Who's Going to Die on the Grey's Anatomy Season Finale?
Grey's Anatomy
Who's going to die on the Grey's Anatomy eighth season finale?
Six doctors — Meredith, Derek, Cristina, Mark, Lexie and Arizona — crash-landed somewhere in the woods on their way to Boise. Though we'd like to think that April (Sarah Drew), who failed her boards, would kill herself and save us the torment of a more shocking loss — the promos seem to indicate that it's one of the Stranded Six who won't make it out alive.
Grey's Anatomy Exclusive Finale Scoop: A Seattle Grace exodus and a "dark and twisty" event
So which character bites the dust? We weigh the pros and cons for each potential Seattle Grace casualty in order from most to least likely to die:
1. Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh)
Why She Will Die: We have come to love Little Grey, so when Shonda Rhimes told us the prospect of a reunion with Mark might be "bittersweet or painful," we were worried. Our guess? They finally reconcile just in time for one of them to die, which is why they're both at the top of this list.
Why She Won't: Meredith has already stated that Lexie is one of the reasons she'd stay, so if the writers are planning to keep Mer at Seattle Grace, then why would baby sis have to die?
2. Mark Sloan (Eric Dane)
Why He Will Die: Let's face it, Mark is only interesting when he's in a relationship with Lexie, and it's been an entire season since they were dating. And anyway, we're sick of the will-they-won't-they dynamic for a couple that was already together! Also: Rhimes' bittersweet comment above could also apply to Mark.
Why He Won't: Slexie fans would be furious if the duo never did get back together. Plus: Do we really want to see Lexie have another mental breakdown like she did after the shooting?
Exclusive Grey's Anatomy Video: Which doctors will be leaving Seattle Grace?
3. Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw)
Why She Will Die: When Arizona cried to Callie (Sara Ramirez) about the impending loss of her friend Nick, she begged Callie to never leave, but moments later, Arizona was the one who took Alex's spot on the plane and flew off to Boise. When writers use the old foreshadowing technique like that, we get anxious. Also, how poetic would it be if the one person who wasn't supposed to be on the plane ended up dying? Writers love that!
Why She Won't: Rhimes might fear the wrath of the LGBT community — with whom she works closely with and is receiving a GLAAD award from — should she kill off one of the few lesbian characters on network television.
4. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey)
Why He Will Die: His death would singlehandedly reinvigorate the series because it would be a rebirth for Meredith. Sure, she would be sad and go through yet another long "dark and twisty" phase, but to see her come out the other side "bright and shiny" and single again would be a fun journey. (We'll be expecting your hate mail soon!)
Why He Won't: He just finished the McMansion! In all seriousness, the likelihood of Derek being killed off is slim considering Dempsey, Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Justin Chambers, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. all reportedly signed two-year contracts last week, which Dempsey later confirmed — at least for himself.
5. Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh)
Why She Will Die: Cristina slept with Owen (Kevin McKidd), made her amends and made the decision that she's leaving Seattle Grace — she wrapped up her time at the hospital in a neat little bow! What better person to kill than someone who has finally gotten her life together?
Why She Won't: Next to the obvious contract situation, frankly there are still plenty of stories to tell with Cristina, including how the twisted sisters would deal with being separated, and her trying to find common ground with Owen.
Grey's Anatomy's Worst Case Scenarios: What if Meredith leaves, but Derek stays?
6. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo)
Why She Will Die: Seriously? They're not going to kill Meredith. Her name is in the title of the show. Period.
Why She Won't: Again, contracts. But Rhimes has also said on numerous occasions that she never planned on Lexie becoming the Grey of Grey's Anatomy should Pompeo make an exit. Sorry, lil' sis!
Who do you think will die? Vote in our poll below and hit the comments with your thoughts.
The Grey's Anatomy finale airs Thursday at 9/8c on ABC.