Alex Karev underwent a significant character growth over the 16 seasons he was on the show. But that doesn't mean he didn't have any setbacks

Alex Karev has to be one of those rareGrey's Anatomythat goes from being much hated to becoming absolutely indispensable. When Alex was initially introduced to the show, he was seen to be the perfect foil to the softer, gentle young O'Malley. He was so arrogant and toxic that it wasn't surprising the viewers hated him for so long.

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However, in time, he became a more mellow and lovable person. Once the viewers saw his vulnerable and sensitive side, and watched him grow as a renowed peds surgeon, they soon changed their minds. It just took a while to get there.

Alex was an arrogant jerk for severalof the earlier seasons.The quintessential, self-centered, smartmouth got himself into hot waters - both personally and professionally.

This meant that there were more than just a few things that Alex did that he should have been ashamed of at the time. From behaving atrociously to the kind George O'Malley to letting Izzie down multiple times, there wasa spate of things he would have been ashamed of at the time.

Alex took care of his family even as it was falling apart. His father was a drug addict and when he left, Alex thenspent most of his childhood taking care of his mother, who has schizophrenia. He also had to take care of his brother and sister, even going to juvenile detention for stealing food to feed his siblings.

For all of Alex's selfish, insolent ways, he proved to be much wiser beyond his years. He should be extremely proud of looking after his little brother and sister, as well as his mom when they needed him the most.

Alex, during the years that he was still his arrogant self, took credit for George's unbelievable feat. As many fans know,Alex had freaked out when he was supposed to take the lead and perform the surgery inside the elevator.

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It was George who stepped up and took charge, literally saving the patient's life. However, when Alex was later mistaken for the one who performed the surgery, he simply accepted it as the truth and didn't divulge that he wasn't the miracle man after all. Even for Alex, that was low.

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Grey's Anatomy: 5 Shameful Things Alex Karev Did (& 5 Things He Should Be Proud Of) - Screen Rant