We all owe her a massive apology.
On a show like Grey’s Anatomy, which has been on television for almost 20 years, it’s inevitable that some characters will come on in the middle of the show and others will leave to pursue other career opportunities. Not only does this allow for storylines to change, but it also adds a fun dynamic between the original characters who stay for the entire run.
Unfortunately, not all characters introduced to the audience are met with the same enthusiasm. Sometimes the character manages to instantly connect with fans and become a favorite, ensuring a successful run on the show for several years, and other times the chemistry just doesn’t happen.
Ambitious, sassy, and assertive female characters are subject to more audience criticism than any other. Eliza Minnick, who came to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital with a specific plan, had the target on her back all along. She checks all the boxes to be hated by the fandom.
First, she wanted to restructure a learning program. Second, her plan was to take the place of fan-favorite Richard Webber. And to add insult to injury, the writers decided to make her a love interest for the recently single Arizona Robbins. Of course, all the provocative factors overpowered common sense, and Eliza quickly became the season’s villain.
Today, however, six years after Eliza’s introduction, people are realizing how silly the hatred of her was. In fact, the parenting method she proposed was very similar to Richard’s. Some might even say it was a little better since the teaching surgeon would be present and supervising at all times.
Richard’s declining health and his intention to retire, which, let us remind you, had been in the works since season one, were good enough reasons to step away and let Eliza take control. That could have been emotionally devastating for viewers, but it would have freed up a character who had been looking for a way out for many years. If you want to refresh your memory of Eliza Minnick’s arc, you can stream Grey’s Anatomy season 13 on Netflix, Hulu, or Disney Plus.