‘Grey’s Anatomy’ season 11, episode 21: Could Derek really die?
“Grey’s Anatomy” has not promoted an episode quite like they are promoting Thursday night’s new episode “How to Save a Life” in years. It is the first episode written by Shonda Rhimes since the infamous “Flight,” and ABC is acting like this is going to be a defining moment in TV history.
Now, the question you have to ask yourself is this: Why? What makes this episode so special? Superficially, it stands out because of the setting since very little of it seems to be taking place within the walls of the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. You are going to see Derek out on the road, seemingly helping victims of some sort of car accident. He may be the only person who can ensure their safety, but in the process of helping them, he may be putting his own life at risk.
So is it possible that Rhimes would really write Patrick Dempsey out of the show? There is some evidence here that should have you concerned, whether it be the bright lights Meredith saw at the end of this past episode, or the fact that she had not heard from her husband all day. He even missed an important meeting in Washington DC that was supposed to end his work there. Whatever happens renders him incapable of communication and that should make fans worry.
Killing off Derek would certainly be shocking, and have longtime viewers talking about this show in a way that they really haven’t in a long time. It would also be an excellent showcase for Dempsey, whose material this season has been a little all over the place thanks to the bicoastal nature of his character. ABC may just be promoting the episode this way because they are extremely proud of it and it does not have to mean that they are sending Derek off to pasture.
One last thing to remember here is that Dempsey is under contract until season 12 concludes. That is no guarantee that he will appear, but it does tell you that the show is not just killing him because he wouldn’t sign a new deal.
What do you think: Could Derek actually die Thursday? Vote in the attached poll, and click here to watch a promo for this episode! Also, sign up to get another dosage of all things TV courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)