‘9-1-1’ Shocker: Bobby's Death Leaves Fans Reeling After 8 Seasons!

SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers for Thursday’s episode of “9-1-1” on ABC.

This week, ABC’s series “9-1-1” defied traditional patterns of TV procedurals by eliminating not just a principal character, but the primary male actor – Captain Bobby Nash, portrayed by Peter Krause, who has previously starred in shows like “Six Feet Under” and “Parenthood.

For several weeks now, there’s been a lot of talk about the possibility of Krause leaving the show, sparked by pictures appearing on social media showing the “9-1-1” cast filming a big funeral scene in downtown Los Angeles (notably with the upcoming episode titled “The Last Alarm”). Given his eight seasons and nine years playing the captain of LAFD’s Station 118, Krause is aware that Bobby’s death might be difficult for viewers who were already thinking he was close to departing.

In a statement on Thursday, Krause acknowledged that the recent loss has upset many fans, and rightfully so, as it was indeed a loss. However, he also emphasized that this wasn’t just a daring artistic decision in a daring series; Bobby Nash was written to make a sacrifice, and his character was tailored for this very purpose. His storyline pays tribute to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line daily so we can live another day. On behalf of ‘9-1-1’, we honor and salute all those courageous individuals who perform these perilous jobs and work tirelessly to keep us secure. Making our show can be demanding with long hours, complex stunts, and intricate disasters, but we couldn’t do it without each other.

Krause admitted that the loss has left many fans disappointed, as it should, because it was a genuine loss. Yet, he pointed out that Bobby Nash wasn’t just a risky creative move in an edgy show; his character was written to make a sacrifice, and his role was specifically designed for this purpose. His storyline pays tribute to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line every day so we can live another day. We at ‘9-1-1’ salute these heroic individuals and acknowledge their selfless service in keeping us safe. The production of our show is challenging, with long hours, difficult stunts, and complex disasters, but we couldn’t do it without each other.

Krause has been a mainstay on the series “9-1-1” since it first aired eight seasons ago, previously airing on Fox. In last night’s episode titled “Lab Rats,” Bobby met his heroic demise in a selfless act – by giving up his opportunity to be rescued from a lethal virus and instead passing the only vial of vaccine to his fellow team member Chimney (portrayed by Kenneth Choi).

In the last scene of the episode, it became clear to both the viewers of “9-1-1” and Bobby’s character’s wife, LAPD sergeant Athena Grant-Nash (played by Angela Bassett), what decision Bobby had made. Through a barrier due to his coughing fits filled with blood, Bobby delivered an emotional farewell message to Athena. Subsequently, he approached a table, knelt down and clasped his hands in prayer before the infection overcame him, causing his body to collapse.

The episode concluded as Athena, Chimney, Buck (Oliver Stark), Hen (Aisha Hinds), Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and the entire 118 team were deeply saddened by the unexpected developments. With Bobby’s body bag being wheeled away by medical personnel, his captain’s helmet was left behind.

As a dedicated fan of “9-1-1,” I can’t help but feel a sense of unease upon hearing that one of the series’ main characters may be departing. Since Connie Britton’s exit at the end of Season 1, no major cast member has left, and her departure wasn’t due to her character being killed off. However, the showrunner Tim Minear has emphasized that this upcoming departure will be “unambiguous.

I found myself in a position where I needed to persuade everyone about this matter,” I shared with EbMaster. “Convincing the network wasn’t as simple as them saying, ‘Let’s cut costs by removing him.’ Instead, I had to present my case at the highest echelons and meticulously narrate the entire tale. I had to ignite their imagination – an apt term given our narrative – because, as I painted the picture, it became apparent to me, as a storyteller, how this event breathed life into the world we were creating. It made everything feel more authentic and tangible.

In the last encounter between Bobby and Athena, Bassett mentioned that it was filmed multiple times, offering various scenarios and conclusions. However, one aspect remained consistent: the strong connection between them, their powerful bond. When our gazes met, I believe we both felt it deeply, and that moment spoke volumes. I think this emotional intensity also stood out during editing, underscoring that this is where the story truly lies – in this heartfelt exchange between the two characters.

Actress Angela Bassett, who has shared screen time with Krause on “9-1-1” since its inception (their characters have been in a romantic relationship since Season 2), praised Krause as incredibly resilient during the production of the recent episode. “He managed to make you feel as comfortable as possible, but it was a tough time for both of us,” she said. “I tried to find humor in the situation by saying something like, ‘Well, I’ve died twice. I’ve had characters who suffered gruesome deaths, so I know what you’re going through. It’ll be okay.’ In essence, we’ll get through this, though we’ll have to wait and see how the audience reacts.

