 Leigh has received mixed feedback for her role as Lexie Grey . People , less than impressed , criticized the way Leigh 's character initially approached her sister , calling it " rude " . Jennifer Armstrong of Entertainment Weekly was also critical of Leigh 's early appearances , referring to her as " awkward " . However , Armstrong later noted that the " sparkling " friendship development between Lexie and O 'Malley " won her over " . The character 's transition from season four to five was positively reviewed , with Keen of The Trades writing : " Her presence and confidence have increased quite a bit since last season , and actress , Chyler Leigh , does a fantastic job of making this progression feel seamless . Since the series has defused the tension between Little Grey and Big Grey ( aka Meredith ) , Lexie has clear sailing through the season and steals the show as one of the best current characters on the series . " 
