Halfway into the eighth season finale of Grey's Anatomy, the "beloved character" whom creator Shonda Rhimes said will die has been revealed. And she is so much loved, indeed. No wonder the writers cried while developing this finale.

Fans see a different Eric Dane in this heartbreaking episode. His brilliant acting skills finally broke through the player-joker vibe, but did it have to happen the way it did?

Two episodes after Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh) delivered that incredibly moving "I love you" spiel to Mark Sloan (Dane), she dies in a plane crash and he is there to watch her slip away.

Sloan's life hangs in the balance, too, and the finale ended while the plane passengers are still right in the middle of the tragic crash. US fans will have to wait until Fall to know what happens next.

Grey's Anatomy certainly knows how to exit a season. Props to Rhimes and her creative team for developing a breathtaking finale although they did not know whether or not the original cast will still sign for the next season. (The six remaining original cast signed after the finale concept has been written. They signed for two more years.)

Australia is only halfway through Season 8 at this point, so Aussies should stay far away from spoilers. It is so hard to do with Twitter users posting spoilers as they watch the show.

Below are some of the tweets Thursday night in the U.S. posted just minutes into the Grey's Anatomy run. (More spoilers)

‏@jossylbacalla: I don't watch Greys Anatomy, but based on everyone I follow's tweets, I'm going to assume something happened to Mark Sloan?

‏@vernejgay: Just had a major flatline on the #greysanatomy finale and we're not even into the second half; Shonda, the grim reaper.

‏@HappyBunny87: Wow #greysanatomy is so intense and sad tonight, they know how to do a season finale

‏@CNRush: I care more about Mark being upset and Meredith losing another family member than her actually dying #GreysAnatomy

@EmmaCreter: I need to get off twitter before someone ruins the ending of greys anatomy for me! I cant believe I'm missing it because of stupid homework!

@bree_gann: Being pregnant and watching this episode of greys anatomy was not a good idea, I'm an emotional wreck!

@toripboles: Greys anatomy, seriously? Baby Grey? I'm in hysterical tears and im PISSED! I need a talk with Shonda Rhimes.

@sTealfrEEcooKie: Everyone on my timeline is going in on greys anatomy. Might have to start watching it.

@ThriftyDCCook: There are people on my twitter stream who are watching and commenting on Greys Anatomy. I never thought you were that type... #Shocked

@ChelseaPates: Really, can you even call that a Greys anatomy episode. That was a rip Chelsea's heart out episode. #cool

@kellsterzz: i feel like everyone's moms are watching greys anatomy

@kaseinyofacee: I would like to thank Greys Anatomy for making me cry an hour straight and now making me live with depression #wtf