Properly Moving On From Bobby's Death Requires 1 Missing Character's Return In Season 9

Losing Bobby Nash was a devastating blow to 9-1-1, but the long-running procedural can aid the 118’s transition of power with one underutilized character. Peter Krause’s departure marks the most tragic death in 9-1-1, as his Captain Nash had been a central part of the show’s identity. Many are still skeptical that 9-1-1 can even exist without Bobby Nash.

It’s understandable why Bobby seems like an irreplaceable character, especially considering he was at the forefront of 9-1-1’s found family. For characters like Evan “Buck” Buckley (Oliver Stark), Bobby was an invaluable father figure to offer guidance and advice. For the cast and audience alike, Bobby won’t be forgotten any time soon— yet, one character’s return could soften the impact.

Frank Hasn’t Been Seen Since The 9-1-1 Season 7 Premiere

The First-Responder Therapist Was Athena's Sounding Board

One of the most valuable characters in 9-1-1 is, ironically, someone who rarely appears: Frank (Eddie McGee), the first-responder therapist who has helped Eddie Diaz (Ryan Guzman), Maddie Han (Jennifer Love Hewitt), and many other main characters through their worst moments. Whether to delve into past trauma or present conflicts, Frank has sporadically been employed to bring the characters closure.

Sadly, Frank hasn’t appeared since the opening episodes of 9-1-1 season 7, when Bobby and Athena Grant (Angela Bassett) found themselves trapped on a killer cruise ship. Frank was a bookend for 9-1-1’s intense disaster, speaking to Athena and Bobby about their fears and hesitations. The encouraging therapy session's flashbacks became points of irony after capsizing and facing a hurricane.

Prior to 9-1-1 season 7’s three-part premiere, Frank first appeared in season 3 to treat Eddie, Maddie, and Henrietta “Hen” Wilson (Aisha Hinds). The three had unique difficulties they needed to overcome, including Hen blaming herself for the death of a young girl. In 9-1-1 season 5, Frank returns to help Eddie face his unresolved trauma from active duty.

9-1-1 Season 8 Had More Than Enough Trauma To Bring Frank Back For Season 9

Every Character Was Impacted By Something

Frank not appearing in 9-1-1 season 8 is baffling, considering how much the characters were put through. Maddie sustained one of 9-1-1’s most gruesome injuries after she was abducted by a serial killer while pregnant. Additionally, Eddie was emotionally struggling throughout the first half of the season due to being hundreds of miles away from his son, Christopher (Gavin McHugh).

Then, of course, Bobby’s divisive death in 9-1-1 season 8 left the entire team traumatized. From Buck being the last firefighter to see him alive to Eddie learning the news late in Texas to Howard “Chimney” Han’s (Kenneth Choi) complex grief, Bobby’s untimely demise left wounds on every character in 9-1-1. Though only one character died, nobody got out unscathed.

Besides the most dramatic moments, there were plenty of storylines that would have only been enriched by therapy scenes with Frank. Maddie and Chimney navigating their second pregnancy deserved more nuanced exploration, especially considering her history with post-partum depression. Similarly, Hen deserved some professional help after being targeted by a vengeful Councilwoman and losing custody of her foster daughter.

Why It’s Vital For The Main Characters To Have Therapy In 9-1-1

The 118 Need To Work Through Their Trauma

It would be irresponsible for 9-1-1 to thrust so many deeply traumatic experiences onto its characters without at least offering them the proper tools to regulate their mental health. The team already enter dangerous and emotionally taxing situations on the regular, with 9-1-1’s near-death experiences becoming commonplace due to sheer volume. Beyond deserving it, the 118 need Frank’s professional help.

Plus, 9-1-1 can use therapy scenes to draw parallels between characters and their storylines. That is precisely what happened in Frank’s first appearance, with Eddie, Hen, and Maddie’s sessions all cleverly overlapping. Consequently, common themes emerge, and individual character development is bolstered by a common thread. Frankly, it’s easy to root for characters when you’ve seen them at their worst.

Furthermore, 9-1-1 incorporating therapy could have important real-world implications. Though it’s become more normalized in recent years, there is still a majorly negative stigma surrounding therapy. Seeing 9-1-1’s diverse cast prioritizing their mental health and working through their grief could help destigmatize therapy while also underscoring the devastating impact of high-risk jobs like firefighting and fielding calls at dispatch centers.

How Frank Can Return In 9-1-1 Season 9

He Could Help Ease In The New Captain

Fortunately, due to its very premise, there will be no shortage of storylines for Frank to mediate in 9-1-1 season 9. On a smaller scale, Frank could be used to show how Maddie and Chimney are faring with their second child— the good, the bad, and the ugly. Conversely, Frank could facilitate uncomfortable yet necessary conversations between Eddie and Christopher.

Yet, Bobby’s death still lingers, and Frank could be the perfect way to work with the pain rather than ignore it completely. Chimney may be Bobby’s replacement in 9-1-1, but that would come with plenty of challenges professionally and personally. Additionally, Frank may need to be the voice of reason that helps the 118 accept a new captain.

As Oliver Stark has already teased, Buck will change in 9-1-1 season 9, which may be for better or worse. The character maturing will be interesting, but adding in an outside influence like Frank would make it all the more meaningful. Just as the 118 deserve to heal from their trauma, Frank deserves to help them in 9-1-1 season 9.