“That’s Our Family”: Karen’s Right, But 118 Needs The 9-1-1 Season 8 Finale To Remember It Too

9-1-1 season 8 has finally remembered its found family element, but the season finale needs to recenter it in the procedural’s overarching narrative. Ever since Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) shockingly died in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 15, LAFD Station 118 has been on the brink of falling apart. From every firefighter battling complex grief to a former antagonist acting as Bobby’s temporary replacement in 9-1-1, the core group of first responders sadly isn’t out of the woods yet. If anything, it’s possible that the characters’ pain will get worse before it gets better.

Now that Bobby’s burial in 9-1-1 is over and done with, all that remains of the storyline is how he lives on in other characters, like the 118— Evan “Buck” Buckley (Oliver Stark), Eddie Diaz (Ryan Guzman), Henrietta “Hen” Wilson (Aisha Hinds), Howard “Chimney” Han (Kenneth Choi), and Ravi Panikkar (Anirudh Pisharody)— or his widow, Athena Grant-Nash (Angela Bassett). Bobby will undoubtedly continue to haunt the narrative, but his legacy will also be an anchor point for the series moving forward. As one of the best 9-1-1 episodes this season teased, Bobby’s memory may even mend some broken fences.

The 118 Has Been Fighting Since Bobby's Death In 9-1-1

"Don't Drink The Water" Only Amped Up The Tension

Although some conflicts have been brewing for weeks, 9-1-1 season 8, episode 17 brings the tension to a boiling point. Athena and Hen are still able to bond and have conversations, but the air goes cold as soon as Chimney walks in. 9-1-1 season 8’s closing episodes have turned Chimney’s role on its head, as the comedic character is still consumed by festering guilt over Bobby’s death. Despite understanding Bobby’s death isn’t Chimney’s fault, Athena has an irrational emotional response whenever she sees him, and she can’t seem to let go of her anger in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 17.

Other relationships were tested under more intense circumstances, like Eddie and Buck’s heated argument in the kitchen. Eddie’s reaction to Bobby’s death in 9-1-1 has been one of the most unique, since Eddie was the only main character not present in the Contagion saga. Consequently, as he admits to Buck, Eddie is constantly wondering if Bobby’s death could have been avoided if he were in LA instead of Texas. On the opposite side of the coin, Buck feels similar guilt because he was there, even being the last 118 member to see Bobby alive.

Karen Reminded Everyone That They Are A Found Family, & 9-1-1 Season 8 Finale Needs To Emphasize That

The 118 Needs Each Other Now More Than Ever

While Buck and Eddie find their own way to reconcile, Athena’s grudge with Chimney is unyielding. Tracie Thoms’ Karen brings Athena an olive branch: a photo of the 118 with Bobby in the center. Karen confides that when anyone asks her about the photo, she gives them one answer: “I always say that's our family.” Throughout all of 9-1-1’s intense disasters, the 118 has gone above and beyond teamwork. Firefighting isn’t just a job for the main characters, and the LAFD aren’t just coworkers; rather, the ensemble cast has always been a found— if not occasionally dysfunctional— family.

In the wake of Bobby’s death, what everyone needs isn’t just companionship; it’s camaraderie. Whether there’s an emotional crisis or gruesome injury in 9-1-1, the 118 have always turned to one another for comfort and support. With its final emergency, 9-1-1 season 8’s finale will have one shot to reconcile the group, or at least call for a ceasefire. The looming disaster already promises the opportunity to have epiphanies or gain new perspectives, but 9-1-1 season 9 will have to deal with whatever the fallout is for the ensemble— both professionally and personally.

Athena & The 118 Fighting Is An Insult To Bobby's Death In 9-1-1 Season 8

Bobby Always Brought The Family Together

Beyond simply being sad to watch, there’s a deeper issue if 9-1-1 fails to pivot to forgiveness arcs. Bobby’s death already risks ruining 9-1-1, and losing a main character has put the audience rightfully on edge. Since the long-running procedural is changing its formula now, nothing feels sacred anymore— including the found family angle that helped sell the show in the first place. At a time when Athena should be mourning with her husband’s closest friends, 9-1-1 has instead pitted her against one. While it may be a realistic portrayal of grief, it only feels like salt in the wound.

As devastating as the storyline has been, there may yet be a silver lining to Bobby’s death in 9-1-1 season 8. If the season finale manages to bring the team together again, their reconciliation will undoubtedly be for Bobby’s sake, proving that the fire captain will always be with them, even in death. Preserving Bobby’s legacy by having Athena forgive Chimney (and Chimney forgive himself, for that matter) would be a small comfort. There’s still nothing that could possibly make up for Bobby’s untimely death, but 9-1-1’s found family deserves to find solace in each other, not arguments.

Enjoy ScreenRant's primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for our weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check "Network TV" in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.