A character who is arguably Grey’s Anatomy‘s biggest villain has been lurking in plain sight as far back as season 8. Grey’s Anatomy has had countless polarizing characters throughout its 19-year existence. Given the long-running drama’s focus on the world of medicine, things are about to change, since many characters are leaving Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital due to the actions of one individual at the end of Grey’s Anatomy season 20. The series has been switching things up in preparation for Grey’s Anatomy season 21, but there’s a good chance that the characters’ current adversary has more scores to settle before the dust settles.

It’s always interesting when a long-running series takes things in a different direction, and Grey’s Anatomy needs a shake-up because it’s been on the air for so long. The big question is whether a villain with a lot of history with the most beloved characters is the best way forward. It will all come down to where things go next.

Catherine Fox Has Been Manipulating Grey’s Anatomy Characters For Years

Catherine Has Been Around Since Grey’s Anatomy Season 8

Catherine Fox has been with the show since 2011 and has been immersed in some of its biggest storylines. Unfortunately for the other characters, she’s been pulling strings from behind the scenes since in an effort to have control over everything that happens in the hospital. Her overbearing nature has caused her to have countless arguments with her son, Jackson, for instance. In recent stories, it seems like she’s on a never-ending power trip. That being said, her position at the hospital means she has to have input on what’s happening.

But that shouldn’t mean she should speak down to people who don’t follow her orders. The show has done a great job of fleshing out such an important character, but at the same time, it has also enabled her to manifest into one of the biggest villains in Grey’s Anatomy history. Given her connections to many characters, such as her husband, Richard, it’s hard to believe she’s skated by for so long, making power moves like this. Meredith and countless other doctors felt her wrath at the end of Grey’s Anatomy season 20.

Meredith Is Well Aware of Catherine’s Mean Streak After Grey’s Anatomy Season 20

Grey Sloan Memorial Has Lost Countless Doctors Due to Catherine’s Power Trip

Catherine went on the warpath in Grey’s Anatomy season 20, episode 10 by telling Meredith that her Alzheimer’s research belonged to the Catherine Fox Foundation because, technically, the foundation’s money funded it. Meredith’s foray into research for the disease was a monumental storyline, and Catherine understood how close this was to her heart. Catherine undoubtedly didn’t want Meredith to change the medical field substantially and now believes there’s good in the research. But forcing Meredith to hand it over to Koracick has got to be one of Catherine’s most wicked decisions.

Despite being wrong for her actions, Meredith invested a lot of time in a cause dear to her. Still, Catherine seemed more concerned about teaching Meredith, Teddy, Amelia, Owen, and everyone else a lesson. The series has established Catherine as an adversary who will shine through Grey’s Anatomy season 21 like a halo effect, threatening to take away everything great about the hospital and adding to the list of doctors Grey’s Anatomy has lost. The likely scenario is that this storyline will set up Debbie Allen’s permanent departure from Grey’s Anatomy, as the bridges the character is burning could very well lead to Catherine ultimately being forced out.