Luckily, the 9-1-1 season 8 finale confirmed that Bobby’s death, while crushing, will bring the 118 closer than ever. The surviving firefighters— Evan “Buck” Buckley (Oliver Stark), Howard “Chimney” Han (Kenneth Choi), Henrietta “Hen” Wilson (Aisha HInds), Ravi Panikkar (Anirudh Pisharody), and Eddie Diaz (Ryan Guzman)— were on the brink of drifting apart in the closing moments of 9-1-1 season 8, but Chimney’s extemporaneous speech rallied the crew together with one clear reminder: Bobby built their team, and they can’t just throw that away. To preserve Bobby’s legacy, the 118 has to stick together— including one massively underrated character.
Ravi Joined The 118 As Eddie’s Replacement In 9-1-1 Season 8
The Former Probie Moved To The A-Shift
Ironically, the 118 was fragmented long before Bobby’s death. Eddie spent the first half of 9-1-1 season 8 struggling to live away from Christopher (Gavin McHugh). The tension mounted in 9-1-1’s midseason finale, when Eddie revealed he was planning on moving to Texas. After the firefighter takes the leap, Ravi steps in to fill the vacancy that Eddie left in the 118’s A-Shift. Throughout his shifts in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 11, however, it’s clear the transition was anything but smooth. Bobby calls him “Eddie” on multiple occasions, and Buck only reaches out to take his mind off Eddie.
By the season finale, Buck and Ravi have found their footing at work and display impressive synergy during 9-1-1 season 8, episode 18’s major emergency— a 19-story building that’s slowly collapsing. Interim captain Gerrard (Brian Thompson) even views the two as a unit, referring to them as the “pretty boys” while giving orders. When Buck and Ravi find themselves in a precarious situation, Eddie suddenly arrives to lend a hand. Buck’s former partner had returned for Bobby’s funeral, but he planned to return to Texas immediately. Yet, 9-1-1 season 8, episode 18's ending flips this idea on its head.
If Chimney Becomes Captain, Eddie’s Return Will Be As A Paramedic
The Entire Team Dynamic Will Be Overhauled
Since Chimney and Hen have been the 118’s paramedic duo since the series began, that leaves a significant gap in the team. Fortunately, due to Eddie’s past as an army medic, he would fit right in rather than force 9-1-1 to introduce an entirely new character to be Hen’s partner. Beyond being logical, Eddie transitioning to paramedic work would expand his horizons and deepen his friendship with Hen, which is rarely seen in 9-1-1. Additionally, having a familiar face fill the paramedic position would make it an easier transition for both the audience and the characters themselves.
With Eddie’s New Role, Ravi Can Stay Buck’s Partner In 9-1-1 Season 9
Every Surviving Character Can Stay On The Main Team
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Although Buck and Eddie’s partnership in 9-1-1 has been an iconic aspect of the first-responder drama since it began in season 2, Buck and Ravi teaming up offers a new dynamic to explore and develop. There’s no animosity between them, but there’s no chemistry or meaningful attachment beyond mere acquaintanceship. Working together in close proximity, however, would force Buck and Ravi to get to know each other better, building their friendship and bringing Ravi more firmly into the fold. Admittedly, it would be a big shake-up for the 118, but it may be exactly what 9-1-1 needs.
Why Ravi Deserves To Stay With The 118 Despite Eddie’s Return
The Young Blood Is 9-1-1's Future
Whereas Buck’s early years as a firefighter were filled with chaos and cocksure snark, Ravi already stands in compelling juxtaposition due to his doubts.
It’s not as if the promotion would be unfounded. Ravi put his entire life on the line during 9-1-1: Contagion when he went against direct orders from the U.S. military. Later on, Ravi admits he was planning on resigning from the 118, making his unwavering loyalty all the more honorable. Whereas Buck’s early years as a firefighter were filled with chaos and cocksure snark, Ravi already stands in compelling juxtaposition due to his doubts. The procedural could use his insecurity as the springboard for a deeply personal narrative if 9-1-1 would only give Anirudh Pisharody the spotlight he deserves.
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