When Mark “McSteamy” Sloan first arrived in Seattle, did anyone think he would become one of Grey’s Anatomy’s favorite characters? The plastic surgeon didn’t give off the best first impression considering he split up Derek’s marriage and was extremely arrogant. Not to mention how chauvinistically he treated the interns and residents.
However, that’s not to say he was a despicable person. As time went on, fans saw Mark drop his philanderous ways and become a committed family man. They also saw him grow into one of Grey-Sloan’s best teachers.
Overrated: Relationship With Addison
While many believe Addison is Mark’s first love, this may be the time to show the readers why she wasn’t. There have been a lot of romances on Grey’s Anatomy, and so far, Addison and Mark’s relationship was one of the unhealthiest. It was full of secrets, lies, and infidelity – especially on Mark’s behalf.
For instance, Addison revealed Mark cheated on her several times during their two-month relationship. When he came to Seattle, the first thing he did was try to make a move on Meredith. He even hurt Addison when he used her to try and get over Lexie. Mark was never really all-in with the OB/GYN.
Underrated: Chief Sloan
Back in season 3, residents and attendings alike made fun of the plastic surgeon for considering to run for the Chief of Surgery position. They believed he wasn’t mature or responsible enough for the position. However, his one-day tenure in season 8 proved he was more than up for the job.
He started “beef with the chief” because he wanted his surgeons to confide with him before they snowballed. He showed he could be responsible when he challenged Webber’s decision to transplant compromised organs into a patient. Mark even showed great leadership skills when he motivated Derek to be a better surgeon.
Overrated: His Arrogance
While everyone was aware of Mark’s exceptional talent and skills in the OR, most fans will agree that his arrogance and ego overshadowed them a lot. Where most of the surgeons were fulfilled by the fact that they were saving a life, Mark was the opposite. Mark was the type of person who wanted the credit and all the glory.
For instance, remember when he got annoyed when no one praised the skin flap he grew? Or how he never praised anyone else’s work? He even compared himself to God at one point. It just made him look obnoxious.
Underrated: A Good Teacher
Although many think Mark wasn’t a very good teacher, he was actually better than most of the surgeons. For one, Mark was one of the few doctors who paid attention to the interns and listened to their concerns (e.g. Lexie and the chronic pain patient). He was also one of the first people who let up on Izzie’s probation and allowed her in the OR.
Let’s not forget his passion for the plastics posse – no one had ever seen him so excited to pass on his legacy to a student before. Even though it’s been eight years since his death, fans are still reminded of his skills to this day.
Overrated: Degrading Lexie
Slexie fans were distraught when the couple decided to call time on their relationship. They couldn’t help but sympathize with the plastic surgeon when Lexie ended up sleeping with Alex soon after. However, opinions soon changed when they saw how Mark began to mistreat Lexie.
Despite Mark spending several nights with Addison, the plastic surgeon repulsed fans when he implied he was disgusted with the resident. He made matters even worse when he hypocritically stated he had the right to rebound because he was hurting. It was the first time fans wondered whether he was the right guy for her.
Underrated: A Wise Friend
While some people believe Mark was emotionally stunted, it’s surprising how many people forget how wise he is. If fans decide to rewatch, they would notice how Mark was the confidant for many people. His “Walk Tall” speech comforted Callie after she struggled in the wake of her breakup with Hahn.
He helped Callie stand up to her father after the patriarch refused to accept her romance with Arizona. Even his “You love someone, you tell them” speech gave Jackson the courage to confess his love to April. A man of many words indeed.
Overrated: A Great Boyfriend
While some fans believe Mark would make the ideal partner, people seem to forget the biggest flaw he has: remaining faithful. When he and Addison had a trial run, he cheated on her with several nurses. Despite telling Teddy he could see himself settling down with her, he ended up sabotaging their romance when he slept with Reed.
He even ended up breaking Julia’s heart by emotionally cheating on her with Lexie. Add to the fact that he had romantic affiliations with half of the staff, no one would take him seriously.
Underrated: Choosing Sloan Over Lexie
Although Slexie fans would disagree, Mark made the right decision when he chose Sloan over Lexie. While not many people are fond of the Sloan arc, the viewers will agree they saw a different side to the plastic surgeon once he realized he had a daughter.
Instead of rejecting her, Mark was quick to take the young girl in after she revealed she was pregnant and had no place to go. He even showed his mature and responsible side when he agreed to raise his grandson if need be. Fans should credit Mark stepping up for Sloan – especially when Lexie gave him an ultimatum that saw him lose her.
Overrated: Treatment Of Alex & Jackson
When it came to his relationships, many people said that Mark had developed emotionally. However, the way he treated Alex and Jackson after he realized they were dating Lexie suggested otherwise. On both occasions, Mark was seen to mistreat the residents, sniping and refusing to teach them whenever the opportunity arose.
Instead of rejecting her, Mark was quick to take the young girl in after she revealed she was pregnant and had no place to go. He even showed his mature and responsible side when he agreed to raise his grandson if need be. Fans should credit Mark stepping up for Sloan – especially when Lexie gave him an ultimatum that saw him lose her.
Overrated: Treatment Of Alex & Jackson
When it came to his relationships, many people said that Mark had developed emotionally. However, the way he treated Alex and Jackson after he realized they were dating Lexie suggested otherwise. On both occasions, Mark was seen to mistreat the residents, sniping and refusing to teach them whenever the opportunity arose.
Remember when he comforted her on her wedding day when she cried over her brother? Or when he stood up for her after Callie’s jealousy spanned out of control? Not to forget how he tried to help Arizona win Callie back after she came back from Africa. They shared a very special bond.
