9-1-1 Season 7 Finale Review: Emotional Conclusion Paves The Way For Compelling Future Plotlines (2024)

Warning: SPOILERS for the 9-1-1 Season 7 finale

Since switching to ABC at the beginning of the 2024 television season, 9-1-1 has taken on new life. Its removal from Fox's lineup was disheartening, primarily because the series would no longer take place on the same network as its Austin-based spinoff series. But while it remains unfortunate that the fire stations will no longer interact, its increase in viewership exemplifies how 9-1-1 has benefited from the change.

The show draws from real-life, high-pressure experiences of first responders who regularly face heart-stopping situations that are often unpredictable, intense and uplifting at the same time.

Pros

• 9-1-1's season 7 finale sets up exciting storylines for season 8
• Though there are several plots, the finale brings everything together nicely
• For the first time in a while, the stakes are very high for the characters
• The season 7 finale focuses on character emotions that heighten the intensity

During the latter half of the series, it began to feel as if the members of the 118 had reached a ceiling that shouldn't have existed. The most satisfying narratives are those that allow characters to evolve beyond the page, and the latest batch of episodes finally sees them live as human beings without emotional limitations. The procedural feels rejuvenated, and while a certain doppleganger-related story was questionable at best, the season 7 finale paves the way for compelling future plotlines.

The 9-1-1 Finale Instills True Fear Among Viewers

Episodes 8 and 9 appear to be a tribute to Bobby Nash

It's been years since I've truly feared for a character's life in an upcoming episode of a series. Given that 9-1-1 is wrapping up its seventh season, it wouldn't be shocking if one of the main cast members opted to depart. Bobby's death in the finale is feasible, raising the stakes exponentially and creating a truly suspenseful viewing experience.

Although Bobby carries his guilt with him every day, it's been years since the series focused so heavily on the tragedy that led him to the 118. I couldn't help but wonder if 9-1-1 was circling back to Bobby's origin story as a way to give the fire captain a proper sendoff. However, this storyline serves as an important reminder that healing isn't linear. His pain may have been addressed before, but that doesn't mean it can't be addressed again. People and circ*mstances stir up feelings that were thought to have been dealt with, and Amir's introduction does this for both Bobby and Athena.

Angela Bassett never ceases to amaze me, and her performance in "All Fall Down" is no exception. Athena is so caught up in grief that she loses the level-headedness that makes her a good cop. She's brought back to the loss of her first love and haunted by the injustice of his death, which exacerbates her misplaced rage. However, Amir isn't so different from the sergeant, and it's touching to see him remind her of who they both are.

Christopher's Departure In The 9-1-1 Finale Unlocks Powerful Storytelling Potential

Eddie will need to explore who he is outside of fatherhood

We've seen what Eddie looks like outside of the 118, but we've never seen who he is outside of fatherhood. This turn of events, while heartbreaking, will allow the character to be explored in a new capacity. Eddie has devoted his life to Christopher, and he sees his parental duties as a blessing. Because he's the center of Eddie's world, Chris' happiness is always at the forefront of his mind. Therefore, it's difficult for Eddie to enjoy aspects of life that he doesn't feel are benefiting his son.

While Eddie should take his child's feelings into consideration, he mustn't allow them to dictate every aspect of his life. Christopher has exemplified an impressive amount of emotional maturity over the years, even being the one to comfort Buck after Eddie was shot in 9-1-1 season 4. There's no doubt that he wants his father to be happy outside of their relationship, and it's up to Eddie to figure out what that means.

Despite receiving a smaller episode order due to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, 9-1-1 makes the most of each installment. The season 7 finale provides equal doses of heartbreak and relief and sets up storylines that will carry viewers well into season 8. While an episode with so many unrelated conflicts had the potential to feel disorganized, it all came together in a satisfying conclusion that reflects the strength of its ensemble cast.