wondering what could have been.
The Impact of Riggs’ Exit
Riggs’ departure from Grey’s Anatomy was met with mixed emotions. While his exit wasn’t as dramatic as other characters, it felt like a missed opportunity for deeper storytelling. The romantic tension between Meredith and Riggs, alongside his eventual departure for a fresh start, left a gaping hole in the narrative that was hard to ignore.
But, as fans of Grey’s Anatomy know all too well, the show has a way of bringing back former characters—sometimes in surprising ways. Whether through a flashback or an unexpected return, the revolving door of Grey Sloan Memorial allows former cast members to make a return.
Why Martin Henderson is Open to Returning to Grey’s Anatomy
Now, let’s fast forward to the present. Martin Henderson is currently a star on Netflix’s Virgin River, a role that has garnered him significant attention. His portrayal of Jack Sheridan, a complicated but caring bar owner, has made him one of the show’s leading men. But despite his success on the romantic drama, Henderson hasn’t completely ruled out returning to Grey’s Anatomy.
The Desire to Revisit Old Characters
In a recent interview, Henderson shared that he would be open to returning to Grey’s Anatomy under the right circumstances. “It was such a great experience working on that show,” he said. “I wouldn’t rule out revisiting the character, especially if the story made sense.”
This statement is music to the ears of Grey’s Anatomy fans who have longed for the return of Dr. Riggs. But what could possibly bring him back? Let’s explore the potential storylines that could justify a return for Nathan Riggs.
Possible Storylines for Nathan Riggs’ Return
A Heartwarming Reunion with Meredith Grey?
One of the most obvious storylines that could bring Dr. Riggs back to Grey Sloan Memorial would be a reunion with Meredith. Their relationship was left unfinished, with Riggs leaving to start fresh after their personal issues. But as we know, Grey’s Anatomy thrives on rekindled romances and second chances. Meredith, now dealing with the loss of Derek, has gone through her own emotional journey since Riggs’ exit. Could a reunion between the two be in the cards?
A New Medical Case or Crisis
Another possibility is bringing Riggs back as part of a larger medical case. Grey’s Anatomy is no stranger to bringing in former characters when a major medical crisis arises. Whether it’s a new surgical breakthrough or a high-profile patient, Dr. Riggs could return as an expert, ready to help the Grey Sloan team tackle a particularly challenging case.
A Personal Struggle or Redemption Arc
Perhaps the most compelling reason for Riggs’ return would be a personal journey. Over the course of his time on Grey’s Anatomy, Riggs dealt with unresolved emotional trauma, particularly surrounding the death of his fiancée. A return could delve deeper into his emotional growth, possibly allowing him to confront his past and fully heal, offering fans an emotional and redemptive arc.
What Would a Riggs Comeback Mean for the Show?
Adding Complexity to Meredith’s Love Life
Meredith Grey’s love life has been one of the central focuses of the series. After the death of Derek Shepherd, Meredith has faced numerous relationships, each marked by complicated dynamics and emotional growth. A return of Nathan Riggs could add another layer of depth to her journey. Would she find closure with him, or could sparks fly once again?
Given Meredith’s evolving character, her connection with Riggs would be much more nuanced, offering a fresh direction for her romantic storyline.
Bringing Back Familiar Faces for More Drama
A return of Martin Henderson to Grey’s Anatomy would not only excite fans who loved Dr. Riggs, but it could also offer opportunities to bring back other past characters. Imagine a reunion of sorts, where Riggs crosses paths with familiar faces like April Kepner or Arizona Robbins. This could offer fresh dynamics and create new storylines.
A Boost in Viewership
Grey’s Anatomy has been on air for over 15 years, and while it still enjoys a dedicated fan base, it could benefit from the return of a beloved character. Martin Henderson’s fan-favorite status, bolstered by his role in Virgin River, could give the show a much-needed boost in ratings and bring back viewers who may have tuned out.
Could This Happen? The Possibilities of a Riggs Return
The million-dollar question is: will Martin Henderson really return to Grey’s Anatomy? While his recent comments have been open and inviting, there is no official confirmation yet. The show has kept its cards close to the chest when it comes to major cast returns. However, given the show’s history of reviving past characters—especially fan favorites—it’s certainly within the realm of possibility.
Logistical Challenges: Will It Fit Into Henderson’s Schedule?
While Henderson is open to the idea, there are logistical challenges. His role on Virgin River is a major commitment, and he would have to juggle that with any potential return to Grey’s Anatomy. However, this wouldn’t be the first time an actor has made a return to a previous show while working on a current one. With enough planning and creative storylines, a return could easily be made to work.
Conclusion: Will We See Dr. Riggs Again?
Martin Henderson’s openness to returning to Grey’s Anatomy has sparked excitement among fans, especially those who felt the character of Nathan Riggs left the show too soon. While there’s no confirmation yet, the door is certainly open for a potential return. Whether it’s for a romantic reunion with Meredith, a medical crisis, or a personal redemption arc, a return of Dr. Riggs would add complexity and excitement to the ongoing drama of Grey’s Anatomy.
For now, fans can only dream of what might be, but with Henderson’s enthusiasm for revisiting the role, there’s always a chance we could see him back in the world of Grey Sloan Memorial—hopefully, sooner rather than later.
FAQs
1. Why did Martin Henderson leave Grey’s Anatomy? Henderson’s character, Nathan Riggs, left Grey’s Anatomy in 2017. His departure was due to personal and professional reasons, including his relationship with Meredith Grey and his need to move on from his past.
2. Would Meredith Grey and Nathan Riggs make a good couple? Their chemistry was undeniable, and many fans were rooting for them to get together. A return of Riggs could give them a chance to explore their relationship further, potentially offering a fulfilling storyline for both characters.
3. What role does Martin Henderson play in Virgin River? Martin Henderson stars as Jack Sheridan, a bar owner in the small town of Virgin River. Jack is a complicated character who struggles with emotional baggage but is deeply caring, making him a fan favorite.
