9-1-1 broke the hearts of fans on April 17. The procedural drama did the unthinkable and killed off one of its most beloved characters: station leader Bobby Nash (Peter Krause). It was a decison that was met with widespread pushback from fans, who appreciated the dramatic impact but are still at a loss for words when it comes to conceiving of 9-1-1 without Nash's involvement.
The fans aren't alone in this shock. Angela Bassett, the star of the series, made it clear that she was also shaken by the decision to get rid of Nash after eight seasons. The Oscar nominee took to social media to pen a heartfelt message to her former co-star, and articulate how much he has meant to the success of 9-1-1.
Bassett acknowledged 9-1-1 fan backlash
"For eight seasons, this kind, funny, compassionate, talented actor became not only my trusted colleague, but also a dear friend," Bassett wrote about Krause. She posted a photo of her and the actor hugging on the set of 9-1-1, and offered her condolences to the fans.
"I know this is hard for all of you. It’s hard for us, too," the actress added. "Peter's Bobby Nash will be missed but his character will never be forgotten. He is forever a part of our family. We should all give Peter a lot of love as he expands beyond 'the 118' and into all adventures that await him. Love you, my friend." Bassett closed out her post with a statement that many 9-1-1 fans will be quick to agree with. "Athena will never be the same," she concluded.
The decision to kill off Bobby Nash has been so controversial since it occurred on April 17 that the show's co-creator Tim Minear, has acknowledged fan frustration. He told Us Weekly he was aware of the backlash he would get, but felt that it was ultimately worth it to push 9-1-1 forward.
9-1-1 boss claimed Bobby Nash is "returning"
"[Nash is] so great on the show, really the backbone of the show in so many ways, which is why it was... a terrifying decision," Minear asserted. "Creatively, I just knew that it would be so meaningful and have such repercussions and give me so much story for the show." There is, however, a silver lining to be gleaned from all this.
Minear told Variety that Peter Krause will be appearing in additional episodes of 9-1-1 season 8. We can only assume the character will be appearing as a ghost or perhaps via flashback, but the series co-creator noted that his presence will help fans work through their grief. "Every episode of the next three," he noted. "They’re all about Bobby’s death."