Warning: This article contains spoilers for 9-1-1 season 7, episode 9.

Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) has been the heart of the 118 since 9-1-1‘s series premiere, so killing him off in season 7 would create a big problem for 9-1-1 season 8. Bobby’s life was left on the line at the close of the season’s penultimate episode after he saved Athena from a fire at their home. In the final moments, Bobby suffered a heart attack. As a result, there’s a chance the creatives are opting to shake up the dynamics as part of 9-1-1 season 7’s biggest story.

9-1-1 has long relied on Bobby’s relationships with his co-workers to tell meaningful stories. Without Bobby, the series would lose the glue that’s held many of its most important arcs together. Forging ahead without Bobby would be a major hurdle that the show may not be able to navigate without backlash from viewers, possibly tarnishing the successful series’ legacy as it heads into season 8.

Bobby Nash’s Death Would Change 9-1-1 Forever

Bobby is an integral part of 9-1-1

As the leader of the 118, Bobby knows all about the lives of the people who have worked for him during his long tenure as captain. He’s often used to drive crucial storylines forward because characters open up to him willingly. Bobby’s history governs his actions and how he coaches the 118 through their most turbulent times. He is one of the most multi-layered characters on TV because the show has done a remarkable job of fleshing out his past and present. Cutting his life short without a decent final arc is a recipe for disaster.

Additionally, Bobby’s relationship with Athena is one of the strongest parts of 9-1-1. They’ve come a long way since the beginning of their romance. Although there are countless relationships on the show, they have blossomed into the mother and father of the group. Krause and Angela Bassett’s chemistry elevates their scenes, so breaking them apart would completely change the fabric of 9-1-1. Athena would be forced to say goodbye to her husband, and the 118 would have to say goodbye to their leader.

The 118 Would Be Forced To Find A New Leader

Bobby has been captain since the series premiere of 9-1-1

The search for a new leader for the 118 was already set in stone when Bobby revealed he was ready to move on during 9-1-1 season 7, episode 9. While there is hope that something will change his mind, his death would mean there’s no going back. Bringing in someone new to oversee the team would give the firehouse an unnecessary shakeup because Bobby continues to grow as a leader. He’s already been a successful captain throughout the first seven seasons, but he can do more to shape the team going forward.

In the eyes of the 118, Bobby can do no wrong because he’s always been driven by his passion for saving lives and ensuring the well-being of everyone in his orbit. His death would send the 118 into uncharted territory because the team has become a close-knit family, meaning they would struggle with Bobby’s replacement. Bobby brings familiarity and consistency; a new captain could change things too much.

9-1-1 Doesn’t Kill Off Enough Series Regulars

No series regulars have been killed off

For a show featuring the characters in constant life-and-death situations, 9-1-1 has kept its cast relatively intact, which bodes well for Bobby’s future. Connie Britton was the first actor to depart after 9-1-1 season 1. In the show, her character, Abby Clark, goes to Ireland following her mother’s death and returns happily engaged in a season 3 episode. Rockmond Dunbar, who played Michael Grant, exited 9-1-1 in 2021, but his character got an upbeat ending as well, leaving with his then-fiancé David to work in Haiti.

Thanks to the lack of deaths, 9-1-1′s most beloved characters have survived a tsunami, a cruise ship disaster, an earthquake, and countless other emergencies. Bobby’s death would subvert expectations because of the show’s history of everyone beating the odds, but it could also make the show worse and alienate viewers. Bobby is a big part of 9-1-1‘s continued success, and killing him off would be a big risk that may not pay off.

At the same time, the character’s survival would cheapen the value of cliffhangers on the show forever, so it may be time for 9-1-1 to increase the stakes with a major death. While it would be hard for viewers, there’s a chance that sort of shocking twist would revitalize the show late in its run. Either way, 9-1-1 season 8 is poised to look very different if the show goes through with Bobby’s death.