Many fans would argue that while Derek's passing was tragic, it wasn't the be-all-end-all when it comes to on-screen heartbreak.

Derek Shepherd's death was one that rocked 'Grey's Anatomy.' But was it really the most heartbreaking episode of the series? After 16 seasons and literally hundreds of episodes, many fans would argue that while Derek's passing was tragic, it wasn't the be-all-end-all when it comes to on-screen heartbreak.

After all, fans haven't forgotten other pivotal moments in the series. Case in point: When Izzie Stevens lost Denny Duquette.

Not to mention when George O'Malley died. Episode one, season six saw John Doe arrive with grave injuries. The patient was so severely disfigured that even his friends didn't know who he was, until he shared an inside joke with Meredith, revealing his identity.

But of course, there's also the storyline between Mark Sloan and Lexie Grey. After tons of back-and-forth and a whole lot of drama, the two finally found each other. Only to experience a plane crash in season nine that resulted in a painful goodbye and Lexie's tragic death.

Which was awful, but then Mark Sloan died later in the season, too. Perhaps Shonda knows best, though. How much more character growth could we expect from Mark after he confessed his love for Lexie and watched her die in front of him? Even if they were one of the top-ranked couples of Grey Sloan Memorial, according toVulture.

It's also worth mentioning that the patients (non-staff ones) had plenty of tragic stories that were heartbreaking in their own right. But because fans of 'Grey's Anatomy' become so involved in the characters' stories, they become rightfully wrapped up in hoping for good outcomes.

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So yes, Derek Shepherd's death was tragic and awful for fans (not to mention Meredith). But the truth is that viewers got to watch Mer-Der's story come full circle. From the angst of will-they won't-they to starting and growing their family together, the couple had an entire fairytale.

Fans got to track their story from beginning to end, and there was closure.

And while it didn't come with a fairytale ending,Derek had a full life and character arc, while others missed out on that opportunity. Besides, Meredith even found love again after Derek, notesBuzzFeed. Though, her main man turns out to be someone other than was originally planned.

Who knows where Izzie Stevens would have ended up if Denny Duquette had survived (even if it wasn't on a farm with Alex)? What could George O'Malley's future have held if he'd made it out of the hospital that last time? And how about Lexie and Mark's basically unrequited love story? Those two never even had a chance once they finally realized their feelings for each other. Talk about bad Grey's Anatomy exits.

Derek's death was heartbreaking, but that's sort of what 'Grey's' is all about: Getting viewers so wrapped up in the storyline that they feel elated when characters get happy endings and devastatedat their deaths.

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Is The Most Heartbreaking 'Grey's Anatomy' Episode The One When Derek Shepherd Dies? - TheThings