"Grey's Anatomy" heads into Season 12 this fall with less than half of its original cast, and hopefully not less than half of its audience after the show killed off Derek Shepherd so that Patrick Dempsey could focus on his race car career.

The Season 11 finale left fans reeling, and wanting answers. One question on the minds of many was whether or not Dr. Arizona Robbins would become romantically involved with anybody new.

Jessica Capshaw, who plays Arizona, told TVLine that in one draft of the season finale script, "There was definite forward movement happening for Arizona, but it didn't quite fit" into the storyline. Peaceful coexistence for Arizona and Callie was the best fans could hope for at the end of season 11, but Capshaw said the two are "moving toward a place where they can actually broach subjects that are tough for ex-wives." Capshaw, referring to Arizona, says that in Season 12, "big things will happen for her."

Fans are still hounding show creator Shonda Rhimes on social media about the loss of Derek, reports Entertainment Weekly. A Change.org petition to bring back Dempsey has gathered more than 100,000 signatures. The fact is Dempsey will not be returning, and perhaps what the show needs to consider is bringing back another familiar face: Katherine Heigl as Dr. Izzie Stevens.

Heigl left "Grey's Anatomy" amid controversy.

It was well documented that Rhimes felt Heigl was often rude on set. Heigl bailed on the show that made her a household name 18 months before her contract ended.

"My life changed so dramatically in the last six years. I started a family, and it changed everything for me. It changed my desire to work full-time," she told Entertainment Weekly at the time.

Things have changed. In November 2014, Heigl apologized to Rhimes for giving her a "crappy impression" and said that she has no animosity.

Heigl returned to television in "State of Affairs," which was not renewed for a second season. She is likely shopping for a new TV series. A comeback to "Grey's Anatomy" is possible, and may be a win-win for both the show and actress.

"If they want me to return for an arc, I would love to know where Izzie is now," she told TVLine in 2012. "It's been a couple of years. I really hope she's succeeding somewhere."

What would you like to see happen between "Grey's Anatomy" characters in Season 12? How do you feel about Katherine Heigl returning to the show? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.