Kenneth Choi was not going to let showrunner Tim Minear kill off Captain Bobby Nash without a fight. In a sitdown with Entertainment Weekly, Choi, who plays firefighter Howie “Chimney” Han in the ABC drama series, said he “fought” Minear over the in-show death of Bobby Nash (Peter Krause), the captain of Chimney’s LAFD station 118. “It was uncontrollable sobbing,” Choi said. “I was laughing at myself saying, ‘I don’t know what is happening! I know this isn’t real! Why am I acting like this?’ But it was devastating to me.”
He continued, “Then I just kind of went into those stages of grief. Denial, mostly: This doesn’t make any sense. Why would you do that? You’re kind of killing off our father figure … And he explained creatively why he thought it was the right choice, and I fought him on it. And I continued to fight him on it. I fought him on it up until we kind of did the funeral stuff, because I was thinking: Maybe they’ll pull it back. Maybe they’ll change their minds. Maybe they’ll reverse course.”
Unfortunately, Minear’s mind was made up. In episode 815 of “9-1-1,” entitled “Lab Rats,” Bobby seals off the doors to a lab containing a deadly virus. He traps himself inside in the process, saving his crew from catching the disease. Following the episode’s premiere, Krause released a statement addressing his character’s dramatic end.
“I’ve heard that many fans are upset by this loss and they have a right to be. It is a loss,” Krause said. “That said, it was 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. His story arc honors them. We at ‘9-1-1’ salute all the incredible men and women who do these dangerous jobs and strive to keep us safe. Our show is incredibly difficult to make at times with long hours, challenging stunts and elaborate disasters. We couldn’t do it without each other.”
Let’s be real — when a favorite character dies on a show like ‘9-1-1’, it hits hard. But what if we told you the actors are just as shattered as we are? Kenneth Choi, who plays the beloved firefighter Chimney, recently opened up about a moment that turned the entire cast upside down. And trust us, it’s juicy, dramatic, and oh-so-human.
The Scene That Shattered Fans (and Cast Alike)
What Went Down on ‘9-1-1’?
One of the most shocking twists in the latest season of ‘9-1-1’ was the unexpected death of a core character. The scene? Gut-wrenching. The reaction? Nuclear. Fans were devastated — and so was Kenneth Choi.
Choi’s Immediate Reaction: “This Can’t Be Happening”
According to Choi, when he read the script, he didn’t just blink twice — he marched straight to the showrunner’s office and demanded answers.
“I was like, why would you do that? That doesn’t make sense! We’re all so attached to this character.”
Kenneth Choi vs. The Writers Room
The Confrontation We Didn’t See Coming
Choi didn’t just raise an eyebrow. He fought the decision. He believed the story was strong enough without such a brutal loss and argued it would change the tone of the show in ways that might not sit well with long-time fans.
When Emotions Run Deeper Than Scripts
For Choi, it wasn’t just a job. It was personal.
“We build these characters. We live with them. We feel what the fans feel — even more, sometimes.”
Why the Writers Pulled the Trigger Anyway
The Creative Risk Behind the Twist
The showrunner defended the move, saying it was about raising the stakes, pushing the narrative boundaries, and delivering a truly unforgettable moment. Mission accomplished? Maybe. But not without leaving emotional carnage behind.
Not Just a Shock Value Play
Producers claim the death wasn’t about drama for drama’s sake. Instead, it was about evolution — forcing characters to grow through grief and struggle. Still, that explanation didn’t sit well with Choi at first.
Chimney’s Emotional Rollercoaster
Choi Had to Dig Deep
Playing Chimney during and after the death scene meant navigating raw, emotional terrain. Choi admitted to crying between takes — and not just because of the script.
“It felt like losing a real friend. That kind of pain doesn’t just turn off.”
The Scene That Took the Longest to Film
Rumor has it the death scene took over two days to shoot — because of how emotionally wrecked everyone was. That’s saying something for a high-paced, high-intensity series like ‘9-1-1’.
How Fans Reacted (Spoiler: Chaos Ensued)
Social Media Meltdown
As soon as the episode aired, Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram lit up. Some fans called it the “worst betrayal ever.” Others praised the bold move. But one thing was clear: nobody was indifferent.
Choi’s DMs Were Full of Tears
Kenneth Choi shared that his inbox exploded after the episode aired. People sent him stories, poems, and even artwork mourning the character.
Why This Death Hits Harder Than Most
Not Just a Character, But a Cultural Symbol
The character who died represented so much more than just plot filler. For many fans, they were a beacon — of strength, representation, and hope.
Breaking the Mold, But at What Cost?
Killing such a meaningful character risks alienating fans, especially when the death feels sudden or unjustified. Choi wasn’t just worried about the story — he was thinking about the legacy.
What’s Next for Chimney and the Crew?
Picking Up the Pieces
The upcoming episodes will focus on how the team deals with the loss — and how Chimney evolves. Expect breakdowns, unexpected alliances, and emotional landmines everywhere.
A New Dynamic Emerges
Without the fallen character, team chemistry shifts. Leadership changes. Trust is tested. It’s like pulling one Jenga block too many — now the whole tower’s wobbling.
A Bold Narrative Choice, But Was It Worth It?
Time Will Tell
While Kenneth Choi still struggles with the decision, he’s also embraced the opportunity to tell deeper, more emotional stories. In his words:
“If it hits this hard, maybe it means we’re doing something right.”
Kenneth Choi’s Passion: A Testament to His Craft
He’s Not Just Playing a Role
When you see an actor stand up to producers for the sake of character integrity, you know they care. And fans feel that.
Why Kenneth Choi Deserves Major Respect
He fought for us. For the story. For the heart of ‘9-1-1’. And while he might not have “won” the fight, he earned the admiration of viewers and colleagues alike.
Final Thoughts: Storytelling That Hurts (In a Good Way?)
Sometimes TV breaks us — and sometimes, that’s the point. This wasn’t just another death. It was a seismic shift in the ‘9-1-1’ universe. And Kenneth Choi was at the center of the storm, reminding us that the best stories make us feel everything.
