Movies News Talk
Stars of 9-1-1 Peter Krause and Ryan Guzman have spoken out on the significant upheaval to LAFD Station 118 in the Season 7 Finale and what it means for the show going ahead. For Krause's Bobby and Guzman's Eddie, both of whom had to negotiate personal challenges leading to life-changing events, the last episode contained dramatic character narratives. The episode's main turn was Gerard formally taking over as captain of the 118, the largest change in the 9-1-1 season 7 finale.
Talking with TVLine, Krause and Guzman responded to Gerard assuming control of the 118, outlining what it could imply for season 8 of 9-1-1. Though they reacted differently to the team's changed situation, the actors agreed it will affect their characters in perhaps explosive ways. Review what Krause and Guzman had to say below.
First seen in 9-1-1 season 2, Gerard asked Hen how well she performed in humiliating and sexist roles. Members of the LAFD got together after ongoing harassment to get him taken off from his station. Although he still shows up sometimes following this conflict, his concert appearances have always been few. But with him now the 118 captain heading ahead, it appears he will be playing his most important part in the series. Clearly, this will cause a lot of strife in season 8 as well.
Although nothing is known about the path 9-1-1 season 8 is headed in, Gerard's involvement suggests it might mostly highlight workplace harassment and bosses abusing their authority. It targets the backs of many LAFD employees since it lets other firemen feel free to participate in harassment, much as Hen discovered in season 2. All the characters have gotten over the years, so they will have to keep strength in their ties to survive Gerard's term.
With "9-1-1," Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear are revitalizing the procedural drama. The show revolves on the high-stress events that first responders—including police, firefighters, and dispatchers—are thrown into—that are most horrific, startling, and heart-stopping. These emergency responders are juggling helping those most vulnerable with addressing issues in their own life. The show is motivated by the real-life, high-stress events that first responders routinely encounter—often unanticipated, intense, and inspirational all at once.
As the first responders get ready for Season 8, they are in for an unusual change. Their exchanges with the incoming leader could expose their handling of trying circumstances. The major idea of the season is the need of resilience and cooperation.
Guzag: I simply said, "Wait a second, are we losing Bobby again? Regarding this jerk?"
Krause: I find great delight in their conflict. After he took over Gerard's firehouse, I could see Gerard grudgingly resenting Bobby for receiving all that favorable attention. He now wants it turned around. [I'm not sure what] lawful or illegal roadblocks [Gerard has, but showrunner Tim Minear] has a really fulfilling strategy.
The new 118 captain's past actions don't port well for the team's near future, even if it's yet unknown what the future holds since he is in command. Perhaps even a concentrated campaign to have Gerard removed from the LAFD once more will result in even more strife than it has in the past. This makes the narrative of 9-1-1 ambiguous as anything might happen to anyone under the direction of someone like him. It's still to be seen how his presence will affect team relationships moving ahead.
Hulu currently streams all of the 9-1-1 episodes.
Guzman: Although Eddie doesn't know Gerard yet, from what he's heard he's the worst aspects of a human being. So is that going to drive Eddie back to what he came from—a "masculine" man devoid of emotional expression? Will that cause Eddie to return to a version of himself devoid of any direction toward wellness? Whose mind knows? If you remove that, all kinds of anarchy could result.
The latest episode boasts an unexpected character arc. Seeing Eddie react to the new skipper will be exciting. Among the most inspirational elements of the show is his path toward self-discovery.