It's strange to think that it has been over two years since April left Grey's Anatomy. It seemed like it was only yesterday that she quit the hospital to do provide medical care for the homeless. It's also strange to think she would have just celebrated her second wedding anniversary with Matthew.
While April's exit storyline allowed actor Sarah Drew to leave on a high, the fans have mixed opinions on whether she should be able to return. After all, she's not exactly considered a fan favorite as some people believe she is an overrated character. However, others believe she should be appreciated far more as her story was better than some of the regular's current ones. So, question is — is April an overrated character or underrated?
Overrated: Her Ignorance Of The Secular
As everyone knows, April was a devout Christian. Fans loved and respected her for not hiding her faith. However, what they didn't appreciate was the ignorance she held towards those who held different beliefs than her, like atheist Jackson. In season 10, April told Jackson she pitied him for not having any spiritual beliefs.
In season 12, she berated him for wanting to get a divorce because that would mean they would break the vow they made to God. It was unfair of her to expect others to respect her faith when she undermined her partner's beliefs too.
Underrated: A Good Friend
While April was known to get on the nerves of her colleagues, some of them failed to realize what a great friend she was. Despite her friends mistreating her, April was one of the few people who would be there in the toughest of times. When Derek was shot, April sat with Meredith and comforted her.
When Meredith suffered a miscarriage, April checked in on her several times. Don't forget when she ed Arizona when she thought she had breast cancer. April was a great person to have in your corner.
Overrated: The Matthew-Jackson Triangle
When it comes to April and Jackson's relationship, there are mixed feelings. Some people believe they were soulmates while others believe they had quite a destructive romance. But were fans really surprised with the way it ended? Especially when they consider the way they began?
Not only had Jackson been in a committed relationship but April was about to get married to Matthew. Instead of calling off the wedding after she expressed her doubts, April went ahead with it and publicly humiliated him. Despite their previous attempt failing, April and Jackson then got married on a whim. It was too quick.
Underrated: Letting Jackson Go
While Jackson and April's relationship was far from perfect, April deserves a bit more comion for agreeing to the divorce. For weeks, the viewers saw her fight the decision and try to show Jackson their marriage was worth fighting for. However, after going to counseling, she soon relented when Jackson insisted they still sign the papers.
Although fans could still see how much it pained her to do so, April let him go because she wanted him to be happy. It was quite selfless of her to do this for the man she's in love with.
Overrated: Behavior During Harriet's Pregnancy
While many fans thought it was brave of April to take on Catherine Fox during the paternity struggle, some failed to recognize how unfair it was on Jackson. The thing about April is that she can be very impulsive and irrational when she's not in the right state of mind. As a result, it often leads her to do something regrettable...
In this instance, April decided to file a restraining order against Jackson after she heard Catherine telling him to sue her. If she would have tried to communicate with him, April would have seen Jackson tell his mother she was being unreasonable. She may have been victorious in the battle with Catherine, but at what cost?
Underrated: Becoming A Swan
One of April's most underrated scenes had to be when she stood up to her sisters. As soon as they came to town, the viewers could understand why April could barely stand to be around them. They were rude, obnoxious, and very condescending towards her. They also called her "Duckie" — a nickname she acquired because she had braces, terrible acne, and wore glasses until college.
While old Kepner would have tolerated this behavior, revamped April decided she had enough and put them in their place. It's surprising that no one ever talks about this scene because it was extremely satisfying to see April make a stand.
Overrated: A People-Pleaser
Although fans didn't mind that April was a very peppy and high-spirited person, sometimes her personality could be a little overbearing. An example of this was in season 6 when she decided to become Derek's assistant and was be at his beck and call.
For instance, when she hounded Meredith over not ing him? Or when she decided to root through Meredith's closest for a dress despite the general surgeon telling her not to? April even refused to go home because Derek wasn't. Sometimes she could be a little much...
Underrated: Blunt April
While April didn't mind being used as a punching bag for her colleagues, there were often a couple of times where she couldn't tolerate it anymore. As a result, the viewers would see her call them out and give them some well-deserved truths. An example of this being in season 7 when she stood up to the residents for mocking her for being a virgin.
It was also great to see her berate them for not respecting her virginity because it was nothing to be ashamed of. This should definitely be talked about more.
Overrated: Her Grave Mistakes
It's strange to think that fans consider April one of the best surgeons Grey-Sloan has ever had when in reality, she is one of the worst. Some may not , but April had been fired from Grey-Sloan not once, but twice. The first time was in season 6, where her negligence led to the death of a patient.
In season 8, she was once again fired because she failed her board exams. For some reason, they kept on giving her second chances despite her mes big time. It seemed like there was a bit of nepotism at play...
Underrated: Her Strength Through Adversity
One of the most underrated aspects of April's arc had to be her emotional strength. In Kepner's last years, the show put the trauma surgeon through the wringer. Not only did she lose her best friend in the hospital mass-shooting but she also lost a child and went through a painful divorce.
Furthermore, April went through a crisis of faith and almost died. These were some of her lowest points that showed how strong and brave she was. A completely underrated character.
