Coming off of last week’s phenomenal episode, and with the promise of an episode centered on my favorite character this week, my expectations were sky-high high for 9-1-1’s latest episode. Sadly, though, Season 9, Episode 5, “Día de los Muertos” just feels like a repeat of the same themes that the show has been covering since Bobby Nash’s (Peter Krause) death. And look, I get it – I would never want 9-1-1 to forget about Bobby. That being said, though, there were so many interesting developments blooming in the characters’ personal lives last season before Contagion, and now, all of their non-emergency storylines are about grieving the loss of Bobby.
“Día de los Muertos” combines a Halloween episode and a Día de Muertos episode into one, for an episode that feels tonally off throughout. Eddie (Ryan Guzman) has been long overdue for a follow-up to his “Confessions” storyline last season, so that he can continue on the path towards prioritizing his own happiness. Instead, though, he starts to have an interesting reckoning with his faith this episode, only for his Abuela, Isabel (Ana Mercedes), to die at the end. It’s an ultimately forgettable episode overall, and it feels like a missed opportunity for a rare Eddie-focused episode.
When Tragedy Misses Its Mark
There’s heartbreak — and then there’s frustration disguised as heartbreak. ‘9-1-1’ has never been shy about pulling emotional punches, but in Season 9, Episode 5, the show may have swung too hard and completely missed the mark. Fans expected intensity, tears, and emotional depth. What they got instead was a pointless character death that not only felt unearned but also did a massive disservice to one of the show’s most beloved characters: Eddie Diaz. So, what went wrong? Let’s dive into why this episode hit fans in all the wrong ways.
The Emotional Core That Got Lost
Eddie Diaz Deserved Better
Eddie Diaz has been through it all — heartbreak, trauma, and redemption arcs that made him one of the most human characters in ‘9-1-1’. He’s been the strong yet vulnerable heart of the 118, especially following the departure of key team members over past seasons. But instead of giving Eddie growth or closure, this episode twisted his story into something unrecognizable.
The death of a secondary character — one meant to impact Eddie’s emotional state — felt like a lazy storytelling shortcut. Rather than developing Eddie through healing or resilience, the writers opted for shock value. And it didn’t land.
The Episode’s Pacing — Fast, Furious, and Flat
A Rush to Drama
From the opening scene, Episode 5 was clearly aiming for a gut punch. The pacing was breakneck, the tension high, but the emotional foundation wasn’t there.
Within minutes, the writers forced a tragedy that lacked the emotional buildup fans have come to expect from ‘9-1-1.’
The issue isn’t tragedy itself — ‘9-1-1’ thrives on it — it’s how that tragedy is earned. Viewers need time to connect, to feel the loss. Here, it was just… empty.
The Problem With Pointless Deaths
When Shock Value Becomes Lazy Writing
Television has a long history of killing off characters for the sake of “impact.” But as fans grow more media-savvy, those tactics backfire fast. This episode’s death didn’t spark emotional depth — it sparked outrage. Viewers immediately took to social media to vent frustration, calling the move “cheap,” “unnecessary,” and “lazy.” The internet erupted, with hashtags like #JusticeForEddie trending within hours of the episode airing.
Character Deaths Should Mean Something
When a character dies, it should serve the story — not just fill screen time. Think of Abby’s departure or Shannon’s death. Both moments shaped Eddie and Buck’s emotional evolution. In contrast, Episode 5’s tragedy seemed random, undermining the emotional growth fans had invested in for years.
Eddie Diaz — The Emotional Anchor of ‘9-1-1’
Why Fans Connect So Deeply With Him
Eddie isn’t just another firefighter. He’s a father, a soldier, a man who’s fought both literal and emotional fires. His dynamic with Christopher, his son, has been one of the show’s emotional pillars.
When writers mishandle Eddie’s story, fans take it personally. Why? Because Eddie represents perseverance — the quiet strength that grounds ‘9-1-1’ amidst chaos. To strip that away for a cheap twist feels almost disrespectful to the audience’s emotional investment.
The Ripple Effect — How It Impacts the Team
Buck’s Reaction Feels Hollow
Usually, when tragedy strikes, the emotional fallout ripples through the 118. But here, even Buck — Eddie’s closest friend — seemed underused.
Their chemistry and brotherhood have carried some of the show’s best emotional beats. Yet in this episode, Buck’s reaction was understated, almost muted, as if the writers forgot how integral that bond is to the heart of the show.
The 118 Without Emotion Feels Empty
Without genuine emotional reactions, the 118 feels mechanical. The team’s trademark camaraderie and warmth were missing, replaced with hollow dialogue and forced tension. It was 9-1-1 stripped of its soul.
A Missed Opportunity for Character Growth
Eddie’s PTSD Arc Could Have Shined
Instead of leaning into Eddie’s complex PTSD and healing journey, the show sidestepped the emotional richness of his character.
This episode could’ve deepened his storyline, showing him confronting grief with growth. Instead, it reverted him back to pain for the sake of plot.
Trauma Repetition vs. Character Evolution
Repeating trauma without resolution doesn’t equal development — it’s regression. And fans are noticing. Viewers want to see Eddie heal, not continuously suffer through recycled pain.
Audience Backlash — Fans Aren’t Staying Quiet
Social Media Meltdown
The ‘9-1-1’ fandom is one of the most passionate on TV. After Episode 5, Twitter (now X) exploded with reactions. Posts called the episode “emotionally manipulative,” “a betrayal,” and “a slap in the face” to long-term viewers.
The Hashtags Say It All
Trends like #EddieDeservedBetter and #9-1-1Fail flooded timelines, showing just how deeply this misstep resonated. For a show that thrives on emotional connection, alienating fans is a risky move.
The Writing Disconnect — When Logic Leaves the Building
Storytelling Inconsistency
Long-time viewers noticed inconsistencies that broke immersion. Characters acted out of personality, scenes lacked cohesion, and emotional stakes were unclear. It felt like an episode written for shock, not story.
The Cost of Ignoring Continuity
Ignoring character history weakens the emotional thread of any long-running show. Eddie’s past — his war trauma, his love for Christopher, his bond with the 118 — has always defined him. Episode 5 ignored all of it.
The Cinematic Strength Can’t Save Weak Writing
Beautiful Shots, Empty Heart
Visually, ‘9-1-1’ remains stunning — the action sequences, the fire rescues, the cityscape shots of L.A. But no amount of camera flair can disguise a hollow story.
Even with top-tier direction, a weak script drags everything down.
What the Show Could Have Done Differently
Focus on Emotional Resolution
Instead of introducing death as a plot device, ‘9-1-1’ could’ve explored Eddie’s ongoing healing process, his evolving friendship with Buck, or his role as a father. That’s where the emotional gold lies.
Let Characters Heal, Not Rewind
Audiences crave emotional payoff. Watching Eddie overcome, not collapse, would’ve been infinitely more powerful than another tragedy.
The Future of ‘9-1-1’ — Can It Recover?
Rebuilding Trust with Viewers
One misstep doesn’t destroy a show, but ‘9-1-1’ must tread carefully. The series thrives because it connects emotionally — when that bond breaks, viewers walk away. The next episodes need to rebuild Eddie’s narrative with care, honesty, and respect for fan investment.
Conclusion: Tragedy Without Purpose Is Just Cruel
‘9-1-1’ Season 9, Episode 5 had all the potential to deepen Eddie Diaz’s emotional journey. Instead, it chose the easy path — shock over substance.
The result? A hollow tragedy that failed to honor the character, the story, or the fans who’ve stood by the show since day one.
Eddie deserved better. And frankly, so did we.
