While Bobby’s premature death has already begun to take its narrative toll in the form of Chimney’s unhealthy coping mechanisms and Athena’s (Angela Bassett) conspiracy theory investigation, Captain Nash’s passing could have dire consequences for the long-running procedural. Many are jumping the gun and predicting 9-1-1 season 9 to be its final year simply because of how irreplaceable Bobby is as the 118’s captain, which leaves the first-responder drama between a rock and a hard place. Whoever takes up the mantle as the series’ next fire captain will have impossible shoes to fill, but the options are limited.

Why Hen Replacing Bobby In 9-1-1 Isn’t Going To Work (Despite Her Being The Obvious Choice)

Being Captain Was Never Her End Goal

Admittedly, there’s one character in 9-1-1 season 8 who seems to be the obvious choice for an internal promotion: Hen. Bobby previously trusted Hen to be acting captain in his stead, and she even oversaw the 118 after Vincent Gerrard (Brian Thompson) was incapacitated in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 1. Yet, between Hen’s past characterization and current circumstances, she simply wouldn’t be the right fit as the 118’s permanent captain. Frankly, the promotion may even come across as unearned, since Hen’s presence in 9-1-1 season 8 has been scarce up until the Contagion saga.

Aside from how the ABC procedural has seemingly hid Hen’s character for the majority of the season, it’s difficult to ignore how she previously planned to leave the LAFD entirely. From the 9-1-1 season 3 finale to season 6, episode 6, Hen had an ongoing storyline following her goal of becoming a doctor. After years in med school, Hen abruptly abandoned her aspirations and decided to stay a firefighter-paramedic, but the storyline has always felt unresolved. Locking Hen in a permanent position of authority in the LAFD would kill any chance of closure, constricting her character’s future development.

Chimney Is The Best Replacement For Bobby As 118’s Captain

Behind His Comedy, He’s Highly Qualified

Another contender for the captaincy that’s hiding in plain sight is Chimney, a firefighter-paramedic who has dedicated twenty years of his life to the LAFD. Though it’s easy to forget due to being a comic relief, Chimney was the first 9-1-1 character to join the 118 in 2005, five years before Hen. Just like the rest of the crew under Gerrard’s first regime, Chimney worked against unjust adversity and paid his dues without complaint. Throughout 9-1-1, Chimney has been cool under pressure, fearless in the face of danger, and dedicated to public service— all traits that make him a prime candidate.

After the storm passes, the LAFD will need a healthy dose of optimism.

A silver lining to Bobby’s death in 9-1-1 season 8 could be Chimney finally gaining recognition for his impressive skill set that’s been appreciated but not properly acknowledged thus far. Chimney has all the traits necessary to be a great leader, but he also possesses one important characteristic that the team needs now more than ever: an air of levity. Everyone in 9-1-1— Chimney included— is struggling with Bobby’s death, but after the storm passes, the LAFD will need a healthy dose of optimism. The personality that previously made Chimney a joker could now make him a respected captain.

Chimney Replacing Bobby At The 118 Also Reinforces His Sacrifice In 9-1-1 Season 8

It Would Bring The Heartbreaking Storyline Full Circle

Beyond Chimney deserving the promotion, him becoming the 118’s captain would be a fitting reversal of his role in Bobby’s death. Part of what made him so distraught in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 16 was the lingering notion that Bobby died in Chimney’s place. Both were infected by a super-strain of CCHF (Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever), but Bobby purposely hid his symptoms until the sole antidote had been administered to Chimney. The selfless act instilled a sense of survivor’s guilt in the paramedic, with Chimney’s anger in “The Last Alarm” merely a displaced projection of his grief.

New episodes of 9-1-1 can be streamed on Hulu the day after they air on ABC.

Since Chimney was foundational to the set-up for Bobby’s death in 9-1-1 season 8, the best way to give his character closure would be for Chimney to flip the script and take Bobby’s place at LAFD station 118. Assuming the role could help Chimney work through his trauma and get back to his true self, shaded by the experience but stronger because of it. Helping to transform Chimney’s character would also ensure Bobby’s death wasn’t for nothing in 9-1-1 season 8. While nothing could be worth the devastation, 9-1-1 nevertheless has the opportunity to find a much-needed bright side.

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