The Grey’s Anatomy season finale ended with an epic cliffhanger involving one of Grey Sloan Memorial’s most beloved employees — I won’t say who until after the jump — but there’s a slight catch: We’re still not sure if the victim is actually dead!

Said victim was the Chief (James Pickens Jr.), but the question remains: Did he really die? Water and electricity certainly seems like a lethal combination, but we didn’t get official confirmation during the episode, and several pieces of information have HollywoodLife.com thinking Richard might be alive and well!

James Pickens Jr. Already Signed On For Season 10

James — along with stars Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, Sandra Oh and Justin Chambers — re-upped his contract for two more seasons back in May 2012, per HollywoodLife.com‘s sister site Deadline.

While that doesn’t necessarily mean James will return for season 10 — we haven’t read every detail of the contract — it certainly makes his return more likely than not.

Shonda Rhimes Tweets About A ‘Man Down’

Additionally, creator Shonda Rhimes used Twitter to clear up a little rumor — one that also began on Twitter — that she had confirmed the Chief’s demise.

“Man down,” she tweeted May 16, leading some to believe Richard was, in fact, dead. But Shonda tweeted again May 17, clarifying that “Man down” was in reference to the Scandal season finale, which she was live tweeting.

WATCH: Richard Faces Death On ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers? Is Richard Webber really a goner, or will we see his (sometimes) smiley face in the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial next season? Vote below, then drop a comment with your thoughts!

— Andy Swift
Follow @AndySwift

More ‘Grey’s Anatomy’:

1. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’: Did [Spoiler] Really Die In Season Finale Tragedy?
2. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Creator Shonda Rhimes Tweets About Potential Death
3. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Recap: Meredith Takes A Brave Step For Her Future

Still dizzy from the insanely twisty Scandal season finale? So are we, which is why we’re  glad creator Shonda Rhimes and the show’s cast were able to (sort of) clear things up during a panel discussion May 17 in Hollywood.

‘Scandal’ Season 3 Spoilers

Did Olivia’s own father try to have her killed? Shonda’s answer is, basically, maybe. “B613 did seem to be trying to kill her, kind of,” she admitted. “At the very least, Rowan was trying to get Jake to have sex with her and then make a tape of it, which seems creepy on many levels, right? … I don’t know if they were trying to kill her, that’s up to interpretation.”

Where will season three pick up? Considering the way viewers were left at the end of the finale, Shonda knows it would be cruel to begin season three with a time jump, thus depriving us of some very juicy pay-off. “We actually are talking about starting next time with no time jump at all,” she said. “Starting maybe 25 minutes after we leave the last season.”

Who told the press about Liv’s affair? Every season needs a big mystery, and it sounds like that might be at least one that’s addressed in season three. Shonda promised there’s a “search to be had” for the leaker. “We’re not going to put that away and just tidy that up and move on,” she explained. “We’re going to have to live in that.”

Are Olivia and Fitz over for good? Fans of adultery will be pleased with Shonda’s response, following Olivia (Kerry Washington) and Fitz’s (Tony Goldwyn) dramatic split: ”There’s no forever in Shondaland.”

WATCH: End Of ‘Scandal’ Season 2 Finale

HollywoodLifers, what did you think of the Scandal season finale? Drop your review of the episode, as well as your theories about season three, in the comments below!

— Andy Swift
Follow @AndySwift

More On ‘Scandal’ Star Kerry Washington:

1. Kerry Washington Wears 2 Looks In 1 Day
2. Kerry Washington’s Sparkly Headband — Get The Look
3. Kerry Washington Looks Sexy In Strapless Gown For Human Rights Gala

We were absolutely shocked by the final scene on the season finale of Grey’s Anatomy on May 16. Lives were in jeopardy throughout the entire episode (as expected), but the potential death of a longtime series regular left us reeling.

Grey’s Anatomy Death — Shonda Rhimes Tweets About Ending

It appears that Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) may have died after coming in contact with water and electricity, after attempting to restore the hospital’s power from the basement.

Shonda tweeted on May 16, “Man down,” following the Grey’s finale. Could this be confirmation that Richard, the former Chief of Seattle Grace Mercy West (now known as Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital), is a goner?

Shonda Rhimes: ‘Be Worried’ About Richard

“We’re definitely going to see some people in jeopardy. When we leave the season, we’re definitely going to be worried about one of our own. I don’t think that anything can match the brutality of last year’s finale for me. I just watched [the season 8 finale] again recently and was kind of surprised myself about the brutality of it. I don’t think we’re going to match that but for a lot of our characters, it’s a much more emotional. There’s a lot of emotional death,” Shonda told The Hollywood Reporter, before the season finale aired.

She’s right. We definitely felt a lot of emotion!

UPDATE: While the tweet could have clearly been a reaction to the shocking season finale of Grey’s, Shonda clarified on Twitter that she was referring to Scandal, her other show that airs immediately after Grey’s.

HollywoodLifers, do you think Richard died? Drop a comment with your thoughts on the season nine finale, as well as your hopes for next year!

