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Arizona Robbins’ departure from Grey’s Anatomy left many fans heartbroken, especially considering the character’s rich history and significant impact on the show’s narrative. After enduring countless challenges, including a traumatic plane crash and navigating the complexities of surgeon life, Arizona found herself in a relatively stable place when she bid farewell to Grey Sloan after season 14.
The decision to write off Jessica Capshaw’s character was primarily driven by the show’s creative direction, according to showrunner Krista Vernoff. As she stated, “As writers, our job is to follow the stories where they want to go.” While this explanation provided insight into the decision-making process, there were speculations circulating about Ellen Pompeo’s substantial salary increase possibly influencing the departures of both Capshaw and Sarah Drew, who portrayed April Kepner. However, both Vernoff and Pompeo denied these rumors on social media.
Arizona’s exit from Grey’s Anatomy was particularly poignant given her compelling character arc, marked by her dedication to saving children’s lives, her tumultuous romance with Callie Torres, and her journey toward self-discovery after a devastating loss. Her departure left a void in the show’s ensemble cast, leaving fans longing for closure on her story.
However, Arizona made a surprising return in season 20, reuniting with viewers in episode 4 to perform a critical brain surgery on a pregnant patient. While her comeback was welcomed by fans, it was somewhat bittersweet, as the focus remained predominantly on the medical aspect rather than delving into her personal life. Nevertheless, Arizona’s return reaffirmed her prowess as a skilled surgeon and hinted at the possibility of further exploration of her character in future seasons.
With the anticipation of Grey’s Anatomy season 21, fans are hopeful that Arizona will make another appearance, offering insight into her life in New York City and, perhaps, shedding light on her ongoing relationship with Callie. As one of the show’s beloved characters, Arizona’s return would undoubtedly be met with excitement and eager anticipation from fans eager to witness the next chapter of her journey.