Izzie Stevens, portrayed by Katherine Heigl, officially departs Grey’s Anatomy in season 6, episode 12, titled “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked.” This marks the end of her tumultuous journey at Seattle Grace (later Seattle Grace Mercy West) Hospital.
Izzie’s Departure: A Comprehensive Overview
Izzie’s exit wasn’t a planned farewell; rather, it was a consequence of a combination of on-screen storylines and off-screen tensions between Heigl and the show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes. The episode itself is less about a tearful goodbye and more about the aftermath of her disappearance and the impact on her relationship with Alex Karev. Alex, devastated by her abrupt departure and left only with a note, struggles to understand her reasons for leaving and attempts to find her. The episode focuses heavily on Alex dealing with the abandonment, making it a pivotal moment for his character development rather than a traditional send-off for Izzie. The lack of a proper, conclusive ending left many fans feeling dissatisfied and seeking further clarification on the circumstances surrounding her departure.
Exploring the Timeline of Izzie’s Final Season
Season 6 sees Izzie facing significant professional and personal challenges. After surviving cancer in the previous season, she struggles to regain her footing at the hospital, making a critical error that jeopardizes a patient’s life. This, coupled with her strained relationship with Alex, sets the stage for her eventual departure. The events leading up to “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked” paint a picture of a character adrift and searching for purpose, but also arguably highlight a disconnect between the writing team and Heigl’s portrayal of Izzie. The perceived inconsistency in Izzie’s character arc leading up to her exit further fueled the controversy surrounding her departure.
The Aftermath: Impact on the Show and Characters
Izzie’s absence leaves a palpable void in the lives of the remaining characters, particularly Alex. His journey through heartbreak and eventual healing becomes a defining storyline for him. While Alex moves on and eventually finds happiness with Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington), Izzie’s departure looms as a shadow in his past. He eventually leaves Jo to be with Izzie and their children. Furthermore, Izzie’s exit allowed the show to explore new dynamics within the remaining group of original interns, pushing the narratives of Meredith, Cristina, and George in new directions. While her departure was initially met with criticism, it ultimately proved to be a catalyst for character growth and plot evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Izzie’s Departure
Q1: Why did Katherine Heigl leave Grey’s Anatomy?
Katherine Heigl’s departure from Grey’s Anatomy was attributed to a combination of factors. She publicly expressed dissatisfaction with her character’s storyline, particularly after surviving cancer. Furthermore, reports surfaced of disagreements between Heigl and Shonda Rhimes. She also cited family reasons and a desire to focus on her film career as contributing factors. The official reason given by Heigl was that she was spending more time with her family.
Q2: Was Izzie’s departure planned from the beginning of season 6?
No, Izzie’s departure was not planned from the beginning of season 6. While there were already some reports of tension between Heigl and Shonda Rhimes, it was expected that Heigl would continue playing the role until the end of her contract. However, Heigl requested to be released from her contract, which led to the relatively abrupt exit in episode 12.
Q3: What happened to Izzie after she left Seattle Grace?
After leaving Seattle Grace, Izzie’s whereabouts were largely unknown until Alex tracked her down in season 16. He found her working as a surgical oncologist and raising their children, conceived using the embryos they had frozen during her cancer treatment. This reveal provided closure for fans who had long wondered about Izzie’s fate and her relationship with Alex.
Q4: Did Katherine Heigl ever return to Grey’s Anatomy after season 6?
Yes, technically, Katherine Heigl did “return” to Grey’s Anatomy in season 16, but only through archived footage and voice-overs. She did not physically appear on screen. The voiceovers were from letters Izzie wrote to Alex explaining her life after Seattle Grace.
Q5: How did Alex Karev react to Izzie’s departure?
Alex was devastated by Izzie’s abrupt departure. He felt abandoned and struggled to understand her reasons for leaving. This experience profoundly affected him and influenced his future relationships. He eventually found her in season 16, and left his then-wife, Jo, to be with Izzie and his children.
Q6: Was Izzie’s exit a shock to the other cast members?
Yes, it was a shock to many of the other cast members. The abruptness of her departure and the lack of a traditional farewell scene left many feeling unsettled. The off-screen tension between Heigl and the show’s creator likely contributed to the unexpected nature of her exit.
Q7: How did fans react to Izzie leaving Grey’s Anatomy?
The fan reaction to Izzie’s departure was largely negative. Many viewers felt that her character was left unresolved and that the storyline was unsatisfying. The lack of a proper goodbye and the rushed nature of her exit were major points of criticism. Some fans also felt that the reasons for her departure were poorly explained within the context of the show.
Q8: Did Shonda Rhimes ever publicly comment on Katherine Heigl’s departure?
Shonda Rhimes has made various comments about Katherine Heigl’s departure over the years. While she has generally avoided being overly critical, she has acknowledged the challenges of working with actors who are not fully committed to the show. She has also alluded to the importance of creating a supportive and collaborative work environment.
Q9: How did Izzie’s departure affect the show’s ratings?
It’s difficult to definitively say how much Izzie’s departure directly affected the show’s ratings. While viewership did decline slightly in the seasons following her exit, it is important to note that Grey’s Anatomy had been on the air for several years at that point, and natural fluctuations in ratings are common. Other factors, such as changes in storylines and the introduction of new characters, also likely played a role.
Q10: Could Izzie Stevens ever return to Grey’s Anatomy in the future?
While anything is possible in the world of television, a full return of Katherine Heigl as Izzie Stevens seems unlikely. The complex history between Heigl and Shonda Rhimes, coupled with Heigl’s successful film career, makes a full-fledged return a difficult prospect. However, as proven by Alex’s departure in season 16, Grey’s Anatomy continues to surprise its audience.
Q11: What happened to the embryos Izzie and Alex froze?
The frozen embryos Izzie and Alex created during her cancer battle were unknowingly used by Izzie without Alex’s consent. She used them to have twins, a boy and a girl, and was raising them on a horse farm. Alex discovers this in season 16 and decides to leave Jo to be with them.
Q12: Is there any hope of seeing Izzie and Alex together on screen again?
While a full on-screen reunion is unlikely due to the circumstances surrounding Katherine Heigl’s departure, the writers have left the door open for future mentions or references to the couple. Given the enduring popularity of Izzie and Alex’s relationship, it’s possible that the show could find creative ways to acknowledge their ongoing story without requiring a physical appearance from Heigl. The writers have shown that anything is possible, but for the foreseeable future, fans may need to rely on their imagination to envision the couple’s life together off-screen.