One Chicago Center
Fansided

Why did Alberto Frezza leave Station 19?

Krista Vernoff hurt Station 19 fans everywhere with Ryan's exit. Did Alberto Frezza choose to leave the series, or was the exit a creative one?

By Alexandria Ingham

STATION 19 - "Indoor Fireworks" - The new Seattle fire chief is introduced to Station 19 and leaves the crew skeptical after his visit. Later, the firefighters are called to a department store fire caused by exploding fireworks, which triggers painful memories from Ben's past and inspires him to pursue a new endeavor. Maya advocates for herself and her career, while Jack becomes more intertwined with an acquaintance; and Andy and Ryan have a heart-to-heart on an all-new episode of "Station 19,"
STATION 19 - "Indoor Fireworks" - The new Seattle fire chief is introduced to Station 19 and leaves the crew skeptical after his visit. Later, the firefighters are called to a department store fire caused by exploding fireworks, which triggers painful memories from Ben's past and inspires him to pursue a new endeavor. Maya advocates for herself and her career, while Jack becomes more intertwined with an acquaintance; and Andy and Ryan have a heart-to-heart on an all-new episode of "Station 19," /
facebooktwitterreddit

When Station 19 began, there was a cop character who would help the firefighters and paramedics now and then. That was Ryan Tanner, played by Alberto Frezza. He was more than just a cop for the crew to turn to for help, though. He was Andy’s best friend, and someone there for her when she needed him the most.

Sadly, Krista Vernoff and the writers made a huge and permanent decision relatively early on in the series. Just as we fell in love with him and saw how great he and Andy could be together, the show killed Ryan off.

Wait, what happened? Well, Ryan was accidentally shot by a young child and he died from his injuries. Nothing that any first responder could do would help, and we had to go through the pain and loss along with Andy.

Did Alberto Frezza choose to leave Station 19?

It turns out that this was not Frezza’s decision to leave the series. After two seasons of Station 19, Vernoff took over as showrunner and she decided it was time to put Andy through some much more heartbreaking storylines than ever before. It all started with the loss of Ryan, her best friend.

Vernoff explained to Entertainment Weekly, that up to this point Andy saw the bright and shiny side of life. She needed to go through something dark.

Of course, we know now that she’s been through a lot more darkness. She’s lost her father, her marriage to Sullivan ended, and she may just lose her other best friend, Jack.

Frezza learned pretty early on in season 3 that Ryan was going to be killed off. As well as creating a storyline for Andy, it was pitched as a way to bring awareness to guns. We hear all about it in the news, but TV is a chance to put the storylines really in front of us. It’s a chance to show us what it means to those close to people accidentally shot and killed because of poor weapon safety and handling. But if Frezza had a choice, he wouldn’t have left the role.

Tracie Thoms could return as Karen in 911 season 7. dark. Next. Tracie Thoms could return as Karen in 911 season 7

For the latest news and spoilers, plus more on your favorite first responder dramas, follow the TV category at One Chicago Center.

Home/TV