For over a decade, long-running network dramas have faced a consistent challenge: how to handle the departure of a beloved, central character. These goodbyes can either be a source of powerful, emotional storytelling or a jarring, confusing moment that leaves fans feeling betrayed. As 9-1-1 enters its highly anticipated ninth season, it’s already clear that the show is learning from the mistakes of its predecessors, particularly a decade-old blunder from the early days of Chicago Fire.
The mistake in question is not a minor plot hole but a fundamental error in character management: the abrupt and unresolved exit that leaves a major character arc unfinished. By contrast, 9-1-1‘s recent storytelling, highlighted by a major, heartbreaking farewell in its eighth season finale, has demonstrated a masterclass in how to conclude a character’s story with purpose and emotional weight, ensuring a strong and compelling start to its ninth season.
The Pitfall to Avoid: Chicago Fire‘s Unresolved Exit
In the world of television, few character exits have been as famously baffling as that of Gabriela “Gabby” Dawson on Chicago Fire. Played by Monica Raymund, Dawson was a founding character and the show’s emotional anchor, with her long-running romance and eventual marriage to Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) serving as a central storyline for years.
The mistake occurred not in the decision of the actress to leave, but in how the show’s writers chose to handle it. In the Season 6 finale, Dawson abruptly left her marriage and her life in Chicago to do disaster relief work in Puerto Rico. Her departure was sudden and deeply unsatisfying, severing her long-running romance with Casey with very little emotional resolution. For a character who was portrayed as fiercely loyal and committed, her exit felt completely out of character.
The story was forced to quickly pivot, and her absence left a massive emotional void that lingered for seasons. This type of unresolved departure is a common pitfall for long-running shows, often a result of real-world contract decisions that aren’t gracefully integrated into the narrative. It created a sense of frustration among fans who had invested years in her character’s journey, and it stands as a prime example of how not to say goodbye to a central character.
9-1-1‘s Masterful Farewell
In a powerful and poignant contrast, 9-1-1 has shown a clear understanding of what a character farewell should look like. The conclusion of Captain Bobby Nash’s journey in the Season 8 finale was a defining moment for the series, one that demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to character-driven storytelling.
Bobby, the beloved captain of the 118, heroically sacrificed himself to save his team from a deadly virus. Unlike Dawson’s unresolved exit, Bobby’s death was given a clear purpose and emotional weight. The show dedicated significant time to the aftermath, allowing the characters to grieve in a raw and authentic way. The season finale didn’t just move on; it showed the immediate and painful fallout of his death, from Athena’s overwhelming grief to Chimney’s survivor’s guilt.
The writers used Bobby’s exit not as an obstacle to be overcome but as a catalyst for new character development. Chimney, long seen as a lovable sidekick, was forced to step up and show his leadership, a storyline that will likely be central to Season 9. Athena, who was initially a pillar of strength, was allowed to be vulnerable and process her grief. The show’s dedication to honoring Bobby’s legacy ensured that his departure served as a meaningful end to a complete character arc, rather than a frustrating cliffhanger.
A Tale of Two Tones
The difference between these two farewells highlights a key difference in the storytelling philosophies of the two shows. Chicago Fire, while grounded in a sense of realism, has at times treated its character arcs as secondary to its procedural format. The show’s focus on the day-to-day work of the firehouse can sometimes overshadow the emotional needs of its characters, leading to rushed or unresolved storylines.
9-1-1, by contrast, has always been a more high-octane, character-driven drama. Its over-the-top rescues are always secondary to the emotional journeys of its characters. The show’s writers are not afraid to use a major event, even a character’s death, as a means to propel the story forward and give each character a deeper, more meaningful arc. This commitment to emotional honesty and character resolution is what sets 9-1-1 apart.
A Legacy of Understanding
In the end, the two shows’ histories serve as a powerful lesson for all long-running dramas. The baffling departure of Gabriela Dawson taught the industry that fans will not stand for a beloved character’s story being left incomplete. It created a standard for how not to say goodbye.
By contrast, 9-1-1’s handling of Bobby Nash’s death is a testament to the power of thoughtful storytelling. It shows that even a tragic farewell can be a moment of great art, a conclusion that honors a character’s full journey and leaves the audience with a sense of both sadness and satisfaction. As 9-1-1 moves into its ninth season, it does so with a sense of purpose and a clear understanding of its audience. The show is not just avoiding a mistake from the past; it’s setting a new standard for the future of network television.
