9-1-1 fans will have to wait a bit longer to find out who the new Station 118 captain is following the shocking death of Bobby Nash (Peter Krause). Oliver Stark told PEOPLE on the red carpet at the Disney 2025 Upfront presentation in New York on Tuesday, May 13 that a new chief won’t be revealed by the end of the ABC series’ eight season.
“The chair will be empty come the end of the season,” the 33-year-old actor — who plays Evan “Buck” Buckley on the show — explained. “Which I think is wise because it gives some time to let the dust settle and let the chips land where they may and and you know, let these people grieve and then we can start to see what the future will look like.” When asked who should become the next chief of Station 118, Stark joked, “Ravi. No, definitely not Ravi,” referring to Anirudh Pisharody’s character.
Instead, he suggested that Howard “Chimney” Han (Kenneth Choi) and Henrietta “Hen” Wilson (Aisha Hinds) might be better fits for the job. “I think Chimney would be the next choice, experience wise, skill wise, leadership ability wise, and just overall good person wise,” he said. “If not Hen, my vote goes to Chimney.” On the April 17 episode of 9-1-1, Bobby sacrificed himself by using the final antidote for the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever to save Chimney (Kenneth Choi).
Krause, 59, explained the shocking death in a statement to Variety, calling the move “more than a bold creative choice on a bold show.” “Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice and he was built for this. First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day,” the actor explained at the time. “His story arc honors them.” Krause’s costar Angela Bassett, who plays Sgt. Athena Grant-Nash and Bobby’s wife on the show, told PEOPLE at the 2025 Met Gala earlier this month that she is still coming to terms with the loss.
Let’s face it: when a firehouse doesn’t have a captain, there’s bound to be chaos—or is there? That’s exactly what the creators of 9-1-1 delivered in their latest season finale. No new captain for Station 118. Shocking? Yep. Confusing? Absolutely. Smart? Well, Oliver Stark sure thinks so. In this article, we’ll dive deep into this surprising twist, why it has fans buzzing, and what Stark had to say about it. Whether you’re a die-hard Buck fan or just in it for the drama, this one’s for you.
The Plot Twist No One Saw Coming
The Season Finale of 9-1-1 wrapped up with no new captain for the iconic Station 118. That’s right. Zero closure. Nada. The leadership vacuum remains wide open, leaving fans emotionally winded.
Why This Decision Feels So Personal
When you’ve followed a crew for several seasons, you’re emotionally invested. And not naming a captain? That’s like cutting a cake and not serving the slices.
The Burning Question—Why No Captain?
Let’s break it down. After Captain Bobby Nash’s temporary departure (we all gasped), fans assumed a replacement would be appointed. But instead, the showrunners chose a different path—they left it empty on purpose.
Oliver Stark’s Take—Why He Thinks It’s ‘Wise’
In an interview, Oliver Stark (aka Buck) said this wasn’t about drama for drama’s sake. He called the decision “wise.” According to him, “It opens the door for real, raw storytelling. It shows that leadership isn’t just about titles.”
Buck’s Evolution Without a Formal Leader
Buck has grown—from reckless rookie to grounded firefighter. And the absence of a formal captain highlights just how much he and the rest of the team have matured. It’s not about rank. It’s about heart.
Symbolism in the Silence
Leaving the captain’s chair empty is more than a plot device. It’s symbolic. It says: leadership can come from anyone. Every member of Station 118 steps up in their own way.
Creative Risks Make Great TV
In today’s era of formulaic finales, 9-1-1 dared to be different. They left a question mark, and that’s exactly what gets people talking. Viral-worthy? Absolutely.
Fan Reactions—Split Down the Middle
Some fans applauded the creative choice. Others? Not so much. Reddit and Twitter are full of takes like:
“No captain? That’s lazy writing.”
“This is genius. It keeps us guessing for next season.”
Whichever side you’re on, the finale did one thing brilliantly: it got the world talking.
What This Means for Season 8
Without a clear captain, Season 8 could go anywhere. Will Buck step up? Will Chimney get the nod? Or could a dark horse emerge?
Potential Candidates for Captain
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Chimney – Experienced and reliable
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Hen – Calm under pressure, a natural leader
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Buck – Wild card but with undeniable growth
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New Character – A fresh face to shake things up?
Risks of Leaving the Position Open
Sure, it’s bold. But it’s also risky. Without a leader, the team could face challenges. **Disorganization, conflict, emotional tolls—**all very real possibilities. And that’s exactly the drama the writers may be betting on.
A Humanized Approach to Firefighting
Instead of superhero-level firefighters, this twist brings us back to reality. These are people, struggling, bonding, and leading without a clear chain of command. It’s relatable. Raw. Real.
Could This Be a Setup for Something Bigger?
Absolutely. This isn’t the end—it’s a transition. The empty captain’s chair might be the seed of a major future arc. Perhaps we’re heading toward a leadership crisis… or a leadership breakthrough.
Viewership Trends and Buzz—A Smart Marketing Move
Let’s not forget the business side. Unpredictable finales like this keep viewers hooked. Social media lights up, speculation spreads, and engagement soars.
Oliver Stark’s Influence on the Storyline
Stark’s evolving character arc may be subtly steering the narrative. As one of the fan favorites, his insights probably weigh heavy with the writers. When he calls it wise, they listen.
What If Buck Becomes Captain?
Unlikely? Maybe. But wouldn’t that be a twist? From impulsive adrenaline-junkie to respected leader—that’s the kind of character arc viewers eat up.
What Should Fans Expect Next?
Expect the unexpected. That’s 9-1-1’s calling card. With no captain, everything’s up in the air. And we’ll be watching every minute of it.
Conclusion: Sometimes, No Answer Is the Answer
While fans may have hoped for clarity, 9-1-1 chose to leave us dangling. And that might be the smartest move yet. With no captain crowned, the narrative stays flexible, the fans stay engaged, and the characters grow more human. So, next time you’re yelling at the screen asking, “Why no captain?!”, just remember what Oliver Stark said: it’s a wise choice.
