Grey's Anatomy has a history of controversial character exits, and one recent exit, Alex Karev's, received backlash for not being consistent with his character development. The original plan for Lexie Grey's death involved her slipping and hitting her head at the hospital, but the creator, Shonda Rhimes, ultimately chose to have her die in a plane crash for closure with her love interest, Mark. However, in Season 17, Lexie makes a cameo in Meredith's coma dream, giving her character a more satisfying end.