Warning: SPOILERS lie ahead for 9-1-1 season 8, episode 15!After9-1-1season 8’s tragic death, the upcoming episode is poised to be devastating.9-1-1season 8, episode 15, “Lab Rats” saw the 118 fighting an uncontrolled lab leak, and it ended with a tragedy. Chimney (Kenneth Choi) was infected with the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and the 118 was able to find an antidote to save him, but there was no chance to save the similarly infected Bobby (Peter Krause). Bobby died at the end of the episode, marking the end of anoriginal member of the 118, which is a significant change for the show.
The next episode is set to premiere in two weeks, but the promotional trailer is already available. In the footage, Chimney is forced to wrestle with the knowledge that Bobby died because of him, whileAthena (Angela Bassett) grieves for her husband. The entire city rallies for Bobby’s funeral, which apparently takes up the majority of the episode, as various characters gather to reflect on Bobby’s life, legacy, and redemption. Check out the trailer below, viaTV Promos:
What Bobby’s Death Means For 9-1-1
Season 8, Episode 16 Is All About His Death
This is the first major character’s death in9-1-1’s history, and it comes after eight seasons of characters facing near-death situations but escaping them without much lasting harm. The series isbest known for featuring over-the-top situations, including an escaping bounce house, a snake choking a man, and a woman with a cursed bracelet. After so long with these bizarre and humorous situations, an actual character’s death adds genuine stakes to a show that has long since lost any hint of grounded realism.
9-1-1co-creator Tim Minear has taken credit for the decision to kill Bobby, as he argued that it was necessary to ensure that the show would continue to have stakes.
Going forward, every main character is now at risk of dying a similar death, asthe show is no longer afraid of killing major stars.ScreenRant’sAbdullah Al-Ghamdi reviewed season 8, episode 15, and argued that the episode has ensured that it will “make 9-1-1 season 9 one of the best” seasons in the show’s history, as the repercussions continue to reverberate in future episodes. Bobby’s emotional funeral will certainly help build a more serious reputation, as taking the time to focus on his funeral is a rare break from creative 9-1-1 calls with little long-term impact.
Our Take On Bobby’s 9-1-1 Death
This Is Not Necessarily What Viewers Want
There are many shows that require character deaths to maintain a sense of danger, but9-1-1is not necessarily one of them. The show is beloved because the creative scenarios and personal dynamics make for a fun and engaging break from reality.Game of ThronesandThe Pittmay demand genuine stakes, but this show has always been nothing more than an opportunity to sit back and enjoy wild scenarios. By killing Bobby, the show risks losing audiencesahead of9-1-1season 9, as they potentially never wanted to see heightened stakes in the first place.
The final two episodes of9-1-1season 8 premiere on Fox on Thursday, May 1 and 8.
