Grey’s Anatomy’s Derek Shepherd might have been one of the main characters on popular television but surprisingly, the overwhelming opinions about him are negative. Derek is hated for being a narcissist and for being manipulative in his relationship with Meredith.
Yet, he continues to be one half of one of the most beloved romantic couples in the Grey’s universe and the response to actor Patrick Dempsey’s return as a guest star in the series’ seventeenth season went on to show that he has been missed, in spite of the divisive nature of his character. Fans on Reddit reminisce some of the things about him that they love and miss.
Derek Was Human–Flawed But Good
Derek Shepherd was a deeply flawed man. He could be arrogant and selfish, where his ambitions could get to the point of being self-destructive. He was a brilliant doctor, but the fact that he wasn’t without flaws was what made him an interesting and complex character (as is typical of other Grey’s characters).
This fan feels that the show did a commendable job humanizing Derek instead of showing him as an ideal man and the perfect partner. It was because he wasn’t perfect that he felt real — a man who was inherently good but still flawed on the best of days.
MerDer’s Relationship Was Realistic
Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd epitomize the dreamiest of romances. Moments shared between these two characters, with dialogues such as “Pick me. Choose me. Love me.” will be etched on fans’ hearts forever.
Yet, their relationship was fraught with tension even before they had that charming Post-it wedding. While Derek in general is believed to have been a colossal jerk to Meredith, this fan points out that the ups and downs in their relationship were realistic. The fact that what seemed to start out as a fairy tale wasn’t really one made sense.
He Was A Compassionate And Caring Person
One fan opines that the massive hate against Derek feels unjustified. According to this Redditor, they state that he had his faults no doubt and behaved obnoxiously at times, but there were also moments where fans saw his caring side.
For instance, this Redditor remembers what Derek did for Cristina, and how he helped her with her trauma after the hospital shooting. This commentator also notes how he would always do his best for his patients because “he deeply cared for people…he just didn’t always get it right.”
Derek’s Moments With Bailey Are Missed
Derek was not just a good friend to Cristina but also to Bailey. In fact, fans might agree that one of the most beautiful friendships to have blossomed on the show was between Derek and Bailey.
The two looked out for each other in an understated manner, appreciating and being there for one another when others weren’t. It was Derek who shared his own past with Bailey when he realized she was feeling insecure and the latter returned the favor by giving him a moment to gather himself in the elevator after his patient died shockingly. Even later, Derek did the same for Bailey. Their friendship is truly missed.
He Was A Fine Teacher
This Redditor also astutely points out that Derek was a good teacher, for all his flaws. He had mentored the likes of Meredith Grey, Lexie and had taken the intern Heather Brooks under his wing, realizing that she could have a future in brain surgery.
The series has shown how doctors seem to care little about teaching, not being particularly interested in passing the knowledge on but Derek, the fan feels, was an exception. He didn’t seem unwilling, nor did he appear as though teaching was beneath him.
Derek & Mark’s Friendship Had Its Adorable Moments
Mark’s betrayal of his best friend was what set in motion the wheels for how Derek ended up in Seattle in the first place. But it was also this very friendship that later left fans with some very adorable memories.
The two shared a lovely camaraderie and this fan fondly remembers how they would prank each other just as best friends would in real life. Derek bribing a young boy to call Mark his father simply to see the reaction on his face was indeed priceless. Given how his long-lost daughter had shown up on his doorstep, very adult and very pregnant, it wouldn’t have been a stretch to imagine another kid popping up who he knew nothing about.
The Derek Storylines Were Interesting
This fan states that Derek might not have been the best partner but selfish or not, he usually got storylines that were interesting to follow.
The fan praises Patrick Dempsey for bringing ‘McDreamy’ to life and for the way the actor communicated comfortably with the others on the show. The arcs involving Derek were meaningful and allowed for some intricate human drama, much of which feels forced now that the character has been gone for a while.
Derek Has A Warm Personality
Another fan mentions that Derek could be stubborn and a bully but he could also be kind and affectionate. His kindness is quiet and understated and his affection has to be earned.
Derek is the kind of person, the fan feels, who holds on forever once he opens up to someone. Once his attention is drawn, he could shower one with love and affection, albeit being rough and prickly around the edges. His softer emotions aren’t always packaged in warmth but they are there and they are missed.
The Nature Man
Derek Shepherd had his arrogance and his egotism but he was still a good, likable man much of the time and that is what fans loved about him.
Derek claimed that he loved to be close to nature towards the beginning of the series. In fact, Derek’s trailer became a hotspot for drama during the times when he withdrew from work after losing a patient due to his own mistake, and when he tried to make it work with Addison.
Derek had an entire plot of land, which had a beautiful view of the landscape around him. He kept it as it is for the longest time instead of building his dream house on it, which he eventually did. He loved to go fly fishing and would feed fish to anyone staying with him at his trailer. This fan misses that aspect and wishes that the writers explored more of the ‘nature man.’
