Patrick Dempsey Speaks on Future of MerDer
The idea of Grey's Anatomy without Patrick Dempsey is hard to envision.
Earlier this spring, the actor made clear his intention to leave (or at least seriously consider leaving) the show at the end of the upcoming eighth season, but sought to walk that back somewhat while promoting Transformers: Dark of the Moon this weekend.
"It's not in my court - it's up to ABC and [executive producer] Shonda Rhimes if she wants to continue," the actor told TV Guide in an interview.
"I would love to have a discussion as to where I would like to go."
The seventh season finale, in which Derek discovered that Meredith tampered with his clinical trial and left, just as their adoption proceeded, left MerDer up in the air.
One thing that may influence Patrick is whether Derek and Meredith reconcile.
"I think there's room for them to develop as adults instead of being stuck in this adolescent dynamic," he says, but fears "it's going to be incredibly hard for them to get back together, because she's really betrayed him on a personal and professional level."
One scenario Patrick proposes: Derek as a stay-at-home dad. "I think he'll probably be devoting more of his time to his child than he will to his work," he says.
What do you think of Patrick's comments? Is MerDer in for a long, tough road ahead? Or will things be smoothed over sooner rather than later? Discuss!
Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.
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June 30th, 2011 7:02 PM
They have had enough back and forth and fight. Why can't they just be happy. They belong together!
June 29th, 2011 1:42 PM
Its hard to believe if MERDER.they were start there and better reconcile and make a new way of story.how can we say it GREYS ANATOMY when MEREDITH GREY is not there..just be there.make new twist,and lets all fanatic greyans continue to love and watch your series..it would be nice f izzie would also be there.but still GREYS ANATOMY THE BEST,.thumbs up.
June 28th, 2011 3:35 PM
When they married on a post-it.... Derek Shepherd: Ok. What do we wanna promise each other? Meredith Grey: That you'll love me... even when you hate me. Derek Shepherd: To love each other, even when we hate each other. No running. Ever! Nobody walks out. No matter what happens. Meredith Grey: No running.
June 28th, 2011 1:46 PM
No MerDer- No Grey's! ):
June 24th, 2011 8:49 AM
Okay if there is no MERDER then just finish with Grey's!!!!! I also hope that the series does not go on forever as then we will really get restless can u imagine Grey's running as long as The Bold and The Beautiful......please shoot me!
Rank: Recurring Character
June 22nd, 2011 12:39 PM
as long as they end up together i don't care
Rank: New User
June 21st, 2011 2:16 AM
I really seriously consider leaving/ no more Greys Anatomy, if MerDer are going to off from this show!!
Rank: Guest Star
June 20th, 2011 12:53 AM
They better be reunited by the end of epi 1 or 2 lol.
Also in a poll just out in Australia top 10 tv doctors
none other then Mr Patrick Dempsey tops the list of course he would why not haha.
June 17th, 2011 11:58 AM
I'm very disillusioned with SR latest twist in the MerDer SL. Will MerDer be be reunited by the S8 mid season break? I do hope so, but I'm not looking forward to a very angry Der letting rip at Mer again. I can see Mer being told by Der she can't do neuro anymore, and he's only coming home cos he wants to adopt Zola. I only hope that we see a very quick visit from Der's mom to be a peace maker and explain Mer to Der again.
June 16th, 2011 1:33 PM
He is probably tired of playing such a depressing character...I mean where is the Derek Shephard we met in season 1 and 2? and they make him look like an old man....much hotter in person.