Summary
After one particular episode, I’m hardly disappointed that Mark Sloan won’t be coming back toGrey’s Anatomy. Mark Sloan, played by Eric Dane, was the Head of Plastic Surgery back when theGrey’s Anatomyhospital was called the Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital.Mark, also known as McSteamy on the show, was recognized for his forward behavior and the romantic relationships he had with his colleagues. He was particularly involved in several on-and-off-again relationships which added interesting plot points to the medical drama.
Dane joined theGrey’s Anatomycastin season 2 and was a regular cast member until his character was killed off at the start of season 9 as a result of his injuries from a plane crash in the season 8 finale. That marked his exit from the series, but as is often the case withGrey’s Anatomycharacters, death obviously doesn’t bar him from returning, which was already proven with his character once. Theoretically, he could have returned again in season 21, but that won’t be happening. And frankly, I think this is a good thing.
Why Mark Sloan’s Sendoff In Grey’s Anatomy Had Such A Big Impact
Mark Sloan died in Grey’s Anatomy season 9 following the plane crash, but his death and sendoff left a big impact on characters and viewers alike.
Why Mark Sloan Won’t Return To Grey’s Anatomy In Season 21
Dane Is Satisfied With How Things Ended
An interview with Eric Dane revealed whyMark Sloan won’t returntoGrey’s Anatomyin the upcoming season. Dane toldVarietythat he believes his character, Mark Sloan, had the perfect run and that, regardless of how he left the show,he thinks that “everything happened exactly as it was supposed to happen.“While Dane’s view seems surprising, it makes sense when you look at the storylines that appeared as a result of the plane crash episode.
While watching the season 8 finale and season 9 premiere for the first time, I didn’t like that the show made it seem like Mark would be okay only to give him a surprising death so soon after the devastating season finale. But since time has passed, I can understand Dane’s view and understand that the show truly did happen as it was supposed to.The devastating episode opened up several new storylinesthat would not have been possible without it. As upsetting as the episode was, I can see why Dane thinks everything worked out in the end.
Grey’s Anatomy Already Gave Mark Sloan The Perfect Final Episode
Season 17 Closed Mark’s Story
When Mark Sloan died at the start of season 9 in the episode “Remember The Time,” it was almost certain that he would never return toGrey’s Anatomy, except in a possible flashback scene. But Meredith’s scare in season 17, when she became infected with COVID-19 and fell into a coma, brought Mark and several other deceased colleagues back to life momentarily. While Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey was in her coma,she dreamed of a beach that featured several deceased colleagues, including Mark Sloan and Lexie Grey.
Meredith’s beach dream in season 17gave Mark Sloan the perfect final episode. In season 17, episode 10, “Breathe"Mark and Lexie are seen together on Meredith’s beach. While Mark was in multiple relationships during his time on the show, his most intense relationship was with Lexie and in the heartbreaking season 8 finale, they confessed their love for each other before Lexie died. When Meredith sees the two together on the beach, it implies that the couple finally got together in the afterlife.
After Mark and Lexie’s deaths as a result of the season 8 finale, Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital was renamed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, which is the current name of the hospital, in honour of the two of them.
The episode wrapped up Mark’s story by giving him the perfect ending. If Mark came back after that season 17 episode, it would feel likeGrey’s Anatomywas too stuck in the past. Mark and Lexie were happy on Meredith’s beach andthat is really the best conclusion the characters could receive after such a heartbreaking ending. I do not want Dane to return to the show because I feel like his character has received closure and that having him reappear anymore would just be unncessary.
Why Did Eric Dane Leave Grey’s Anatomy In The First Place?
Dane’s Time Was Up
On Dax Shepard’s podcast, “Armchair Expert,” Dane revealed the official reason why he left the show back in 2012. He claimed thathe was let go by the show’s creators. He explained that actors get more expensive as shows go on, and he thinks that his time was up onGrey’s Anatomy. Despite his exit, he spoke positively about his colleagues on the show and only had good things to say about the creator ofGrey’s Anatomy, Shonda Rhimes.
Mark Sloan will always hold a special place in my heart as one of the original cast members ofGrey’s Anatomy,buthis exit in season 9 and subsequent momentary return in season 17, wrapped up his story. To bring him back again and again would be cruel as I think his character deserves to rest in peace with the happiness of knowing he ended up with Lexie. I agree with Dane that the show happened as it should and, despite his memorable character, I am happy that he won’t be returning inGrey’s Anatomyseason 21.
Grey’s Anatomy
Cast
Grey’s Anatomy is a medical drama series revolving around surgical interns, residents, and attendings at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The show features the professional and personal lives of these medical professionals, led initially by Dr. Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo. Created by Shonda Rhimes, the series highlights the complexities of medical cases while delving into the interpersonal relationships among the hospital staff.