With just three episodes left in Season 8 and a confirmation for Season 9, Bassett admitted she hasn’t had the courage to ask Minear about future events: “Yet, another part of me suspects this might imply additional burdens on Athena.” Bassett also hinted that it seems likely Athena is “likely finished” with romantic entanglements.

Bassett found it extremely unexpected when he read the script. After eight years of navigating perilous situations as if we were superheroes, nothing like this had ever crossed our path before. So, when we encountered this plot twist, it left us baffled. I wanted to understand why this was happening and if Tim was certain about this decision, given how content Athena and Bobby were together as a team. It was indeed a sad turn of events.

First, delve into Krause’s comprehensive explanation behind his departure from “9-1-1”. Then, dive into EbMaster’s fascinating interview with Minear, uncovering details about Bobby’s demise and the show’s future trajectory.

This version aims to maintain a conversational tone while providing information on what the reader can expect to learn from each source.

I am deeply grateful to Dana Walden, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear for allowing me to take on the intricate role of Captain Bobby Nash for nine years. It has been a privilege to bring this character to life.

In October 2017, he led us in addressing themes like grief, guilt, anger, and addiction, delving into his connection with a higher power, forgiveness, and grace. As he embarked on his journey to healing, we witnessed him bonding with not one but two families – the firehouse crew and Athena Grant, where he discovered love and acceptance. There were plenty of enjoyable moments throughout this experience, and it was truly delightful.

Grateful for collaborating closely with Chief Mike Bowman, our technical advisor, and actual firefighters, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you all for enabling me to portray a character with grace and authenticity within our dramatic emergency setting. Your warm and flattering comments have truly touched me.

In collaboration with Chief Mike Bowman, our technical advisor, and real firefighters, I appreciate your support in helping me create an authentic character within our large-scale emergency scene. Your kind words mean the world to me.)

It’s been said that numerous fans are disheartened by this defeat, and justifiably so. After all, it was a loss. However, it wasn’t just a daring creative decision on an adventurous series; Bobby Nash was penned as a sacrifice, and his character development was designed for this very purpose. Just like first responders who put their lives at risk daily to ensure our safety, Bobby’s storyline honors them. Here at 9-1-1, we salute all the brave men and women who perform these perilous jobs, working tirelessly to keep us secure.

At times, creating our show can be quite demanding, with extended working hours, complex stunts, and intricate disaster scenes. Without the collective effort of everyone involved, we wouldn’t be able to pull it off.

I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone across all departments, as well as to ABC, 20th Television, and FOX. Our team is quite extensive.

I want to say thank you to every single person in each department, plus ABC, 20th Television, and Fox. We’re a large group of people working together.

I’ll deeply miss my entire 9-1-1 team, whose professional skills are unmatched. Our remarkable group of individuals who consistently amaze us with their exceptional talent. The writers who continually produce unexpected masterpieces. The directors entrusted with translating these stories onto the screen. Not forgetting the outstanding guest stars throughout the years, as well as Jennifer Love Hewitt and the rest of the call center team.

I’ll surely feel the absence of my beloved, Angela Bassett. The combination of her strength and sweetness, our intertwined fingers – it all ended prematurely. Wishing you an abundance of love.

You’ve been my rock and among the finest in your field. I will truly miss your presence, Tim Minear and Brad Buecker.

In the end, I’ll find it hard to part from my cherished and rowdy crew from the 118. Aisha Hinds, Kenneth Choi, Oliver Stark, Ryan Guzman, and Anirudh Pisharody – this farewell is bittersweet. Stay wild, but remain disciplined and complete your tasks. Misfit heroes rely on one another. That’s our firehouse way. Share this message with the upcoming rookie.

This version attempts to maintain the original meaning while using simpler language and a more conversational tone to make it easier for readers to understand.

This has been one wild adventure. I thank you all, with all my heart.

Was Bobby’s death a creative decision, or worked in because Peter Krause wanted to leave the show?

The choice was purely creative. It was a tremendously challenging creative decision, as there is hardly anyone I hold dearer on this planet than Peter.

So what brought you to that choice? Because for years watching “9-1-1,” it’s been pretty safe to assume they’ll always survive and always find a way.

