9-1-1 is preparing to wrap up season 9 — but will the finale conclude with Angela Bassett‘s character Athena leaving the show?
During the penultimate episode of the hit ABC series, Detective Hooks (Josh Stamberg) convinced Athena to accompany him to make arrests in the trafficking case. The situation took a turn, however, when he shot at her.
“It remains to be seen,” Bassett, 67, told Good Morning America ahead of the May 7 finale about whether her character will survive. “I wish I could say. But Athena is strong.”
Showrunner Tim Minear, meanwhile, teased a surprise conclusion.
Us Explains ‘9-1-1’ Offscreen Backlash After Bobby’s Controversial Death
“I’m excited for all the characters, actually. I can’t really spoil where we’re going in the last three episodes, but I’m also excited and scared about what’s going to happen to Athena,” he told Decider. “I think it’s going to be a really thrilling story.”
Minear went on to tease season 10, adding, “I’m going to start a story here at the end of this season that’s going to carry over into next season. I’m pretty excited about it!”
Concerns about Athena’s survival comes after the ABC series shook things up by killing off Peter Krause‘s fan favorite character Bobby. After the show faced backlash for killing off Bobby, Krause, 60, released a statement about his shocking departure.
“I’ve heard that many fans are upset by this loss and they have a right to be. It is a loss. That said, it was more than a bold creative choice on a bold show. Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice and he was built for this,” Krause wrote in a statement. “First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day. His story arc honors them. We at 9-1-1 salute all the incredible men and women who do these dangerous jobs and strive to keep us safe.”
Most Heartbreaking TV Deaths of 2026: From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to ‘Bridgerton’
Krause’s former onscreen wife Bassett also weighed in on each character’s future after Bobby’s death.
“I don’t think it’s going to be, you know, that real sad, sad grieving process that we’re used to seeing,” Bassett teased exclusively to Us Weekly in August 2025 about what is to come. “[She’ll be] throwing herself back into work. You can’t catch her. She won’t land somewhere. She keeps moving. Keeps distracting herself.”
Bassett noted that even when people try to “hold her still,” Athena will break free. “It’s like, ‘Put me out there, [Captain]. Put me on the field,’” she shared.
9-1-1 airs on ABC Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET.
