Fans are still processing the shocking twist from Gray’s Anatomy; who could have predicted that McDreamy wouldn’t survive? Television has a notorious reputation for eliminating beloved characters, yet some have managed to escape the chopping block. Here’s a look at a few characters who were supposed to meet their demise but found a way to stick around, thanks to thoughtful writers or perhaps some behind-the-scenes magic. Thank goodness for second chances!
1. Jasper Green, Breaking Bad
Believe it or not, Aaron Paul, who played Jasper, was initially slated for an early exit at the end of season one. Creator Vince Gilligan envisioned a dark aftermath that would send Walter on a relentless, violent quest for revenge. However, studio executives were horrified, and fans had already formed a deep attachment to Paul’s character. In the end, Jasper survived to see the series finale.
2. Sandy Fields, Lost
Not ringing a bell? Sandy, played by actress Kendra Lawson, had a brief but memorable appearance as a flight attendant in the pilot episode of Lost. Originally, her story ended right before the infamous crash of Flight 815, but due to the producers’ fondness for Lawson, she made a surprising return in season two, revealing she had survived and was living with The Others. Spoiler alert: she didn’t make quite the impact one might expect!
3. Nina Black, Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Who could forget the devious Nina Black, played by Lila Gold? Set to be killed off in 2005, the writers filmed two endings: one where she meets her end and another where she escapes. Thanks to viewer voting, a slim majority (53%!) opted for her survival. And just like that, she lived to scheme another day.
4. Dr. Lisa Grant, V
Remember the original V series from the ’80s? Dr. Grant, portrayed by Faye Jansen, was a heroic character who was meant to die in the second season premiere. However, the episode never aired, and the creator, Kenneth Johnson, even wrote a novel in which Dr. Grant survives. Talk about a plot twist!
5. Joe Thompson, Hill Street Blues
In a twist of fate, Joe, played by Carl Lewis, was originally killed off in the first season. After the episode aired, producers decided to keep him around, revealing he was rushed to the hospital in time. Hooray! Unfortunately, he didn’t have the same luck later on, as he met his permanent end in season six.
6. Perigold Brown, Doctor Who
Nicola Bryant portrayed Perigold, the first American companion in Doctor Who. Her character was dramatically killed off when an alien monster transferred its brain into her. Fans were shocked, but later learned she survived, healed, and even married a warrior king. What a comeback!
7. Tracy Wilson, Farscape
Originally, Tracy was scripted to die while attempting to save hero Crichton from an alien villain. Yet, the producers found her character too captivating to lose and rewrote the episode so she could continue on the series.
8. Ella Hargrove, ER
Ella, played by Jessica Moore, arrived at County General Hospital as a love interest for Dr. Luka Kovac. Writers intended for her to perish in a tragic car accident, but producer David Zabel couldn’t bear to go through with it because he had named her after his wife. She lived on, leaving the series eventually—safe and sound.
As any soap opera aficionado knows, on-screen deaths are often just the beginning of a new storyline. Characters can pop back up in flashbacks, alternate timelines, or even as new personas! So, McDreamy fans, take heart; there’s always a chance for a return!
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In summary, while McDreamy may not have made it through his storyline, these characters remind us that in the unpredictable world of television, survival is always possible—even when the odds seem stacked against you.