Greys Anatomy has graced our televisions for nearly 15 years and over 350 episodes, and theres no sign of an ending in sight. Greys Anatomy has featured over 100 different characters over the course of the series, so its no surprise that it is more divisive than others.

While many internet commenters have recently targeted Richard Webber, its his wife that has been drawing the internets ire for years and years. Since Catherine Foxs first appearance in season 8, fans have argued online (and off) about whether her measured business acumen and her ruthless drive for success are traits of a villain or just a strong personality.

Back in July 2017, fans had already begun to turn on Catherine as seen in this string of Reddit comments(some strong language).

However, things have slowly shifted. Whether its a sign of a well-written character developing another dimension or simply a pushback in the culture of 2019 against casual sexism, more fans have come to Catherines defense when arguments start to fly. A recent Reddit post describing her as the worst parts of Owen and Bailey (and incorrectly referring to her as CatherineAvery) quickly found quickly saw Catherines defenders piling on.

Incorrect and short sighted, user svargs01 replied. Catherine Fox (she changed her name, recognize it) is a powerful woman who knows the limits of her gender during her time and knows when she needs to step on peoples toes to get what she wants and when to hang back and let the boys talk it out.

Surprisingly, this actually led to a worthwhile discussion among users. There is certainly some sexism in the dislike for Catherine Fox, as many of her more controversial acts would have been more accepted if a man had performed them.

However, Catherines gender isnt a shield that absolves her from all the blame, as her cover-up of Harper Averys sexual assaults was the wrong thing to do, as noble as her goal to preserve the foundation was. Her decisions (and subsequent renaming of the foundation) didnt bring the justice the victims deserved, but she maintained the ability of the foundation to do good.

Since she joined the show, Catherine has driven much of the action. Regardless of the internets opinion on her, her presence makes Greys Anatomy a much stronger show. Fans have leveled criticism at the show that after fifteen seasons the writers are falling into tired old tropes. Characters make showsand strong characters are necessary for good TV.

When Catherine was diagnosed with cancer, Greys fans were united in their desire to see her survive, love her or hate her. This isnt the reaction fans would have for a real villain who was actively fighting against the good guys of the show.

Knowing that Catherine is imperfect (as everyone but Meredith is, it seems), it becomes easier to critically examine the internets dislike for her. Every action hasnt been perfectly good, but (male) characters who have done far worse have received a warmer response.

Catherine Foxs actions have never been from a place of spite or jealousy, never out of hate or malice. When she crosses the line and does something controversial (such as covering up Harper Averys actions) its to protect something goodin this case, a legacy that has changed lives.

Any reasonable analysis of her dislike will find that at least some of it are rooted in sexism, even if shes not perfect. Men in her position would have accomplished less and received more praise for it. Theres no one in theShondaverse exactly like Catherine Fox, and Catherine wouldnt have it any other way.

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The Real Reason Some 'Grey's Anatomy' Fans Can't Stand Catherine Fox - Showbiz Cheat Sheet