"The Threat Is Real": 'Fire Country' May Take a Cue From '9-1-1' by Killing Off a Main Character

The reactions to 9-1-1 killing of its first main character continue to trickle in from all corners, especially from people in the same sub-genre. Firefighter dramas have become increasingly popular because of their ability to entertain by tapping into some of the most basic instincts in people. "When you’re working on shows that have such danger and high stakes, it’s, I guess, to be expected that sh*t’s gonna happen," Fire Country co-creator Joan Rater told Deadline in a conversation after the Season 3 finale of the CBS drama.

The Max Thieriot-led series might also be looking at its first loss of a main character, depending on the outcome of the Bella Vista inferno. Rater and fellow co-creator Tony Phelan were once writers on Grey's Anatomy, and given the show's reputation for killing off characters, they have a pretty good idea. Phelan talked about why killing off some characters in stakes-driven shows like 9-1-1 and Fire Country is good, saying:

"Joan and I, having come from Grey’s Anatomy, we’re used to killing people. You always want to, on these shows, make sure that the threat is real, and also make sure that you are telling stories in an honest way, and that you’re finding the most exciting, creative way to tell the story."

'Fire Country' Season 4 Might Follow in '9-1-1's Footsteps

The Fire Country Season 3 finale left several characters in mortal danger. Given the news that Billy Burke might be exiting the series, viewers could be looking at a tearful Season 4 premiere episode. Rater and Phelan have told the outlet that their allegiance is to the story first, and if killing off a character or two makes the show better, then it will be done. "You don’t want the audience to ever feel complacent, to feel like they know exactly what they’re gonna get, and it’s gonna be the same thing that they’ve gotten. You want to create lean-in moments where the real stakes of what’s involved with what these heroes do is always there. So the audience never knows what’s coming next," Phelan said.

As for Chief Vince Leone's fate, showrunner Tia Napolitano said, "We are not going to confirm who we’re losing. There will definitely be a devastating loss for everyone that remains in our family. No, shooting the finale, none of the actors knew." Based on her comments, viewers will have to tune in to Season 4 when it gets underway this fall. In the meantime, all three seasons are available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.