The One Grey's Anatomy Character Shonda Rhimes Regrets Killing Off
Despite many tragic moments in Grey's Anatomy, the death of a single-episode character has become probably the most mourned by both viewers and the creator.
Grey's Anatomy has long become a home for shocking on-screen deaths.
Meredith Grey, her friends, and colleagues have seen lots of tragic, sad, and heartbreaking moments throughout the show's 19 seasons. In addition to multiple patients' deaths, the creators of the medical drama often handle regular characters' departures by killing them off.
It got to the point where a main character leaving the show and staying alive feels like a miracle rather than a rule. And the creator Shonda Rhimes doesn't seem to regret any of these fictional deaths except one.
Among many Grey's Anatomy single-episode characters that had tragic on-screen deaths, there were several that managed to charm viewers before being killed off. One of those characters is Dylan Young, portrayed by Kyle Chandler, who had a short appearance but made a lasting impression before meeting one of the most shocking and tragic ends in the show.
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Dylan was introduced in Episode 16 of Season 2 as the leader of the bomb squad called to Seattle Grace to figure out how to safely defuse a bomb that arrived in the hospital inside a patient. The staff had to hold the bomb so that it wouldn't explode in the OR. Finally, after many tense moments, the bomb was removed by Meredith who then saw it explode in Dylan's hands while he was carrying it out of the hospital.
This tragedy was so unexpected that many viewers still call it the most shocking Grey's Anatomy death in countless fan discussions. Despite his short time on the show, Kyle Chandler's performance was so good that Dylan's character and storyline left a significant impact on the audience. Even Shonda Rhimes admitted she wished they didn't give him this heartbreaking ending.
Back in 2013, Rhimes was asked by THR if there was someone on Grey's Anatomy whose life she would spare if given such a chance.
"I probably wouldn't have blown up Kyle Chandler," Grey's Anatomy creator replied.
In a later interview with EW, Rhimes shared that she didn't expect to have Chandler playing Dylan Young. Apparently, his performance was so good, she didn't want to go through with the script that read the character should blow up.