Series Star Shares Devastating Letter Following His Season 8 Exit
Editor’s Note: This article contains spoilers for 9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 15.
In a series known for pulling no emotional punches, 9-1-1 just delivered its most devastating twist yet. After eight seasons as the stalwart Captain Robert “Bobby” Nash, 9-1-1 co-lead and executive producer Peter Krause has officially exited the hit drama following his character’s heroic death in the April 17 episode, “Lab Rats.”
The episode marked the end of a two-part arc centered on a deadly virus outbreak in an underground lab. In classic Bobby fashion, the firefighter saved his team one by one — performing emergency surgery on Hen (Aisha Hinds), delivering oxygen to Ravi (Anirudh Pisharody), and stabilizing an infected Chimney (Kenneth Choi) long enough for Athena (Angela Bassett) to retrieve a single dose of antidote. Only after everyone was safe did Bobby reveal that he, too, had been infected — and had kept it quiet so Chimney, an expectant father, could receive the cure.
His final moments included a tearful farewell with Athena through a glass door, where he reflected on the guilt he carried since the loss of his first family and how meeting Athena gave him new purpose. “L.A. was supposed to be my penance, not my home,” he told her. “But then you said ‘yes’ to a dinner invitation, and I started to live again.” Moments later, he knelt to pray and quietly passed.
Peter Krause Bids Farewell
ABC has already renewed 9-1-1 for an 18-episode ninth season, which will continue without Krause. Angela Bassett is confirmed to remain on board as both star and executive producer, and she will also lead the upcoming spinoff 9-1-1: Nashville. Krause addressed his exit in a heartfelt letter to fans, writing:
“In October 2017, through [Bobby], we began tackling topics such as grief, guilt, anger and addiction while exploring his relationship with a higher power, forgiveness and grace. On his path of healing, we watched him join and embrace both his new family at the firehouse and his new family with Athena Grant where he found love and acceptance. We also had plenty of fun along the way. It was a joy.”
Krause closed his letter with an emotional message to fans and cast, saying: “I’ve heard that many fans are upset by this loss and they have a right to be. It is a loss. 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.”To his firehouse family, he added, “Stay unruly, but be professional and get the job done. Misfit heroes need each other. That’s how we do it at our firehouse. Pass it along to the next new guy.”
9-1-1 Season 9 returns soon on ABC. “The Last Alarm” airs May 1.