WATCH: Is Richard Webber Dead? – Grey’s Anatomy Season 9 Finale Episode 24

— Chris Rogers
Follow
@ChrisRogers86

More Shocking TV Deaths:

1. ‘Nashville’ Shocker: Two Characters Dead On Season Finale
2. ‘Arrow’ Season Finale: [Spoiler]‘s Death Leaves Oliver Devastated
3. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Season Finale Recap: Is [Spoiler] Dead?

The Grey’s Anatomy spinoff Private Practice, featuring Derek Shepherd’s (Patrick Dempsey) ex-wife Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh), miracuously lasted six seasons and will culminate after 113 episode — a feat that many shows could only hope to achieve.

Creator Shonda Rhimes used her own website, Shondaland, to make the sad announcement, saying:

“I’m sad to say that Private Practice’s run will end after episode 613 this season. There was a lot of discussion and debate but, in the end, the guys at the network and the studio and I all decided that Private Practice was reaching its finish line. Creatively, we are all extremely proud of the show and especially proud of this season — which you will all soon discover is a creative renaissance. I can’t wait for you to see it.

“It’s heartbreaking to end. Truly. I feel so lucky to write for these characters and tell these stories and I truly feel this show has taught me so much as a writer. And there’s a family here, of crew and cast, people who have bonded over these past five and a half seasons. It’s rare for a show to go for more than 100 episodes and we are incredibly proud to have been such a show. And we’re grateful to all of you for spending time with us for an hour every week for the last 6 years. It’s meant the world.

“Thank you.”

Kate announced she would be leaving the series, regardless if the show continued past the sixth and current season, on an episode of Bethenny in June.

“It’s been an incredible journey and an amazing ride,” Kate said at the time. “I feel incredibly grateful to [Private Practice creator] Shonda Rhimes and all the fans that have been there from day one ’til now.”

We suppose the network could not envision a Private Practice without its star. Can you?

What do you think of Private Practice ending, HollywoodLifers?

— Chris Rogers

Follow
@ChrisRogers86

While I’m still reeling from the tragic death of a major character on the Sept. 27 premiere of Grey’s Anatomy, Shonda Rhimes’ reasoning behind the exit has eased my pain!

Shonda explained the reason for Mark’s death (outside of the reason that Eric Dane may have left the show) and she said:

“For me, this one is the most tragic. I’m VERY attached to Mark Sloan. He’s part of the fabric of the show. Before he ever even appeared on the show, the characters discussed him. He is one of the originals. I had many options for ways Mark could leave the how. But any option that didn’t include him dying required him to a) grieve for Lexie indefinitely and b) willingly walk away from his daughter. We fought about this incessantly in the Writers Room. I didn’t want to Mark to die but, as the writers rightfully argued back, Mark couldn’t abandon Sofia and he certainly couldn’t abandon Callie once Arizona’s leg was amputated. And even if he left, he’d what? Wander the Earth forever loving Lexie, missing his child and never finding happiness. Hmm…that doesn’t sound like what I want for my beloved Mark Sloan. I kept pitching that he goes to L.A. and runs off with Addison. I loved that idea. But it still required Mark to abandon his child and abandon Arizona. And it meant that I’d have to scrap all the plans I had for Addison this season – and her plans are wonderful. Also, that would somehow suggest that everything he said to Lexie when she was dying was easily forgotten. So…I fought it and I debated it and tossed and turned about it but in the end, I had to do what was right for the integrity of the character. Mark would never abandon willingly Sofia and he would never willingly abandon Callie. So Mark dies. And he and Lexie get to be together in a way. Their love remains true.”

I have to wholeheartedly agree with this viewpoint. Because I was a HUGE fan of the Lexie/Mark storyline, Mark without Lexie would have never worked. Shonda spent a number of seasons building the angst between Mark and Lexie, branding them as one of the most rooted for couples of the series.

I have to admit — I’m still mad at Shonda for killing off Lexie. I may never get over it — just like I’ll never forgive her for having Izzie exit the show. But I have to accept that these events occurred. And Lexie isn’t coming back. So, would we want a depressed Mark for the rest of the series? No. Because, you know as well as I know, we — as viewers — wouldn’t accept Mark with anyone EXCEPT Lexie.

So as sad as Mark’s death is, I totally understand the creative reasoning for his exit.

What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers? Do YOU agree?

— Chris Rogers

Follow
@ChrisRogers86
More Grey’s Anatomy news:

1. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Fans Attack Shonda Rhimes Over Season Premiere Death
2. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season Premiere: Another Death At Seattle Grace
3. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 9 Scoop: ‘Calzona’ In Trouble & Izzie Returns?

When Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh) met her untimely end on last season’s finale of Grey’s Anatomy, fans blew up the internet with their unbridled rage — but it turns out they were just getting warmed up! The surprise death on the Sept. 27 season premiere sent viewers into a blind fury, the likes of which Twitter has never seen; and all of their hate was directed at Grey‘s creator Shonda Rhimes!

