‘9-1-1’ Tries to Find Its New Normal in Season 8, Episode 17 Images

The next stage for 9-1-1 characters begins as their lives without Bobby (Peter Krause) continue. Everyone tries to settle into the new normal, but it's not easy given the huge space Bobby occupied in many of the characters' lives.

However, life does not have a pause button, however much someone might wish there were. "Following an earthquake, the 118 races to the scene of several unusual fires and must figure out their cause before anyone else is hurt. Meanwhile, as everyone settles into their new normal, they try to move forward and plan for the future," reads the 9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 17 logline, "Don't Drink the Water." The episode, airing on May 8, finds the 118 dealing with a massive fire in residential buildings, while contending with this devastating loss. ABC released some images from the episode, previewing what's next.

Everyone is back to their regular lives since their jobs are important. The 118 is back under Gerrard's (Brian Thompson) temporary stewardship, and he can be seen in the images below trying to fill Bobby's official role. He seems very different from the Gerrard viewers are used to as he talks to Buck (Oliver Stark). These talks between Buck and Bobby happened regularly, and the latter always knew what to say. Will Gerrard measure up? Athena (Angela Bassett) is back on patrol, too. The images show her at work, attending to one thing or the other.

The real story, however, is happening at home, where she must continue the dream she and Bobby had about their new house. It's nearing completion and reminds Athena of the loss she sustained a short while ago. However, she has a strong support system, and her friends and family drop by occasionally to check in on her. We might also learn what Eddie (Ryan Guzman) has decided about his future at the firehouse.

'9-1-1' Prepares to Wrap Up for the Season

Meanwhile, 9-1-1 and other broadcast shows race towards season finales, with many airing their finales this month. Showrunner Tim Minear said the 9-1-1 Season 8 finale will be massive. It is "a really 9-1-1 finale" and is "something we haven't done before," with events that lead to "a mass casualty event," he shared. Fans can rest easy knowing that whatever happens in the season finale, answers will be given in the subsequent season since 9-1-1 was renewed for Season 9, set to premiere in the 2025-2026 TV season.

Watch "Don't Drink the Water" when the episode airs this Thursday, May 8. Stay tuned to Collider for updates.