Grey’s Anatomy: This is Alex Karev, he’s all grown now
By Meg Dowell
On Grey’s Anatomy, Alex Karev is one of few original characters remaining — and he’s probably the one who has come the furthest from where he began.
Character development — or lack thereof — is a major source of both praise and complaint among Grey’s Anatomy fans. As the seasons progress, some become more and more frustrated that characters seem trapped in the vicious cycle of their own creation — or is it the fault of lazy writing? Opinions vary.
But if there’s one example of a character who has proven time and again that progressive growth over a span of 16 seasons is possible, it’s Alex Karev. If you would have asked Grey’s Anatomy fans 15 years ago who their favorite character was, it’s likely Alex Karev wouldn’t have even made it in the top 10.
Now, when fans name their favorites, Alex is almost always in the running for the top spot. And that’s not because he’s one of few remaining original cast members on the show.
At the very beginning of the series, Alex was a terrible human being. He was supposed to be. He somehow managed to secure a residency without passing his boards, he cared more about himself than his patients, and he had a reputation for treating women like trash. He was purposefully unlikable. But that gave him plenty of room to grow.
It took time, of course. He had to date a few people, casually and otherwise. And then he married Izzie, and the heartbreak that ensued when she left him set him back a bit. But that’s growth. You take steps back. You learn from your mistakes.
Specializing in pediatrics — and later becoming chief of that department — was where his character truly began to shine. In following his true passion and letting his softer side do the talking, he became what fans never thought he could: lovable.
Now he’s a better chief of surgery than Miranda Bailey will ever be (sorry not sorry). He’s gentle, compassionate, and willing to teach. He also knows he has a lot to learn — having to watch Jo go through the lowest point in her depression tested not only their relationship but his character and his ability to practice patience and empathy. And he passed. He wasn’t perfect, but he wasn’t trying to be.
But what’s been the most rewarding of all — besides him finally finding true happiness with Jo — is his unbreakable friendship with Meredith. Cristina Yang’s departure was heartbreaking, sure. But when Meredith needed a new Person, he was there. And these two have a friendship these writers wouldn’t dare touch … right?
He’s already proven he will do anything to help and support her. Bailey fired him for helping her, but it looks like that was the best thing that could have happened to everyone involved. Now we just need him and Meredith working together again in some capacity, even if she can’t actually practice medicine at Pac North (or anywhere for that matter).
Whatever happens moving forward, we’re all in as long as Alex is along for the ride. He’s been here the whole way, and it’s likely he will stick around until the series finale. If that ever happens. Will Grey’s go on forever? Unclear. Even Shonda Rhimes doesn’t know. We could be here a while.
Next. Grey's Anatomy: Will Meredith's kids make or break MerLuca?. dark