9-1-1: 3 Tear-Jerking Moments in “Careful What You Wish For”

We’re headed into the season finale for 9-1-1, and “Careful What You Wish For” was rough. Did you cry? I got a little teary, I’ll admit. These are the moments that made me reach for my Kleenex box.

Spoiler Warning: I usually steer clear of most spoilers, but this close to the end of the season it’s hard to avoid. So, if you haven’t watched the episode, be warned *SPOILERS AHEAD*

Maddie Considers a Career Change

A tough call has Maddie considering whether she wants to go back to her career in nursing, where she feels like she can do more to help people. Her co-workers want to show her the impact she’s had and that she really is making a difference for people, and the scene where they pull absolutely hijacks our emotions. It was lovely. I definitely cried a little, which was awkward because I was watching online in my office (whatever). I haven’t seen any indication that Jennifer Love Hewitt is leaving the show, so I suspect she’ll decide to stay after that emotional plea. Plus, we’ve still got the issue of her and Chimney to resolve, or are we just assuming that’s not going anywhere? Thoughts?

Chimney Steps in to Replace Bobby

Chimney is interim captain while Bobby’s case is under review, and he is definitely struggling to fill Bobby’s shoes. No one can really replace Bobby though, and we see the crew turning to their now-exiled captain again and again.  I don’t think we have any cause to be concerned. I’m fairly certain Bobby will be back, and we saw this week that Chimney’s not entirely comfortable in the role of Captain. But, it was kind of fun to see a little bit of Chimney where he isn’t the nicest guy on Earth and practically flawless. He’s been on a story arc that has really elevated him emotionally and made him a little saint-like, so it’s good to see him getting a little out of control with his newfound authority. His close friendship with Hen was brought into focus this week, which was nice because it’s often part of the background noise in a show that deals so much in the strength of relationships. It was nice to draw attention to a relationship that is steady and strong.

Photo: Jack Zeman / FOX.

Diaz’s Heartbreak

This was the real tear-jerker, right? After struggling all season to figure out where things were going with his wife, the uncertainty came to a brutal and heartbreaking conclusion this week. Diaz is distraught, but Chimney’s decision did give him the chance to say goodbye, even if it left Chimney with lingering doubts. The scene where he tells his son. Ug, what a punch to the gut. I’ll admit, Diaz felt a little on the margins all season, and I’m curious where they’ll go with him now. Will he be leaving? Will he be the newest injured bird character? I’m sure his grief will be a big part of the finale, and I imagine that’s going to be tough too.

The season finale looks to have the crew dealing with a serial bomber, that might just get too close to home. The previews are showing a fire truck involved in an explosion, but we all know how they like to mislead with trailers. One things for sure, it’s going to be a dramatic conclusion to the season, with the possibility of some unresolved issues, since we know the show loves a good cliffhanger and has been renewed for season 3.

Next week: “This Life We Choose” – Season Finale

The first responders deal with a stunt driver caught in a hairy situation, a teenage social influencer who’s bugging out and two mail bombs; Buck faces a life or death situation.

9-1-1 airs Mondays at 9/8c on Fox.