Grey’s Anatomy: 10 Episodes To Watch If You Miss Denny Duquette

Grey’s Anatomy is no stranger to love and loss, but few guest stars on ABC’s hit medical drama have been as beloved and mourned as Denny Duquette. Played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, the lovable heart patient was a recurring character early in the series, and arguably the love of Izzie Stevens’ life.

Though he died tragically in the heartbreaking season two finale, Denny wasn’t truly gone. Most importantly, his memory lived on in Izzie’s heart, regularly mentioned as an important part of her storylines and character development. Making appearances as a ghost in both season three and season five of the show, Denny brought his humor, charm, and gentle wisdom to every episode.

10 Begin The Begin – 2×13

Denny is first introduced in the mid-season premiere as a viral cardiomyopathy patient that is desperately in need of a new heart.

His heart might not physically work well, but he falls for Izzie from the moment that he sees her, flirting with her shamelessly in front of the other interns about zodiac signs and walks on the beach. Their playful flirtation doesn’t let up throughout the episode, emphasizing the genuine chemistry between the couple from the first moments that they meet.

9 What Have I Done To Deserve This – 2×19

Things start to heat up again between Izzie and Alex, but their moment is interrupted when Denny is wheeled into the emergency room. Izzie insists on staying with him through his heart failure, and it becomes clear to both Alex and some of the other interns how much she actually cares for him.

Despite having plans with Alex, Izzie blows him off to have an adorable “first date” in Denny’s room, complete with a tablecloth and apple juice in wine glasses.

8 Band-Aid Covers The Bullet Hole – 2×20

Denny’s heart is getting worse by the minute in this emotion-packed episode full of ups and downs. Jealous that their unspoken relationship seems to be progressing, Alex vindictively tells Denny that he and Izzie are in a relationship, leading a hurt Denny to ask Izzie what he is to her over a game of Scrabble.

A furious Izzie later confronts Alex for his lies, and Denny gets a chance at a potentially life-saving procedure but hesitates to take it.

7 Blues For Sister Someone – 2×23

Unsure about being forced to stay at the hospital, Denny is relieved when he is offered the option of a portable LVAD that might extend the life of his heart while also allowing him to go home and keep some of his independence. Scared to hurt Izzie’s feelings, he hesitates to tell her about his decision.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bailey gets suspicious of their unprofessional relationship and Meredith confronts Denny, leading him to admit it to her Izzie is worth the risk.

6 17 Seconds – 2×25

Denny’s time is running out, even after receiving the LVAD. Burke struggles to get Denny a new heart, and Izzie suggests illegal, drastic measures in order to save Denny’s life in one of the most heart-wrenching episodes of the season.

Morgan and Heigl both give stellar performances when Izzie insists on cutting his LVAD wire, sobbing that he needs to let her do this and that she won’t let him die. The episode ends with her cutting the wire and Denny’s heart monitor flatlining.

5 Losing My Religion – 2×27

“Losing My Religion” takes fans’ hearts and stomps them into dust, but it hurts so good. It’s a rare moment when things seem to be actually going well for Denny. Recovering from a successful heart transplant, his hands are warm and he has color in his cheeks.

He asks Izzie to marry him, assuring her that for once in his life, he has a second chance to live it to the fullest, and he wants to do it with her. Their happiness is cruelly short-lived, and he passes away quietly later that night, only to be found by an utterly devastated Izzie.

4 Some Kind Of Miracle – 3×17

Denny died nearly an entire season ago, but fans get a nice surprise in “Some Kind Of Miracle.” During a near-death experience after almost drowning in freezing temperatures, Meredith sees Denny Duquette and Dylan the bomb technician, who introduce her to the afterlife and try to convince her not to give up.

Though he can’t see or speak with Izzie, there is a tender moment where he sits in the hallway and says that when she is close by, he almost feels like he can touch her.

3 In the Midnight Hour – 5×09

Known as one of the weirdest storylines in Grey’s Anatomy history, Denny appears to Izzie throughout season five, and even as a ghost, he is all man.

Hesitant to believe that he is real, Denny challenges her to do something that they have never done before to prove that he is real, and they sleep together for the very time. Reasonably confused and overwhelmed, Izzie doesn’t know what to do, but Denny assures her that this is real and that he will always be there for her.

2 All By Myself – 5×10

Ghost Denny is still around and as adorable as ever. This episode is full of cuteness, cuddles, and jealousy as Denny follows Izzie around the hospital and sneaks away with her every chance that he gets, and getting to know her all over again along the way.

Alex admits his love for Izzie, but Izzie is more distracted by her ghost boyfriend than her real boyfriend, and can we really blame her?

1 Stairway To Heaven – 5×13

“I thought you were my Heaven…but maybe I’m your Hell.” Denny and Izzie have to let go of each other once and for all in this emotional episode that has been coming for a long time. He feels so real to Izzie that she can smell and see him. Does this mean that he’s not dead, or is she just crazy?

They share one last kiss before he disappears forever, finally passing over to the other side. It’s a long road to recovery for Izzie, but at least she believes in her heart that they both got the closure that she needed and that she is okay.

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