9-1-1 on M6: Why did the screenwriter decided to kill this character?

Please note, this article contains spoilers on episode 15 of season 8 of 9-1-1, currently broadcast on M6. If you haven't seen it yet, go your way!

Prepare your handkerchiefs! Episode 15 of season 8 of 9-1-1, broadcast this Tuesday, June 17 on M6, could well be one of the most important and most moving in the dramatic series since it is marked by the death of Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) in tragic circumstances.

During this catastrophic episode, the firefighter has indeed chosen to sacrifice himself, under the eyes of his companion Athena, in order to save his teammates. A death that leaves the firefighters of the 118, as well as fans of the series, with the broken heart.

Why did you choose to kill Bobby?

In an interview with our colleagues from DeadlineTim Minear, the 9-1-1 showrunner, spoke about this daring choice to kill one of the central characters in the series, Bobby having gradually become the spiritual father of the firefighters of the 118.

He explained that it was a choice “100% creative”. It was not Peter Krause who asked to leave, but the writers who decided to separate from the character.

“” “I think that the writers, but also the viewers, began to rest on their laurels, because they knew that everything was going to work out in the end“He said before adding:”It's been two seasons, even perhaps even more, that I envisage this idea, telling myself that at some point, I will have to do it.“”

“” “And when I had the idea of ​​this episode in the laboratory, I understood that it was time to do it, I felt that it was a real opportunity to offer someone epic death. When the time came to decide that it would be, I wanted it to be a character who touches all the other characters in a very specific and yet very different way. There was only one man for this work, and it was Bobby. “

Tim Minear, however, wanted to specify that it was not an easy decision: “I love Peter, and he is really great in the series, he is a central character in many ways, that is why it was both a terrifying decision, but from a creative point of view, I knew that it would be significant and that it would have real repercussions, that it would give me stories for the series.»

One thing is certain, his death will have heavy consequences on the firefighters of the 118. “Bobby is not only the captain of the 118, he is also a paternal figure and a mentor for Buck”Said Tim Minear.

“” “It is a source of inspiration for each of them. He is considered a husband. He is the childhood stepfather of Athena. It is present in many elements of the series. As for where we are going to go with all this, only history will tell us”.

Peter Krause reacts to the death of his character

During the broadcast of the episode in the United States, Peter Krause also reacted to the death of his character in a long letter, in which he thanked the creative teams of 9-1-1, as well as his co-stars.

“” “I would like to thank Dana Walden, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear for giving me the chance to play such a complex character for the past nine years. It was an honor for me to play Bobby Nash“, He wrote.

“” “I heard that many fans were disappointed with this loss, and they are right to be. It is a loss. But it was above all a creative choice in a series that dares. Bobby Nasha was written in the sacrifice, and that was his ultimate goal.“”

“”The first stakeholders risk their lives every day so that others can continue theirs. The story of Bobby Nash pays tribute to them. In 9-1-1, we pay tribute to all the incredible men and women who do this dangerous work and strive to ensure our security.»

“” “It was a crazy adventure. Thank you all at the bottom of my heart”He had finally concluded.

Find episode 15 of season 8 of 9-1-1 this Tuesday, June 17 from 9:55 p.m. If you have missed it, it is available in replay on the M6+platform.