The show has become one of the most successful procedurals on network TV, and has pushed the boundaries for ensemble storytelling, thrilling action set pieces, and strong character dynamics. With 9-1-1 season 9 set to air in the fall, the absence of Bobby could spell a fresh new direction for the series.
Per TV Insider, Hewitt discussed the upcoming season of 9-1-1 in an interview with Entertainment Tonight for I Know What You Did Last Summer. She talked about how everything had changed following the death of Bobby, but that things must go on, and that death is just part of the risk for first responders. Check out Hewitt's comments below:
"Sad. It’s not the same. Nothing is the same. But I do think that when you’re telling a story about first responders, unfortunately, those are the things that happen and he was the person that mattered to everyone in the cast the most and so I felt like he was our hero and he always will be.”
What This Means For 9-1-1 Season 9
The Wheels Keep Turning At The 118
Hewitt's comments neatly capture the essence of what the show is about, as well as the risks first responders take when they sign up for their dangerous career. Bobby's 9-1-1 death was tragic and heroic, and there is no question his absence will be felt from the show, but the narrative has to continue without him.
The rest of the team will be impacted by Bobby's death in different ways, and Hewitt's Maddie and her husband Chimney (who Bobby sacrificed himself to save) will feel deeply impacted by the loss. But the whole team will need to be able to move on when it comes to overcoming Bobby's death and being able to do their jobs effectively.
Our Take On How 9-1-1 Season 9 Will Evolve
The Show Needs To Move On From Bobby
Leaving the specter of Bobby behind is going to be essential for the show to be able to thrive and grow, and this is something that the writers will need to work through. There has been some fan backlash following Bobby's 9-1-1 death, but it could wind up being exactly what 9-1-1 as a show needs to move forward and evolve into something else.
There are a few ways the show can move on from Bobby, such as a time jump, and bringing in a new head of 118. But this might rob the characters of the catharsis of grieving. 9-1-1 will need to find the optimal way to make organic changes that can move on from Bobby in a way that feels right.
Source: TV Insider
