Part of the reason I probably love watching "Grey's Anatomy" every week is because of Dr. Karev. Over the past 12 seasons "Grey's Anatomy" fans have watched him go from a cocky, self-absorbed intern, to the lovable pediatric surgeon who is now Meredith's bestie (and basically one of the only original characters that Shonda Rhimes hasn't managed to kill or write off yet). I mean talk about some serious character development. And while he has his moments where he can be a bit of a jerk, we can't help but to love Dr. Karev.
P.S. Shonda Rhimes can please not kill this one off?
1. When he used a football analogy to explain to the Chief his loyalty to the rest of the interns.
In "Losing My Religion" (Season 2, Episode 27) Dr. Webber attempted to question all of the interns to figure out which one of them cut Denny's LVAD wires. All of them remained tight lipped... including Alex. Which was kind of surprising considering, well let's be honest, he was still a jerk in season two. Out of all the interns reasoning for not giving the Chief any names, Karev's explanation had to be my favorite.
"Let's say you were drafted to a team that wasn't your first pick. You know, you don't like the players. You hate the way they play the game. You even think the quarterback is full of crap. The quarterback's a pain in the ass you don't owe a damned thing to. But, it's your team. You don't quit. You don't talk to the press. You don't bitch to the coach. You just, you just go out there every Sunday and you make the blocks and you take the hits and you, you play to win. You show up and you suit up and you play, because it's your freaking team."
2. When he climbed into Meredith's hospital bed to comfort her after she had been attacked.
"The Sound of Silence" (Season 12, Episode 9) was probably one of the most heartbreaking Grey's episodes to date. Yet somehow Karev managed to still make us laugh with his "Damn, that's a lot of snot!" comment. And let us not forget how adorable his reaction was when he realized Meredith had regained her hearing.
3. When he made this face while holding Meredith's baby.
Hey Shonda, can you just make Alex a dad already? I mean if he is this cute with other people's babies imagine how adorable he would be with a little one of his own!
4. When he saved a baby's life by doing the Kangaroo hold to help jump start the baby's heart rate.
Now this had the potential to be the cutest Karev scene ever, but I know I'm not the only one who was extremely distracted by that fake baby (you can't tell me this show can't get dolls that look more believable). Still, the meaning behind this scene is quite powerful so for that we'll let it slide. Plus, the fact that he is shirtless.
5. Whenever he professes his love for Jo.
I am totally Team Alex and Jo. Actually let's be honest, I'm Team Alex and anyone. There's something about Karev being in love that makes his character so much cuter. It's nice to see Alex vulnerable and emotional.
6. When he saved Jane Doe after a ferry accident.
In "Walk on Water" (Season 3, Episode 15) Alex risks his own safety to rescue a pregnant Jane Doe (Rebecca Pope) after finding her almost crushed to death. It was really heartwarming how Jane Doe immediately clung on to Karev during this traumatic time. What was even more heartwarming was how Karev made sure he was there throughout her entire recovery.
7. After Denny died when he carried Izzie off of the bed and held her in his arms.
This probably has to be one of the best Karev scenes of all time (Season 2, Episode 27). And it wasn't just because of the way he swooped in like Super-man and cradled Izzie like a baby while she sobbed in his arms. Can we just talk about how adorably jealous Karev was of Denny before he died? The fact that he was able to put all of that jealousy and his snide remarks aside to be there for Izzie in her time of need was quite big of him.
8. When Izzie was diagnosed with cancer.
If you ever want to ugly cry, just watch any episode that deals with Izzie battling cancer. Like every "Grey's Anatomy" fan, I was shocked when it was revealed in Season 5 that Izzie Stevens had Stage IV metastatic melanoma. However, Alex stuck by her side through the whole thing.
9. When he came home to Jo and dropped his pants to show her he was ready to start a family.
And then Jo suddenly backs out. What the heck, woman?! Please for the sake of all Jo/Alex fans, make a baby already!
10. When he told Dr. Burke he refused to sugarcoat a patient's cancer diagnosis.
This scene could've easily made Karev seem like a heartless jerk, but in this situation his lack of bedside manner was totally understandable. He simply just didn't want to give a mother and her teenage daughter false hope and we can admire that.
11. When he held a baby as it died because he knew it deserved to be held at least once in it's life.
In "I Choose You" (Season 12, Episode 2) when Karev knew that a baby in the NICU wasn't going to make it, so he took off his gloves and mask and held the newborn in his arms while he died. Just like the doctors viewing the surgery from the gallery, we got choked up too.
12. When he sang for a patient.
In "These Arms of Mine" (Season 7, Episode 6) started singing a Camp Rock song over the microphone for a little girl who was getting scans done, further proving he is seriously the cutest.
