| "Leave a Light On" | |
|---|---|
| Grey's Anatomy episode | |
&sq=Facebook&lang=en&file=File:16x16_Alex_Izzie.png) An episodic screenshot displaying Stevens and Karev sleeping with their 2 children, Alexis and Eli. | |
| Episode no. | Season 16 Episode 16 |
| Directed by | Debbie Allen |
| Written by | Elisabeth Finch |
| Featured music |
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| Original air date | March 5, 2020 |
| Running time | 43 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
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"Leave a Light On" is the sixteenth episode of the sixteenth season of the American medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy and the 358th episode overall, which aired on ABC on March 5, 2020. The episode was written by Elisabeth Finch and directed by Debbie Allen. It marked the final appearance of Justin Chambers as Alex Karev.
On January 10, 2020, it was announced that Chambers left the series, having already made his last physical appearance in the November 14, 2019 episode "My Shot", the 350th episode revolving around the trial for Meredith's medical license.[1] Showrunner Krista Vernoff discussed the challenge in writing Alex off without Chambers physically being there, having left the show suddenly. Vernoff said, "It was a very careful threading of a needle, where we are giving a little bit of information and pain to Jo," she said, adding, "Episode by episode, we’re illuminating the story of where Alex is. And it takes us quite a few more episodes to get there and to give the audience clarity."[2]
The episode resolves several storylines, including the disappearance of Alex Karev after 7 episodes, the disappearance of Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) over 10 years ago and Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) choosing to take in a homeless teenager. Stevens was last seen in the episode, "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked" in 2010. She re-appears for the first time again through extensive use of archive footage as well as visual cameos portrayed by a body double, as details of her current situation are revealed, along with Chambers' character. Chambers returns for the episode in voice-over, as the episode takes a retrospective approach, as he narrates much of what has happened to him since. The storyline involving Izzie's embryos is picked up again, having previously been addressed in the season 12 episode, "I Choose You" and originating in the season 5 episode, "Elevator Love Letter".
The episode's original broadcast was watched by 6.30 million viewers and registered the show's best ratings in 6 weeks, since the mid-season premiere. It received polarized reviews from fans and critics alike, who were divided on the show's handling of Alex's exit, but many largely felt it made sense given the circumstances of Chambers' abrupt departure. Additionally, the closure to Izzie's storyline as well as the reuniting of Izzie and Alex's popular pairing after 10 years received widespread critical and popular acclaim.
- ^ "Justin Chambers Leaving Grey's Anatomy After 15 Years". Deadline Hollywood. January 10, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (March 5, 2020). "Grey's Boss Speaks Out in Wake of Shocking Alex Farewell Episode". TVLine. Retrieved March 8, 2020.