'Grey's Anatomy' Star Patrick Dempsey Shows up One More Time in This New Episode — See Details

Patrick Dempsey returned once again in the latest episode of "Grey's Anatomy" as the doctors of Grey Sloan battle the loss of a colleague. This is the third time Dempsey reprised his role as Derek Shepherd this season.

As the doctors of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital continue to grapple with their colleague's death, actor Patrick Dempsey made his third appearance as the late Derek Shepherd in season 17.

In a teaser shared for episode eight, which aired yesterday, Dempsey resurfaced in Meredith Grey's streak of fantasies on the beach while she remains on a ventilator, fighting for her life amid her COVID-19 battle.

According to People, the former couple discussed their youngest daughter Ellis who was born shortly after Shepherd's death. Meredith spoke about how her husband never got to meet their daughter, to which Shepherd responded:

"She looks just like you. She breaks the rules just like you. And she's quick to anger and quick to laugh. She's smart, gifted, stubborn, just like you."

Teddy Altman [Kid Raver], who tended to Meredith, noted that her vitals improved while urging her to keep fighting. Meanwhile, the doctors continue to deal with the aftermath of Andrew DeLuca's death.

Dempsey spoke about his return to "Grey's Anatomy" five years after his character was killed off.

DeLuca [Giacomo Gianniotti] lost his life in episode seven after being stabbed while trying to chase down a sex trafficker with his sister Carina. Unfortunately, DeLuca didn't survive and died during the operation.

Episode 8, titled "It's All Too Much," opened with Dr. Richard Webber [James Pickens Jr.] being comforted by his wife Catherine [Debbie Allen] despite their strained marriage. Owen Hunt [Kevin McKidd] stumbled on DeLuca's badge while clearing out his locker.

Levi Schmitt [Jake Borelli] keeps busy recording videos for a eulogy. Of all the doctors, Teddy Altman [Kim Raver] was most affected by DeLuca's passing as she began imagining the late doctor appeared to her in the ER.

Chief of Surgery Miranda Bailey [Chandra Wilson] handled her grief by requesting an autopsy to know what went wrong during surgery. However, Owen, Teddy, and Richard were shocked by the idea.

In November, Dempsey spoke about his return to "Grey's Anatomy" five years after his character was killed off during an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." The actor gushed about how viewers responded positively to his comeback.

He recalled that the idea of him returning was borne out of a discussion with co-star Ellen Pompeo about how the medical series could encourage fans to wear masks and take the virus seriously.