WARNING: This article contains major spoilers from the recent episode of Grey's Anatomy season 16. Read at your own risk.
The story of Dr. Alex Karev has finally come to an end in the recently released episode of Grey's Anatomy season 16. However, many were shocked because his storyline concluded with a shocking twist. Although the reason may not be acceptable to others, the episode explained why Justin Chambers' character has to leave.
The episode, titled "Leave A Light On," provided closure to two original cast members of the medical drama series: Chambers and Katherine Heigl, who played Alex's first wife, Izzie. The two left the series a decade apart, with Izzie last seen in season 6, while Alex in season 16. Their love story came to an end after Izzie decided to leave Seattle and refused to resume her marriage with Alex.
Alex eventually moved on and married Jo in the early run of Grey's Anatomy season 16. However, it looks like their romance is only short-lived. He left her to visit his mother, he actually never went to Iowa to see his mom. Later on, it was revealed that he actually left Seattle and had gotten back with Izzie after being apart for 10 years.
The news that Alex ran off with Izzie was first revealed in a letter read by Meredith. The shocking twist here is that his first wife gave birth to twins. As for how the two rekindled their romance, Alex explained he reached out to Izzie to save Meredith when she almost lost her medical license. Now, Alex is living in Kansas and raising the twins with Izzie.
Alex also wrote a letter to everyone and his wife Jo, but it comes with a divorce paper. He also left all his shares in Grey Sloan Memorial to her and explained why he has to leave her. He also took accountability for his abrupt actions for not breaking up with Jo face to face. He explained Izzie had his kid and he wanted to make his family complete, as that's all he ever wants in his life.
The episode also showed some flashback scenes, many of which recount the epic love story of Alex and Izzie. In the end, it seems like all the doctors come to terms with Alex's decision. The episode ended with Meredith's voiceover saying, "There is really no good way to say goodbye." Thus, this is really goodbye to Alex and he's not coming back in the series.
Grey's Anatomy season 16 can be watched every Thursday night on ABC.
