Theories

‘Grey’s Anatomy’: The Top Theories About Who Else Is On The Beach — Lexie, George & More

Ellen Pompeo
ABC
GREY’S ANATOMY - "All Tomorrow's Parties" - In the midst of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Grey Sloan Memorial and its surgeons' lives have been turned upside down. The season 17 premiere picks up one month into the pandemic, and it's all-hands-on-deck as Meredith, Bailey and the rest of the Grey Sloan doctors find themselves on the frontlines of a new era. Meanwhile, an unintentionally started fire has first responders from Station 19 bringing patients into the hospital for treatment on the "Grey's Anatomy" season premiere, THURSDAY, NOV. 12 (9:00-10:01 p.m. EST), on ABC.” (ABC) ELLEN POMPEO
GREY’S ANATOMY - “Look Up Child” – Jackson pays a visit to his father that helps set him on the right path on a new episode of “Grey’s Anatomy,” THURSDAY, MAY 6 (9:00-10:01 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC/Richard Cartwright) JESSE WILLIAMS
GREY’S ANATOMY - “Look Up Child” – Jackson pays a visit to his father that helps set him on the right path on a new episode of “Grey’s Anatomy,” THURSDAY, MAY 6 (9:00-10:01 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (ABC/Richard Cartwright) SARAH DREW
GREY’S ANATOMY - “The Center Won’t Hold” – Bailey finds herself in the middle of an argument with patients’ families as they await news about their children who were injured in a fire. Winston surprises Maggie, and Amelia and Link try to have some fun as new parents. Teddy learns her colleagues know more than she may like about her relationship woes with Owen, and Richard and Koracick go at it during the second hour of the “Grey’s Anatomy” season 17 premiere, THURSDAY, NOV. 12 (10:01-11:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (ABC) ELLEN POMPEO View Gallery View Gallery 11 Photos.
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Derek isn’t the only major return of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ season 17. There’s (at least) one other person on the beach. HL is investigating theories about the past cast members most likely to return.

Grey’s Anatomy kicked off its 17th season with the unexpected return of Derek Shepherd. The show didn’t turn back time and bring Derek back from the dead. He appeared to Meredith in a beach dream sequence when she fell unconscious after contracting COVID-19.

This beach seems to be a bridge between life and death for Meredith. She’s still fighting for her life, which is why she hasn’t able to physically reach Derek on the beach. Derek is dead, and if Meredith reaches him, she’d be crossing over. Meredith admitted to Derek that she missed him, and he said he’d be there waiting for her when she was ready. Meredith’s not ready to die, and Derek is willing to wait for her.

Patrick Dempsey
Patrick Dempsey was the first major return of season 17. (ABC)

As Meredith remains unconscious, she’ll be sticking around on the beach. The promo for the Dec. 3 episode revealed that “another person from Meredith’s past” will return. Meredith looks up at a walkway on the beach and says to someone, “Excuse me!” Who is this other person from Meredith’s past on the beach?

Given that this beach features Derek, who is dead, it’s likely that this other returning character is dead as well. This dream-like sequence is similar to when Meredith spoke with Denny, Dylan, and more dead characters when she was fighting off death after nearly drowning in season 3.

TR Knight
T.R. Knight played George O’Malley for the first 5 seasons. (MEGA)

One of the most likely characters it could be is George O’Malley. George tragically died at the end of season 5 after being hit by a bus. He was an integral part of Meredith’s life in the early years of her medical career, and he loved her dearly. T.R. Knight and Ellen Pompeo have remained close over the years. They even gathered for a peaceful protest after George Floyd’s death in Los Angeles back in June 2020.

Another prime candidate for a possible return is Lexie Grey, Meredith’s beloved sister. Lexie succumbed to injuries she sustained in the plane crash at the end of season 8. When Lexie knew she was dying, she told Mark, “Tell Meredith that I love her and that she was a good sister.” Given that Mark died shortly after, we never knew whether or not Mark told Meredith what Lexie said about her. This could be Lexie’s chance to tell Meredith how much she loves her and to keep fighting. Chyler Leigh is currently a series regular on Supergirl, so logistically it could have been complicated for her to come back but not impossible!

Chyler Leigh
Chyler Leigh played Lexie Grey through season 8. (MEGA)

One of the most popular characters floating out there as a possible return is, of course, Ellis Grey. Meredith had a complicated relationship with her mother, but Ellis’ influence is crucial to why Meredith is who she is today. When Meredith was in the after-life dimension in season 3 and saw Ellis crossing over, Ellis told Meredith that she shouldn’t be there. Ellis urged Meredith to “just keep going” and run back to her life. It would make sense for Meredith and Ellis to have a similar conversation on the beach.

Kate Burton
Kate Burton played the one and only Ellis Grey. (MEGA)

All of these characters mean so much to Meredith. It’s going to be an emotional, tear-inducing moment no matter who it is. Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on ABC.