The 9-1-1 fanbase is still reeling following April 17's atomic bomb of an episode. Season 8, Episode 15, titled "Lab Rats," pulled off a shocking twist and broke with tradition by killing off Captain Robert “Bobby” Nash, played by the series's co-lead and executive producer, Peter Krause. In the second half of the show's high-stakes "Contagion" storyline, he sacrificed himself to save the rest of his team, including Chimney (Kenneth Choi), after the paramedic was left on death's door with seemingly no hope of survival in Episode 14. He tragically hid his own infection, so the expecting father could be cured with the lone antidote and live on, ensuring Bobby remained a selfless teammate to the end.
Krause already spoke out about his sudden exit from the series after the episode dropped, penning a heartfelt farewell letter to the cast, crew, and everyone who has watched the character on Fox and eventually ABC over 7+ years and 121 episodes. Specifically, he spread a lot of love to the 9-1-1 family he's been with for years, including his co-lead Angela Bassett and the creative trio of Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear. Now, his co-stars have gotten the chance to speak out with their own tributes to the character and the actor for his service to the 118. Choi was joined by Oliver Stark, Ryan Guzman, Aisha Hinds, Anirudh Pisharody, Tracie Thoms, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and more in paying respects now that the show has to move on without their captain.
Bassett, who was not only Krause's fellow star but his on-screen life partner as Sgt. Athena Grant-Nash, was completely taken aback by the moment. She said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that "It was incredulous to me that it was Bobby, so it was just very surprising. Sometimes, you’re just struck dumb — and that’s one of those moments, because their bond has been so wonderful and so strong these past four or five years. I didn’t see that coming. None of us saw that coming.” Working with Krause was easy in her eyes because of all the joy he brought on set and the years they spent getting to know each other as Bobby and Athena's relationship evolved.
"[Peter’s] gentle. He’s easy. He’s warm. He’s welcoming. He knows everyone’s name. He is just a wonderful actor and a quintessential good guy, so I’ll miss that. He’s the best, and it’s been great getting to know him and working with him is always an upside and a positive with him. He’s honest — and he’s good for a laugh. He doesn’t mind being the point of a joke because the 118, they are all a bunch of characters and funny men and clowns. They love to laugh all day with each other, so I think we’re all going to miss that. But he’s a beautiful soul."
One of Krause's "beloved and unruly children," Stark, who plays Buck, spoke to the hole left behind by the actor's departure from the set. The pair had worked alongside each other since the very beginning of the show in 2018, and it was hard to see his long-time teammate say goodbye. He also assured that his impact will always be felt for as long as the series continues.
More of Krause's 118 Teammates Remember His Love and Mentorship
Losing Bobby after that two-part thriller is a major hit for 9-1-1 that leaves questions about the show's future, especially as the first-responder drama has been renewed for Season 9. Losing Krause, as the stars have shared, is arguably an even bigger subtraction given what he brought to the set. Love-Hewitt wrote on her Instagram Stories, "I have no words. I couldn’t say goodbye because you are the best. I love you, Peter. Thanks for always being a light and for your hugs that could change a day for the better everytime." All Hinds could write was "Shattered" and "Love you Pete." Both posted the same heartbreaking shot of Bobby and Athena's hands pressed against the glass that separated them in the former's final moments.
Pisharody, who has been a recurring presence in the series since Season 4 as Ravi Panikkar, also had a heartwarming photo to share of himself and Krause in uniform together. The actor praised the lead's "mentorship" and "friendship" throughout the years in his own post.
Perhaps the most accurate description of how 9-1-1 fans are feeling right now came from Tracie Thoms, who expressed her love for Krause and added that "We're still not ok." Another recurring star who has been around since the beginning as Hen's partner, Karen Wilson, Thoms posted a sweet selfie of herself in animal makeup next to Krause in his firefighting gear.
9-1-1 Season 8 will give viewers a break to process Bobby's death and Krause's shocking departure before picking back up with Episode 16 on May 1 on ABC. Stay tuned here at Collider for more.
