After a week long break following the death of Captain Bobby Nash on 911 season 8, episode 15, fans said goodbye to the beloved father, son, husband, and captain at the LAFD. The episode truly encompassed how grief can be overwhelming for those involved, especially when faced with various feelings, including guilt, sadness, and anger.
Chimney’s grief was palpable, as he felt guilt over the fact that instead of him being the one who died, it was Bobby who sacrificed himself so he could live. He could barely hold in his anger, and he spent most of his time running to avoid talking to anyone, including his own wife. Maddie tried to talk to him, telling him that running away wouldn’t stop the pain he was feeling.
On a call, where Vincent Gerrard was back to take over as Interim Captain, Chimney’s frustration with an angry driver at an accident caused him to lash out. Even when Gerrard tried to calm him down, Chimney showed just how awful he felt, feeling as though he was the one who killed Bobby.
When the day of the funeral arrived, Chimney once again disappeared so Maddie sent Buck to find him. He was on the roof of the firehouse, drinking away his pain. Buck was a source of strength for Chimney, to be a voice of reason and allowing his brother-in-law to vent. He didn’t know how to deal with the fact that Bobby died for him. Buck suggested the best thing he could do was live.
How did everyone handle their grief in 911 season 8, episode 16?
Buck was the source of strength for everyone in this episode, showing he took Bobby’s final words to heart. He got Eddie from the airport when he arrived for the funeral and he came to pick up Chimney when it was time to start their first day of work after two weeks off. Buck really played the part of holding up as well as he could, but there was a small crack in his facade during the funeral as Chief Simpson spoke.
Bobby’s funeral also showed how the former and new members of his house, Hen, Chimney, Buck, Ravi, Eddie, and Tommy, all came together to lead him from the funeral to the procession that would be their final walk with their current and former captain. It was a touching sight to see Bobby’s family taking care of him for the last time.
The episode also hinted that Hen may take over as Captain, as when Gerrard mentioned he would only be there until they chose one, with the camera panning to her. In the promo after the episode, we saw Hen question if she wanted the job. But Hen has proven capable of running the 118 and Bobby saw her as a true leader. She might have big shoes to fill, but Hen is always up for the task.
Athena was going through grief as well but in the midst of this, she tried to help a woman who got in trouble for attempting to abducted who she thought was her deceased son. Eight years earlier, Bobby and his team, which included Tommy before Buck arrived at the station, had gone to a house fire at their home. Unfortunately before Bobby could rescue the baby inside the nursery, the floor gave way just as he was about to step inside. Tommy managed to grab him, saving Bobby’s life as they watched the crib topple down to the first floor.
Athena's anger came out in 911
To focus on something else other than her grief, Athena looked into whether the woman’s son actually survived and was kidnapped from the fire. She even ended up missing calls from her family, and imagined Bobby at her side, helping her. Eventually, Hen came to check on her and Athena told her what she was doing, but it was clear how angry she was over losing Bobby.
Athena would soon learn that the woman’s baby did actually pass away, that they couldn’t even bury the body because there was nothing left. Plus, the little boy who she tried to abduct was biologically related to his mother, not to her. Athena understood the woman’s grief, as she likely also wished that in the end, she could have Bobby back. We all do.
Peter Krause appeared in this episode as a ghost to speak with Athena, and then there was another flashback of him talking with the deceased baby’s mother. He bonded with her over losing their kids and when she asked him how he lived without his children, he told her he just thought about getting to see them again.
Throughout the episode, Athena had a hard time deciding where to lay Bobby to rest. Nothing felt right. In the end, though, she decided on the perfect place. Along with May and Harry, they took Bobby back home to Minnesota so he could rest beside his late wife, Marcy, and their children, Brook and Robert, Jr.
Angela Bassett, along with Kenny Choi, absolutely brought us to tears in this episode. You could truly feel the grief they were both feeling and it was devastating to watch. We know the fallout of Bobby’s sudden passing will continue to be felt throughout the next couple of episodes.
There are still many questions left to be answered, such as what will happen to the team, will Hen become captain, and will this major event bring Eddie back home to Los Angeles with his son, Christopher?
When 911 returns on Thursday, May 8, we will see how the 118 looks as they struggle to find a new normal. You can find previous episodes to watch on Hulu to remember our beloved Captain Bobby Nash.
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