9-1-1 season 8 has finally put one of its most irritating storylines in the past, meaning the series can finally get back on track and return to its former glory. The ABC procedural drama TV show created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear debuted its eighth season (and second one on ABC) at the end of September 2024. 9-1-1 season 8 premiered with a bee-nado disaster, and for the first handful of episodes, it was evident that something wasn’t right. More specifically, some characters weren’t where they belonged.
ABC hasn’t confirmed 9-1-1 season 8’s episode count as of the writing of this article, but it’s expected to be a full season, meaning it will likely contain around 18 episodes (based on past seasons).
9-1-1 season 7 ended with Bobby Nash surviving his heart attack (one episode after resigning from Station 118). Despite his brush with death, there were no indications that Bobby would resume his role as the captain of the 118 as his replacement had already been named — Vincent Gerrard. His appointment to captain was the worst-case scenario, and, unfortunately, the consequences of this development played out at the beginning of 9-1-1 season 8. However, episode 4 righted the show’s wrongs, and going forward, 9-1-1 can be the success everyone knows it can be.
9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 4 Brings Bobby Back & Kicks Gerrard Out
Bobby & Gerrard Switched Roles
Despite the first three episodes’ shortcomings, 9-1-1 season 8, episode 4, “No Place Like Home,” fixed (almost) everything that many disliked about the season, including giving Gerrard the boot. Gerrard is, without a doubt, one of the worst 9-1-1 characters. He is bigoted, unreasonable, a bully, and everything a fire captain shouldn’t be. So, Gerrard becoming the captain of the 118 was quite concerning and frustrating because, yes, it created drama, but it created drama that most don’t want to watch. The good news is that Gerrard is now gone, and Bobby is (finally) back to being Station 118’s captain.
| 9-1-1 Season 8 Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Angela Bassett | Athena Grant-Nash |
| Peter Krause | Robert “Bobby” Nash |
| Oliver Stark | Evan “Buck” Buckley |
| Aisha Hinds | Henrietta “Hen” Wilson |
| Kenneth Choi | Howard “Chimney” Han |
| Jennifer Love Hewitt | Maddie Han |
| Ryan Guzman | Edmundo “Eddie” Díaz |
| Gavin McHugh | Christopher Díaz |
Gerrard left Station 118 in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 4 after Bobby told him that he only got the job because Councilwoman Olivia Ortiz wanted to sabotage the firehouse (and ultimately close it due to “budget issues”). While Gerrard is a horrible person, he doesn’t like being messed with. So, Gerrard strapped on a body cam (a rule that Ortiz imposed on the firefighters as punishment) and recorded the councilwoman discussing her master plan to ruin the 118. The station was saved from its impending closure, Bobby returned as captain, and Gerrard took on Bobby’s technical advisor role on Hotshots.
9-1-1 Being Back On Status Quo Allows It To Focus On Other Storylines
The Show Had To End The Gerrard Storyline Before Starting Others
All is right at the 118 following the events of 9-1-1 season 8, episode 4. As a result, the ABC procedural drama TV series can move forward without the weight of Gerrard on its shoulders. Gerrard just isn’t a fun character to watch; he’s not even an exciting villain to root against. He needed to go (especially since the audience always knew Gerrard’s role at the 118 was just a temporary setup) before 9-1-1 season 8 could focus on other stories.
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9-1-1‘s second season on ABC can explore plots that are far more interesting and thrilling than Gerrard, who is the very definition of a bigot, leading the 118. Additionally, the frustrating (and unnecessarily prolonged) foster storyline concerning Hen and Karen Wilson was resolved in episode 4. Hen and Karen got their foster license reinstated and were reunited with Mara. Now, viewers don’t have to worry about Gerrard or Hen and Karen’s troubles, which were the worst parts of 9-1-1 season 8.
What’s Next For Station 118 In 9-1-1 Season 8
Bobby Is Back At The 118
Gerrard’s exit at the end of 9-1-1 season 8, episode 4, along with Bobby’s return, opens the door for many possibilities. Of course, the first responders will continue facing dire emergencies (ones that are hopefully better than the 9-1-1 season 8 premiere’s disappointing tragedy). Eddie Díaz will also go on struggling with separation anxiety after Christopher’s move to Texas. Bobby and Athena will be busy building themselves a new home. Hopefully, with the Gerrard storyline finished, 9-1-1 season 8 can spend more time focusing on Buck and his relationship with Tommy.