In case you didn’t see last night’s episode — or if you just enjoy reliving horrific tragedies — Dr. Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) took his final breath after being taken off life support. We knew Eric was leaving the show this season, but the details surrounding his departure were kept under wraps. And for good reason, apparently.

Here are the five most insane tweets I found:

1. “Shonda Rhimes, If I see you I’ll kill you.” — @MerewRew

2. “You’re EVIL. Just EVIL @shondarhimes.” — @Cate876

3. “Shonda rhimes is pure evil.” — @MahNinja

4. “Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by shonda rhimes.” — @jgayzzoli

5. “Is Shonda Rhimes on some kind of drug or does she just like ruining people’s lives?” — @SarahNuraini

Besides needing extensive therapy, everyone whose tweet I just posted also needs to take the world’s biggest chill pill. Not only is it totally inappropriate to threaten someone’s life on Twitter, but also, let’s be real: One of the reasons we all love Grey’s Anatomy is because unexpected twists lurk around every corner. Regardless of how you feel about a character dying, you can’t deny the genius that is Shonda Rhimes.

How do you feel about Mark’s death, now that you’ve had the night to sleep on it? Relive the tragic moment below, then cast your vote and drop a comment with your thoughts:

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Grey’s Anatomy

1. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season Premiere: Another Death At Seattle Grace
2. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 9 Scoop: ‘Calzona’ In Trouble & Izzie Returns?
3. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Promo Video: ‘You’re Not’ Ready For Season 9

Bunheads creator Amy Sherman-Palladino has never been afraid to speak her mind, so it’s no surprise she’s got some choice words for Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes, who just last week accused ABC Family’s new ballet-centric series of lacking diversity. “I think it’s a shame,” Amy tells Media Mayhem. “I wouldn’t go after another woman. Frankly, I wouldn’t go after another show.”

Though Amy admits it would be foolish to get into a “pissing match” with Shonda, who’s “doing just fine for herself,” she also points out that Shonda’s comments are merely part of a larger issue for women who work in television.

“I’ve also felt, in a general sense, that women have never supported women to the level that they should,” Amy explains. “It’s been my experience through my entire career that the biggest boost I’ve gotten … have always been from men. And I’ve worked for some powerful women.”

In case you’re not up to speed, here’s what Shonda tweeted June 11: ”Hey @abcfbunheads: really? You couldn’t cast even ONE young dancer of color so I could feel good about my kid watching this show? NOT ONE?”

Once she realized her comments were causing a disturbance in the Twitterverse, Shonda tweeted a few clarifications: “I def don’t feel bad when my kid watches white performers,” she wrote. “Not at all what I’m saying. …  I did love seeing girls of all shapes and sizes. That was great. Am a huge Gilmore Girls fan. Just pointing out one issue.”

As this discussion continues, I’m worried that too many different issues are being mixed together. For one thing, I’m not sure I agree with interviewer Allison Hope Weiner for turning this into a women-attacking-women situation, rather than keeping it as a creators-attacking-creators situation. I think the relationship between female creators is an entirely separate argument, though one definitely worth exploring, and Amy did a terrific job of distinguishing it as such.

For the record, ABC Family is famous for having strong women running its most popular shows. I was in attendance for the network’s winter upfront presentation in New York, where the panel featured women like Brenda Hampton (The Secret Life of the American Teenager), Marlene King (Pretty Little Liars) Lizzy Weiss (Switched At Birth), as well as Amy — and they all had the greatest respect for one another’s work.

Watch Amy’s full interview below, then vote, and tell us how you feel in the comments section:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Fans weren’t just shocked when one of their favorite characters died on the May 17 season finale of Grey’s Anatomy – they were furious! Though creator Shonda Rhimes later tweeted that she and the actress “both decided this was the right time for her character’s journey to end,” the show’s loyal audience definitely doesn’t agree.

In case you missed the episode, Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh) met her untimely end after being crushed by the wing of a crashed plane, despite Mark Sloan’s (Eric Dane) best efforts to save her life. In a heartbreaking scene, he finally told her that he loved her and wanted to live a full life with her — but it was too late.

(Our original post about Lexie’s death was met by dozens of angry comments from viewers, begging Shonda to change her mind and somehow put Lexie in a coma instead.)

I get that season finales need to be buzzworthy, and that killing off a major character is a guaranteed way to get people talking, but I can’t help thinking this may have been a terrible decision Shonda will soon regret. Just because an actress feels her time on a show is up, especially an actress fans actually liked, killing her character isn’t necessarily the smartest move.

It’s sort of the opposite of the way I felt about Katherine Heigl‘s exit from the show, as I’ve always thought Izzy should have been killed off. With Izzy, you had an unlikeable character — and even more unlikable actress — who was literally in the middle of a story line about her dying. It would have been the perfect out, one that would have been admittedly sad, but also justifiable.

Killing Lexie out of the blue just felt weird. Couldn’t she have been transferred to another hospital, allowing for a possible return somewhere down the road?

How do YOU feel about Lexie’s death?

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

Click here to view the embedded video.