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Grey's Anatomy Killed Off One Of Its Best Minor Characters For No Reason

Grey's Anatomy Killed Off One Of Its Best Minor Characters For No Reason
Image credit: ABC

Has Shonda Rhimes ever shown mercy?

How do you appear on just two seasons of Grey's Anatomy and capture so many hearts that everyone is still mourning your death ten seasons later? Sounds like something Dr. Craig Thomas, portrayed by William Daniels, has excelled at.

Appearing only episodically in seasons eight and nine, Dr. Craig not only managed to garner enough fan love that people still miss him, but also became a mentor to Cristina Yang — even if she did not like it at first.

If you've ever watched a Shonda Rhimes show, you know you don't want to get too attached to a character. But that's exactly what happened with the fandom and Dr. Craig, who is considered by fans to be one of the best supporting characters on the show.

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That's why people are still heartbroken over his death in season 9, when he collapsed of a heart attack during surgery next to Cristina, who had to continue without being able to save her mentor.

"I hated this storyline simply because she had FINALLY found a mentor she truly respected and there was no twisted story behind her wanting to work with him, then they kill him off?!" Redditor BillsPuddingPop said.

Even fans who rarely cried while watching Grey's Anatomy admit they can't help but shed a tear when Dr. Craig dies. His chemistry with Cristina was amazing, fans say. Every time they hear him deliver his famous monologue urging Yang to develop her "greatness" and not disappoint, it's just another heartbreaking reminder of how cruel Rhimes can be to everyone's favorite characters.

Nevertheless, Grey's Anatomy continues, currently in its 19th season. The new episode will premiere on February 23.