Grey’s Anatomy Continues To Paint Ellis Grey As The Show’s Villain

There’s no denying that Ellis Grey was a force not to be played with. She was determined, strong-willed, and successful. However, viewers of Grey’s Anatomy never got a chance to see that. What we know is the manipulative, isolated surgeon who had an affair with a married man. Meredith and Richard have shared many memories of Ellis but when it came time for Maggie to learn the truth about her mother, the writers pushed aside a chance to right a wrong.

When Maggie found the letter that Ellis left her, now was the time to shed new light on Ellis. However, it was an utter disaster. Ellis’ letter did nothing to change the perspective that viewers have of her from flashbacks or the accounts of Richard Webber and Meredith. But for a daughter who has never met her mother, this is not the way this should have gone down.

Maggie was sheltered in her childhood and pretty much has been during her time at Grey Sloan Memorial. It wasn’t until Season 16 that she began to come into her own. Now a married woman, Maggie is more centered but still has those moments where she can doubt herself. While she was raised by two loving parents, part of Maggie is still missing. She has her sisters in Meredith and Amelia and her often weird relationship with her biological father Webber. But it’s the void left by Ellis that Maggie is trying to fill.

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In their ghostly encounter, Maggie wanted answers as to why Ellis gave her up only to be met with anger and disrespect. Maggie may be that one character on Grey’s Anatomy who never gets full closure. But is this karma?

Since Maggie arrived at the hospital and found out the Webber is her dad, their relationship has been strange. They both know the bond they share and yet, neither really reaches out to the other. Maggie has her own father who raised her but how can you accept two strangers as your sisters but not fully embrace your father?

Part of the blame can be placed on Webber but Maggie always knew she was adopted while Richard just found out he had a child when Maggie walked in the door. For some reason, Maggie will not let Richard fully in, and the fact that she still calls him Richard is a bit worrisome. Once again, he’s being punished for the decisions that Ellis Grey made.

Maybe if Maggie were to try a little harder with Richard, she wouldn’t be so angry. The letter Ellis left offered insight as to why she gave Maggie up but it was still done out of selfishness. Maggie and Meredith were not that far apart in age, so Ellis could have raised both girls together.

While each character in Grey’s Anatomy has had their share of downs, they’ve also had their time to redeem themselves. For some odd reason, Ellis Grey has not been given that opportunity. It appears that she will go down as the ultimate villain of the show.

Mark Wilson

Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.