[unagisensei55]

Ross and Rachel’s relationship was definitely toxic at times. They had constant breakups, jealousy, and emotional manipulation. Ross cheating on Rachel and justifying it with the “we were on a break” excuse is a huge red flag. Their relationship felt more like a cycle of fighting and reconciling rather than a healthy, supportive partnership. By the end, their “happy ending” felt like settling more than genuinely being right for each other. Their love was built on nostalgia, not necessarily what was best for them.
Joey’s ending definitely feels incomplete. He was the most lovable character, always there for his friends, and his romantic side was never fully explored. While the idea of him and Rachel was hinted at (especially when they started dating in Season 9), it felt like they rushed past it, only for him to end up alone in the end.
Joey and Rachel had great chemistry, and it seemed like they could’ve been a good match. Both were spontaneous and passionate, and they had a real emotional connection. But instead, they quickly moved on, and Joey was left without a partner while everyone else settled down. His character deserved more.

[unagisensei55]

Alex Karev’s arc was one of the best on Grey’s, from the arrogant intern to a compassionate, mature doctor. But his exit was such a letdown. After all the growth he had, it didn’t make sense for him to leave Jo and his whole life in Seattle to go back to Izzie. It felt like a major regression, and the rushed way they wrapped up his character felt disrespectful to the journey he’d been on. His exit makes me so angry till this day!

[unagisensei55]

You’ve nailed it with that “beige flag” comment—Derek’s not the perfect McDreamy he’s hyped up to be. While he had his swoon-worthy moments (the hair! the ferryboats!), his flaws often screamed louder on a rewatch. That “highlight of my week” comment during Meredith’s lowest point? Yikes. And don’t get me started on the Harvard ring fiasco. Who does that? And let’s not forget him choosing Addison over Meredith, which was complicated, but how he handled it was downright messy. Instead of owning his actions, he doubled down on the guilt trip and made Meredith feel like the problem. Classic gaslighting move. And then criticizing her for how she tried to heal herself? Unfair.

What makes Derek more “realistic” is exactly what frustrates viewers: he’s messy, moody, and sometimes selfish, like a lot of real-life partners. But that realism makes his character deeper—because relationships, even the iconic TV ones, aren’t all sunshine and post-it vows.

Still, I think Derek gets a pass too often because he’s Derek Shepherd. A charming neurosurgeon with a god complex? Check. Redeemable enough for fans? Debatable. Definitely not a green flag though.