Kenneth Choi Reflects on Captain Bobby Nash’s Departure in ‘9-1-1’
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Season 8, Episode 15 of “9-1-1.”
The Stakes of Narrative Choices
Kenneth Choi, who portrays Howie “Chimney” Han on the popular series “9-1-1,” recently opened up about his passionate defense of Captain Bobby Nash, a character played by Peter Krause. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Choi revealed the deep emotional turmoil he experienced upon learning of Bobby’s impending on-screen departure.
Choi’s Emotional Turmoil
Describing his reaction, Choi stated, “It was uncontrollable sobbing.” He expressed confusion over his intense feelings, acknowledging, “I know this isn’t real! Why am I acting like this?” His grief was compounded by a sense of loss for a character who served as a father figure to many in the cast.
A Battle for Bobby
Choi mentioned that he actively “fought” against showrunner Tim Minear’s decision to kill off the character. Despite his efforts and ongoing dialogue with Minear about the implications of such a move, the decision remained firm. “I fought him on it up until we kind of did the funeral stuff,” Choi recalled, hoping that the writers might reconsider their choice.
Understanding the Creative Vision
The turning point for Bobby Nash arrives in episode 15 titled “Lab Rats,” where he bravely traps himself inside a lab to prevent a deadly virus from affecting his team. This act of sacrifice reflects the show’s dedication to honoring the real-life heroism of first responders.
Peter Krause’s Response
Following the air of the episode, Peter Krause addressed the impact of Bobby’s death on the fanbase. He acknowledged the disappointment among viewers, saying, “I’ve heard that many fans are upset by this loss and they have a right to be. It is a loss.” Krause emphasized that Bobby Nash’s story was crafted out of a sense of purpose, illustrating the real sacrifices made by first responders.
Honoring Real-World Heroes
In his sentiments, Krause stressed that the character’s sacrifice was not merely for shock value but was intended to reflect the heroism of those who risk their lives daily for the safety of others. He stated, “Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice and he was built for this,” highlighting the narrative’s intention to pay tribute to real-life first responders.