5 Reasons Why Bobby's 9-1-1 Death Is So Divisive

This marks the first death of a main character in 9-1-1, which is devastating because Nash left a profound impact on the other characters as a husband, leader, and father figure. Nash's death established the character's selflessness as a firefighter captain who didn't hesitate to sacrifice himself to save his crew, including fellow firefighter and paramedic Chimney, who nearly died from the virus. But considering Nash's lasting impact on the show for nearly eight seasons, he deserved a better outing.

5 There Was No Real Narrative Reason For Killing Bobby

There Should've Been A Stronger Story To End Nash's Run In 9-1-1

According to 9-1-1 showrunner Tim Minear, he states that Bobby's tragic death was a creative decision that was necessary to shake things up for the 118 fire team. For Minear, it's about raising the stakes for the other characters in the show, including Nash's wife Athena, Buck, and Chimney, in order to see how they navigate their lives and jobs without Nash leading the way. 9-1-1 isn't known for its dramatic shake-ups or killing off major characters, but Nash's death is a tonal shift for the hit drama.

While the creative decision to give Nash a dramatic and sudden death is a bold move and an homage to the sacrifices made by first responders in real life, Nash's death lacks narrative purpose. Bobby has been a significant character ever since the show's inception, and he deserved a send-off that would've been better served for a season finale. Nash's passing is particularly upsetting because, after all the personal struggles he went through and transforming his career with his family and colleagues, his conclusion is too abrupt.

4 Bobby's Death Timing Is Bad

Nash Still Had A Lot Going For His Character

Firefighter Edmundo "Eddie" Diaz notably wasn't present during Nash's death, since he was in Texas spending time with his son Christopher. Eddie's absence during Nash's final moments is a letdown because both characters have similar arcs. Like Bobby, Eddie also went through his own personal obstacles, including a troubled marriage and a strained relationship with his parents, so he moved to Los Angeles to get a fresh start. Bobby and Eddie develop a father-son relationship over the course of the show, with Bobby supporting Eddie after he loses his wife, and Eddie learning from Nash's mentorship.

3 Bobby’s Manner Of Death Undermines His Arc As Someone Who Struggled With Suicidal Ideation

Nash's Passing Is Admirable But Unfulfilling Of His Redemption Story

Nash also went a long way when it came to his recovery from alcoholism and suicidal depression, which were in large part due to the guilt he felt after losing his wife, children, and 145 other civilians in a devastating apartment fire years ago, leading to his move to L.A. After losing his own family, he found a new family with his colleagues in the 118 who had looked up to Bobby because of his strong leadership, compassion, and understanding towards his peers.

2 Bobby’s Death Twist Was Poorly Executed

The Leaked Photos Of Bobby's Coffin Ruins The Momentum Of His Fate

While Nash's death is by far the most shocking moment during 9-1-1's tenure, it was also poorly executed because, prior to the "Lab Rats" episode, there were leaked photos from Bobby's funeral procession. This led many spectators to believe that these images proved Nash's death was inevitable, while others believed that the photos were just an April Fool's Day prank and that Bobby was just trapped alive in a coffin.

1 9-1-1 Is Better With Bobby Nash In It

Nash Is A Leader Who Will Be Missed By Everyone On The ABC Drama

Bobby Nash's death, particularly episodes before the end of the season, is unusual for a main character of a show for eight years. Now that Nash is gone, and his peers have to move forward without him, the tone of the show will be more somber towards the end of this season and likely the next. Nash makes 9-1-1 better thanks to his commanding presence, his expertise as a firefighter, and his romance with Athena.