When a character like Bobby Nash disappears, fans don’t just grieve — they spiral into theory-mode. If you’re still reeling from that shocking twist on 9-1-1, you’re not alone. Angela Bassett, who plays Athena Grant on the hit FOX series, has something to say that just might echo your own thoughts. Let’s unpack what she revealed, why it’s got fans buzzing, and what it might mean for Bobby’s future.
9-1-1 star, Angela Bassett, is still in mourning following the creative team’s decision to kill-off her on-screen husband, Peter Krause’s Bobby Nash. It’s been well over a month since the highly-divisive episode came out, and, along with fans around the globe, Bassett says she’s still reeling from the fallout. Swinging by the stages of Good Morning America, Bassett chatted with the hosts, who had plenty of questions for her about her character’s next chapter following the death of her beloved spouse. Co-host Robin Roberts was hopeful that the episode, titled “Lab Rats,” was simply a dream sequence, to which Bassett responded, “Listen, it was closed,” referring to the laboratory enclosure where Bobby laid down his life for his team, “So maybe. He could be up to things.”
But, this far into the game, a dream sequence seems unrealistic, as the rest of the 118 have been doing their best to honor Bobby over the last few episodes. If showrunner Tim Minear and his fellow creatives were to pull a U-turn, it would certainly be a shock, especially with all eyes now focused on whom the next captain will be. As for what’s to come for Athena (Bassett) and the rest of the characters, the Black Panther star said that production was “being very vague,” adding, “I said, ‘Okay, I’m going through therapy.’ I’m processing it.”
Athena Grant Isn’t Going Anywhere One thing we know for sure is that — despite Bobby’s death — Athena will still remain a solid foundation for the rest of the 118. Following Krause’s shocking exit, Minear addressed concerns that perhaps Athena would be exiting the show in the upcoming season now that she had lost the love of her life. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Minear shut down any possibility of such a thing, revealing,
“I have plans for season 9 that, rest assured, her connection to that firehouse will be just as deep and just as personal as it was when Bobby was the captain of it. That’s all I really can say about that.” What remains to be seen is exactly who will step up to the plate and don the helmet and the responsibilities as captain. Although Athena was hoping that Aisha Hinds’ Hen would take on the role, it sounded like she’s not quite ready for the job, but that her co-worker, Kenneth Choi’s Chimney, might be. All our burning questions will just need to wait a few months until Season 9 of 9-1-1 returns this fall to ABC.Catch up now by streaming all eight seasons of 9-1-1 on Hulu.
When Angela Bassett says she believes, it’s not just wishful thinking. It’s emotional truth. And in a show that thrives on high-stakes drama and surprise twists, nothing — nothing — is off the table. Until we get a definitive answer, let’s hold onto that hope. Bobby might just walk through those doors again.
