Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) or should we say Meredith Grey’s (Ellen Pompeo) “McDreamy” from ABC’s hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” was killed off in season 11. While he was a fan favorite, his departure remained an emotional TRP high for the show. 

But in season 17, he was back, in the dreamiest way possible, and we mean that in more ways than just one, 

That said; the situation, for which he was brought back is over, and “Grey’s Anatomy” is now renewed for season 18. Will be seeing McDreamy again?

Here’s the DL…

Why did they kill off Dr. Derek Shepherd? Apparently, Patrick Dempsey wanted to leave the show, for reasons both personal and professional, and his 11-year-run had taken out a lot from him.

So he spoke to then show-runner Shonda Rimes and the team had to come up with a plan on how to take him out of the show in a good way. Having him walk out on Grey and the kids, was not going to work because hey, it’s “Grey’s Anatomy” and there is true love. 

So Dr. Derek Shepherd had to die, to let the love live!

“Grey’s Anatomy” does pain well. And by that we mean the kind that leaves the viewers ugly crying for a while. 

Season 17 brought us one such moment. With a healthy dose of reality mixed in. Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey came down with COVID-19, and while she lay unconscious, she dreamed of McDreamy, her dearly departed husband, Dr. Derek Shepherd. 

He’s the one who urges her to keep fighting and hold on because their children need her. And here is where she also bids goodbye to DeLuca. 

Poignant, you bet!

Grey pulled through her infection and with that, her real-life nightmare was over, but so was that lovely dream. Patrick Dempsey aka Dr. Derek Shepherd has left the building, again. But will be the last time and a no-return now?

Dempsey himself doesn’t know, and he said, “Who knows? Never say never with this show, right? I’m glad we did it this year. And Krista Vernoff did a fantastic job telling the story. It was just a great way to give people some hope.”

Considering the reality of COVID-19, have to agree with Dempsey there… 

Dempsey’s second exit from the show left the cast members a bit teary-eyed as well, considering everyone was reminded of the times when they were a team together. 

So can we see him again, in Season 18? Dempsey says that with “Grey’s Anatomy”, one never knows because the show is like that. But he is grateful to have done a beautiful cameo in season 17 and feels it was a great story, perfect for these disturbing times. 

Catch more about season 18 of “Grey’s Anatomy” here, and see why some believe that 2021 may be the end of the much-vaunted show.