Mark Sloan and Lexie Grey’s will-they-won’t-they romance on Grey’s Anatomy was a central and emotionally charged storyline for several seasons. The couple officially got together, marking the start of their on-again-off-again relationship, in Season 5, Episode 16: “An Honest Mistake.” This episode sees Lexie confessing her feelings to Mark, and despite his initial reservations, he reciprocates.
The Long and Winding Road to “An Honest Mistake”
Mark and Lexie’s journey to becoming an official couple was anything but smooth. Their initial connection was undeniable, fueled by mutual attraction and a surprisingly deep understanding of each other. However, significant obstacles stood in their way, including Mark’s reputation as a notorious womanizer and the age difference between them. Lexie, fresh out of medical school, found herself drawn to Mark’s confidence and experience, while Mark, despite his initial reluctance, found himself captivated by Lexie’s intelligence and genuine goodness.
The episodes leading up to “An Honest Mistake” were filled with near misses, unspoken desires, and painful betrayals. Mark’s relationships with other women, including Addison Montgomery and Callie Torres, created further complications and hurt Lexie deeply. Meanwhile, Lexie’s own relationships, particularly her brief fling with Alex Karev, served as a painful reminder of what Mark was missing.
What Made “An Honest Mistake” so Pivotal?
“An Honest Mistake” finally broke the cycle of hesitation and missed opportunities. The episode features a powerful scene where Lexie confronts Mark directly about her feelings. She’s vulnerable, honest, and unwavering in her declaration. This raw display of emotion finally melts away Mark’s reservations. He realizes that his feelings for Lexie are real and that he’s willing to risk everything for a chance at happiness with her. While the relationship that follows is far from perfect, this episode cemented them as a couple in the eyes of fans.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Mark and Lexie’s Relationship
This section answers frequently asked questions about Mark and Lexie’s relationship, providing a comprehensive look at their journey from initial spark to tragic end.
FAQ 1: What initially attracted Lexie to Mark?
Lexie was initially drawn to Mark’s confidence, experience, and the sense of security he seemed to project. He was a renowned surgeon, charismatic, and undeniably attractive. However, it was his unexpected sensitivity and his ability to truly see her, beyond her “Little Grey” persona, that solidified her attraction. She recognized a vulnerability beneath his confident facade, a vulnerability she felt a strong connection to.
FAQ 2: What was Mark’s initial hesitation about dating Lexie?
Mark was initially hesitant due to the significant age difference between them. He was also concerned about his own reputation and the potential impact on Lexie’s career and personal life. He feared that he was too old, too jaded, and too damaged to offer her the kind of stable and fulfilling relationship she deserved. He worried about hurting her, given his past relationships.
FAQ 3: How did Mark’s friendship with Derek Shepherd affect his relationship with Lexie?
Mark’s complicated and often strained friendship with Derek created another layer of difficulty. Derek was protective of Lexie, his half-sister, and disapproved of Mark’s initial intentions. Mark was aware of Derek’s disapproval and felt pressure to prove that his feelings for Lexie were genuine and not simply a fleeting infatuation. This added pressure fueled his initial hesitation and contributed to the on-again-off-again nature of their relationship.
FAQ 4: What were some of the major obstacles in their relationship after they officially got together?
Even after becoming a couple, Mark and Lexie faced numerous challenges. These included:
- Insecurity: Mark’s past relationships and reputation continued to haunt him, making him insecure about his ability to be a good partner.
- Miscommunication: Both Mark and Lexie struggled to communicate their needs and desires effectively, leading to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
- External Pressures: The demanding nature of their jobs as surgeons often put a strain on their relationship, limiting their time together and creating conflict.
- Mark’s Daughter, Sloan: The unexpected arrival of Mark’s teenage daughter, Sloan Riley, added another layer of complexity to their relationship.
FAQ 5: Did Mark ever truly commit to Lexie?
While Mark loved Lexie deeply, his commitment was often questioned. He struggled to fully let go of his past and embrace a completely committed future with her. However, towards the end of their time together, particularly after Lexie moved on, he expressed a desperate desire to be with her and was actively working to change and prove his commitment.
FAQ 6: Why did Lexie break up with Mark initially?
Lexie ended their relationship because she felt that Mark wasn’t fully committed to her. She wanted a deeper, more secure connection and felt that Mark was holding back. She needed reassurance that she was his priority and wasn’t willing to settle for anything less. She specifically voiced wanting a life where she was his “person”, akin to Derek and Meredith’s relationship.
FAQ 7: What were the circumstances surrounding Lexie’s relationship with Alex Karev?
Lexie’s relationship with Alex was largely a rebound relationship following her initial breakup with Mark. While she genuinely cared for Alex, it was clear that her heart still belonged to Mark. The relationship was ultimately short-lived and ended when Lexie realized she couldn’t fully commit to Alex.
FAQ 8: How did Mark react to Lexie and Alex’s relationship?
Mark was visibly jealous and hurt by Lexie’s relationship with Alex. He realized the depth of his feelings for Lexie and regretted his past actions that had led to their breakup. He tried to win her back, but Lexie remained hesitant.
FAQ 9: Was there any chance for Mark and Lexie to reconcile before the plane crash?
Yes, in the episodes leading up to the plane crash, there were strong indications that Mark and Lexie were on the verge of reconciling. Lexie had broken up with Jackson, and Mark was desperately trying to prove he was ready to be with her. During the plane crash episode, they were together and Lexie was actively telling him, “I love you,” which was returned.
FAQ 10: What were Lexie’s final words, and what did they mean?
Lexie’s final words to Mark were, “I was happy.” These words, while heartbreaking, offered a glimpse into the depth of her love for Mark. Despite the challenges and heartache, she found happiness in their connection and the time they shared. This moment solidifies for viewers that their love was genuine.
FAQ 11: How did Mark cope with Lexie’s death?
Mark was devastated by Lexie’s death. He was heartbroken and struggled to cope with the loss of the woman he loved. He spiraled into grief, haunted by what-ifs and regrets. He ultimately succumbed to injuries sustained in the same plane crash, passing away later in the hospital.
FAQ 12: What is the lasting impact of Mark and Lexie’s relationship on Grey’s Anatomy?
Mark and Lexie’s relationship remains one of the most beloved and tragic storylines in Grey’s Anatomy history. Their love story resonated with viewers because of its authenticity, complexity, and the palpable chemistry between the actors. Their deaths left a lasting impact on the show and continue to be remembered by fans as a symbol of love, loss, and the enduring power of connection. They became a symbol of what could have been, and reminded viewers of the fragility of life.