Angela Bassett’s portrayal of Sergeant Athena Grant in 9-1-1 has been nothing short of legendary. From her powerful presence to her deep emotional arcs, Athena has become a cornerstone of the show. So naturally, when 9-1-1: Nashville was announced, fans were buzzing: Would Athena make a cameo? Seems simple, right? Just fly her in, give her a badge, and boom—iconic crossover moment. But nope, it’s not that easy. Here’s why.
Nevertheless, it’s possible that Athena won’t appear in the first season of 9-1-1: Nashville— which, depending on the pilot season’s success, may be the only chance she has. The set of 9-1-1: Nashville is truly on location, but Athena traveling to Tennessee would require a strong narrative justification. Compared to her prior cameos, that may be too much to ask. In both 9-1-1: Lone Star and Doctor Odyssey, Athena stayed in LA. In the Texas spinoff, Athena stayed on the West Coast and only interacted with characters via phone. Although she unintentionally boarded Doctor Odyssey’s luxury cruise ship, it originally docked in LA. Aside from an episode of 9-1-1 where she temporarily went to Florida, Athena never leaves California.
Furthermore, it wouldn’t make sense for Athena to appear on 9-1-1: Nashville following her character’s storyline in 9-1-1 season 8. In the overarching storyline, Athena just lost her husband and her dream home, leaving her in possibly the most vulnerable state she’s ever been in on the show. Consequently, Athena’s unresolved grief will prevent an easy crossover any time soon.
Having Athena appear via video call would be more than repetitive; it would be boring.
9-1-1: Nashville could theoretically pull the same trick as 9-1-1: Lone Star, but having Athena appear via video call would be more than repetitive; it would be boring. Everything about the Tennessee-based spinoff has promised excitement, intrigue, and a fresh take on the familiar format. Borrowing from 9-1-1: Lone Star— even if it resulted in Athena’s presence— would undercut that.
Is There Still A Way For Athena To Guest Star In 9-1-1: Nashville? Regardless of the many obstacles, there are still ways for 9-1-1: Nashville to pave the way for Athena to appear. Perhaps 9-1-1’s most tragic death is what enables Athena to leave California, whether on a cross-country road trip or a visit to her hometown. It’s even possible for Athena to inadvertently cross paths with the 9-1-1: Nashville first responders. 9-1-1: Nashville’s Station 113 may cut off the road because of a major emergency, leaving Athena to try and help as a simple passerby. Alternatively, Athena could come across a criminal and need to earn local law enforcement’s cooperation to bring them to justice. Regardless of how she gets there, it’s only natural for Athena to become 9-1-1: Nashville’s saving grace.
Of course, the opposite is just as plausible. Similar to how 9-1-1: Lone Star got station 118 down South, the Nashville first responders could come fight a Californian wildfire. Yet, it’s still more likely that a character or two from the original series will appear on 9-1-1: Nashville instead, in order to promote the new series. Athena’s cameo in 9-1-1: Nashville isn’t impossible. But it’s tricky. From scheduling chaos and storyline hurdles to budgetary limits and fan expectations, there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes than viewers realize.
