“I’ve Heard That Many Fans Are Upset…”: 9-1-1’s Major Character Death Addressed By Exiting Star In New Statement

A 9-1-1 star has discussed the show's shocking major character death ahead of their exit from the show. 9-1-1 season 8, episode 15 rocked viewers with the show's first-ever on-screen death of a major character. Peter Krause's beloved Captain Bobby Nash died in the line of duty, sacrificing his chance to be saved from a virus by giving the only vial of the antidote to crew member Chimney. The death of the show's main character came as a huge surprise to many viewers, and it is a creative risk that Krause has opened up about.

Per Variety, Krause, who has played Bobby since the hit procedural premiered in January 2018, released a statement discussing his character's death in the show, and why he believed it was the right decision. He acknowledges that some fans were upset by the creative choice the show made, but also mentions how he thought it was fitting for a man "written in sacrifice." He describes how he felt that Bobby's arc honored first responders, and how making a show like 9-1-1 is a team effort. Check out his comments below:

“I’ve heard that many fans are upset by this loss and they have a right to be. It is a loss. That said, it was more than a bold creative choice on a bold show. Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice and he was built for this. First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day. His story arc honors them. We at ‘9-1-1’ salute all the incredible men and women who do these dangerous jobs and strive to keep us safe.

Our show is incredibly difficult to make at times with long hours, challenging stunts and elaborate disasters. We couldn’t do it without each other.”

What This Means For 9-1-1 Moving Forward

A Lot Of Healing Will Be Needed After Bobby's Death

9-1-1's decision to kill off Bobby will have consequences that run throughout the rest of the show. For one thing, there is a good chance that Chimney will be dealing with survivor's guilt, while Angela Basset's Athena has an emotional goodbye with her husband, separated by a glass partition. This is an event that is bound to shape the remaining episodes of season 8, whilst also having a strong impact on the storyline of 9-1-1 season 9. There will need to be a lot of healing among the team, and moving on from Bobby's death is going to be difficult.

It is a bold creative decision from the show, but, as Krause states, it is one that feels congruent with the character of Bobby Nash. It also serves as an important reminder of the risks real-life emergency services personnel put themselves under every day. Krause clearly has a lot of love for the show, and for the role he played, and recognizes its importance in shining a light on what brave men and women have to go through.

Our Take On Bobby's 9-1-1 Death

The Show Can Move In An Exciting New Direction

The show is now faced with a unique position being without its lead for the first time, but this also provides an exciting opportunity for a fresh direction as well. Whilst Bobby might have been one of the best 9-1-1 characters, the show has an ensemble cast of interesting and complex people, and there is life in format. 9-1-1 will continue to be one of the most popular shows on ABC, but telling stories without Bobby Nash is going to be a challenge.