Grey's Anatomy: 5 Moments Mark & Lexie Proved They Were Couple Goals (& 5 That Proved They Weren't)
Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek Shephard (Patrick Dempsey) are known to be the fans' favorite OTP, but that didn't mean there aren't others that come a close second. One of Grey's Anatomy's most tragic love stories was between Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) and Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh).
Mark and Lexie had a rollercoaster of a romance, having more ups and downs than any other couple. Despite breaking up more times than you could count, the pair still managed to find their way back to one another. Unfortunately, their last reconciliation ended in tragedy as both doctors died after succumbing to their injuries. In tribute to the pairing, here are five moments that proved they were couple goals (and five that proved they weren't).
10 Best: Mark reveals the relationship to Derek (S5 Ep16)
Mark and Lexie were first classed as a forbidden romance as the plastic surgeon was warned off by Derek. For weeks, they kept their relationship hidden from friends, meeting up at hotels and on-call rooms. However, the pressure of keeping it hidden began to get to Lexie.
Lexie gave Mark an ultimatum: either he told Derek about them or they couldn't be together anymore. Fans had seen how much he cared for Lexie, so it wasn't surprising when Mark ended up telling Derek. Although this led to another falling out between the best friends, there was a nice moment when Lexie came rushing to his aid.
9 Worst: Lexie's stress eating (S5 Ep20)
Mark and Lexie's relationship was still going strong weeks after the fight; however, it began to take its toll on Derek and Mark's friendship, with the former still hurt by Mark's betrayal. It also took its toll on Lexie who found herself caught in the middle of their arguments.
As a result, Lexie began to stress eat; she complains to Meredith that the fight is causing her to gain weight. Meredith then intervenes after noticing Mark and Derek try to use Lexie to fuel their work desires. Overall, it wouldn't exactly make a person feel good if their partner is trying to use them for their own gain.
8 Best: Mark meets Lexie's Dad (S5 Ep21)
Surprisingly, Mark continued to be the perfect boyfriend when he decided to meet Lexie's dad, Thatcher (Jeff Perry). Earlier in the episode, Mark was reluctant to meet Thatcher because he believed he wouldn't like him. He also implied that he preferred their relationship to be private and didn't want an outsider's perspective to ruin it. Lexie looked disappointed by his decision but respected it all the same.
However, Mark soon changed his mind after speaking with Callie (Sara Ramirez). Something she said must have resonated with the plastics attending as he turns up at the restaurant. Lexie looked taken aback but was nevertheless pleased that he turned up to meet her father. It showed her how committed Mark was to the relationship.
7 Worst: The Alex/Addison fight (S6 Ep12)
The fight Mark and Lexie have in season 6 is probably one of their worst scenes together. After the couple breaks up, Slexie fans watched in horror as Lexie and Alex (Justin Chambers) hooked up ("Blink"). It was even worse for them when Mark revealed he slept with Addison (Kate Walsh) ("I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked").
The fight that proceeded left all fans cowering behind closed fingers as they revealed their infidelity to one another. Looking back, the couple was right to break up as they needed to grow separately. They both proved that they needed to mature as Mark's disgust was seen as hypocritical and Lexie's 'eye for an eye' attitude showed her immaturity. It's still devastating to watch.
6 Best: Mark confesses he wants to marry Lexie (S6 Ep22)
There was only one person Mark had ever said he would marry and that was Lexie. He first revealed his desire in "Shiny Happy People" when Callie encouraged him to go after her before it was too late. Mark also revealed he was thinking about proposing in the episode 'Shock to the System'.
At the time, Lexie was not ready to settle down but it did show how much Mark had grown. For a former womanizer to admit he wants to settle down and get married illustrates the influence the relationship had on him.
5 Worst: Mark hears Lexie's love confession to Alex (S6 Ep24)
It was no secret that Mark was determined to win Lexie back. He even told her so after confessing that he would marry her if she wished. So, when the hospital came under threat after a former patient's husband decided to get revenge, fans were filled with dread.
Mark and Lexie were forced to operate on Alex after he was shot. At the time, Lexie was dating the then pediatric resident and was heartbroken to see him in pain. She tried her best to comfort him as he continued to shout for Izzie (Katherine Heigl). However, fans couldn't help but feel a little bit sympathetic towards Mark when he overheard Lexie confess her love to Alex.
4 Best: Mark cares for her well-being (S7 Ep1)
The season 6 finale left the doctors traumatized, with many of them suffering PTSD. Lexie was shown to be one of the people most affected by the ordeal as fans learned she had to be sectioned. It was revealed in a flashback that Mark was responsible for the decision because Alex couldn't cope with her breakdown on top of his own stress.
Although they weren't together, Mark continued to watch Lexie from afar. He was seen storming into the counselor's office, demanding to know why she was allowed back into work after he had her committed into psych. Lexie overheard the commotion and reassured Mark that she was fine. It didn't stop him from watching her weeks later just to make sure she was well.
3 Worst: Mark's relationship with Julia (Majority of S8)
After Mark gave his blessing to Jackson (Jesse Williams) and Lexie, he began dating ophthalmologist Julia Canner (Holley Fain). Their relationship was established in the episode "Put Me In Coach", where the doctors noted Mark kissing an opposing team member. It became evident that Lexie was jealous of the new budding romance.
Jackson soon broke up with Lexie after realizing she still had feelings for Mark. Instead of doing something about it, Lexie decides to keep quiet and continues to watch as Mark's relationship flourishes. She doesn't react well to the news that he might move in with Julia ("Lion Sleeps Tonight") and breaks down to Derek about missing him ("Moment Of Truth"). It's so frustrating to watch her suffer when she could easily do something about it.
2 Best: "You're like a disease" speech (S8 Ep22)
Who knew being compared to a disease could be so romantic? Lexie somehow made it work for her and created one of the show's most iconic speeches. After weeks of pining, Lexie decided to confess her feelings for our favorite plastics attending.
She admitted that despite being happy with Jackson she couldn't help but be drawn back to him. She also confesses to Mark that he is always on her mind, so much that it is beginning to affect her daily routine. Surprisingly, Mark is speechless by her admission, yet it proved one thing. No matter who they dated, the pair would always be drawn to each other in some form.
1 Worst: Lexie dies (S8 Ep24)
Arguably the worst death on the show, Slexie fans' hearts were torn in two as they saw Lexie trapped under the plane. The other doctors tried to get it off her, but it quickly became apparent that Lexie would not survive her injuries. When Cristina went to find Meredith, Mark stayed with Lexie.
Mark appeared in denial over the incident, refusing Lexie's pleas to hold her hand because she "wasn't dying". However, he soon changed his mind when he still couldn't get the wing off of her. Mark then proceeds to confess his love to her, creating a dream scenario where they would live happily together. If only he had said something earlier because now fans are haunted by Lexie's last words: "Meant to be".