In simpler terms, it seems that after eight years, you’re suggesting that in order for future narratives to hold significance and tension, it might be necessary for a character to perish. This is because the extraordinary feats like Athena landing a plane on the freeway or a ship capsizing have become so commonplace that they no longer carry the same emotional impact they once did.

And it’s got to be Bobby?

It seemed fitting that Bobby was chosen for several reasons. Firstly, it fit logically with his character development. If you consider his journey from the beginning and his search for redemption in LA, his tragic end feels fitting in a way it might not for another character. Additionally, I didn’t want to focus on minor storylines. Bobby’s death impacts every character’s narrative significantly, more so than any other character’s demise would.

Perhaps I should have approached the situation more cautiously, starting with a minor character’s demise to build suspense and tension. Maybe I could have sent a red-shirted crew member down to the alien planet, only for him to meet an untimely end. However, I opted for a bold move, deciding that if I was going to create impactful scenes, they should be significant ones. I experienced great success on “Lone Star” with unexpected deaths, but these were never the main characters. Instead, if you had a cherished father or mother who wasn’t a first responder, their safety was at constant risk because I would ruthlessly end their lives.

Did you have conversation with Peter and Angela surrounding how Bobby would die, and what the right way for him to go would be and how you’d portray it on screen?

In many discussions, especially with Peter, it became clear that he didn’t want his departure to resemble a character from a horror movie, turning into something gruesome. Instead, we had to find a way to convey the emotion without it becoming too gory or horrific. When you watch the final episode, you’ll see that it was Peter who suggested Bobby move to that table and adopt a prayerful pose, which I thought was very fitting. Most of the scene’s staging was done by Peter, along with Dawn Wilkinson, our director for that episode, and myself. However, when I reached the lab leak episode, I realized there was an opportunity for a grand character death, which ultimately meant Bobby’s time had come. I didn’t initially plan for it to be Bobby’s final episode, but as the story unfolded, I understood he wouldn’t survive.

How did you decide on the final shot of the episode being medics taking away a zipped up body bag, and then a cut to Bobby’s helmet?

In a bid to avoid leaving viewers speculating about the character’s fate and to prevent his death from feeling like a cheap cliffhanger, I decided to present the scene in a way that was both poetic and jarring. Instead of showing the actual event, I opted for a cold, clinical image – a security camera view of the body bag containing the character. To add an emotional punch, I also included a final shot of the character’s helmet amidst the debris with the words “118 Captain” inscribed on it, a sight that is heart-wrenching and leaves you momentarily breathless.

Where does the remainder of the season go from here with three episodes left?

Typically, I wouldn’t construct a two-part thriller in Episodes 14 and 15. Here’s some insight behind the scenes: These episodes were actually filmed as Episodes 13 and 14. However, I knew there would be a break after Episode 15, and I didn’t want to end the season with it because I felt that at least three episodes should follow. Therefore, I aired Episode 15 as Episode 13. We filmed this quickly so that Episodes 14 and 15 could become a two-part story. This allowed me to have three episodes to address the aftermath of Bobby’s death. It’s not like Bobby dies and then everything returns to normal in the next episode. I believe it takes three episodes for both the audience and the characters to process this loss. While the last three episodes won’t be therapy sessions per se, they will focus heavily on Bobby’s death, with thrilling adventures, high-stakes first responder action, and leading up to our season finale.

What was your conversation with Angela like about what this means for her and her character, because she’s going to stay and Athena’s now going to be carrying all of this moving forward?

I needed to contact every actor individually since Peter and I had been aware of this situation much earlier than the rest of the cast. We’d actually been discussing it for about a month prior. Eventually, it was my turn to inform the cast about the developments. We tried our best to keep things under wraps, as you can see, we even shared different drafts of the script with some crew members, day players, or background artists to prevent any leaks. However, once we went out and shot something during broad daylight, our efforts to maintain secrecy became obsolete.

However, each cast member responded uniquely when I shared the news. For example, Aisha didn’t believe me at first, saying, “No really, come on. You’re not serious.” The same went for Kenny; they couldn’t believe it either. It wasn’t just a casual phone call about eliminating a character; I had to assure them that it was real. Angela was taken aback and exclaimed, “You’re going to kill my husband?!” To which I replied, “And it will generate many storylines for you.

Is the door open for Peter to come back as Ghost Bobby, or in some other form in the future?

Well, I will say that Episode 15 is not Peter Krause’s final appearance this season.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-04-18 04:20

‘9-1-1’ Shocker: Bobby’s Death Leaves Fans Reeling After 8 Seasons!