9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 15 ‘Lab Rats‘ is a devastating hour of television, one that reinforces the message that the 118 would do anything for each other. But that message and the outstanding performances, once again, from everyone involved in this ‘Contagion’ storyline do not make the episode any easier to watch. Instead, we’re treated to an hour of hoping against hope that all our favorites are going to be okay, only to end in total and complete horror as they seemingly cost us one of our own. Even if we’re left wondering, did they? Could they possibly have?
And it is, of course, not just that. It’s everything that comes before it. It’s the goodbyes. It’s the decisions that lead us there. It’s imagining a world where this is actually the path forward, and how sad and grey it looks. We do not want a show without Bobby Nash, we really and truly don’t. And it’s not like we needed this episode to remind us of that, but just in case anyone had forgotten, here it is, clear as day.
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GOING ROGUE
We knew since they were stuck outside that Athena and Buck were going to be integral to the resolution in this episode, and we knew that to do so, they were going to have to go rogue. 9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 15 ‘Lab Rats’ gives us not just that, but brings in the literal rocket science into the equation. And isn’t it just so great to see Athena go to Karen? They should go to Karen more often. Karen is the smartest of them all.
But the fact that they do because Bobby understands that his wife is his best choice, and because Athena and Bobby can communicate as effectively as they do, is the icing on top of the cake. Or is the icing the fact that Buck is so excited to work with Athena and is actually helping in figuring out Moira’s plan? Or that Karen gets to be an integral part of the resolution? All of it really works, partially because the entire episode works pretty well as a resolution to what the previous episode set up, but also as a payoff to dynamics that have been set up for a long, long time.
9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 15 ‘Lab Rats’ is about the team, and the team is more than just a team. It’s a family. Do you believe that? Well, that’s all on the good writing, superb directing, and honestly, some pretty amazing acting in this episode. That’s why we’re sitting here, with tears in our eyes. Well, that and because we just really, really love these people. As I said, it’s about this hour and about eight years.
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WHAT NOW?
Isn’t that the million-dollar question? The one we will sadly be asking for the next two weeks, as the show goes on a one-week hiatus. Is Bobby Nash really dead? Can he be? Will he rise from the dead the week after Easter? If it was going to happen to anyone on this cast, it had to be Bobby, let’s be honest. Not just because of the religious undertones, but also because Bobby is the leader of the 118, and the decisions made in this episode are the decisions of a leader. And well, those decisions—and the ones Athena, Buck, and even Tommy make to help to help, are the type that get everyone in trouble.
It’s all kind of confusing, other than the show wants us to believe Bobby is dead. Or, at least, it wants the military and the FBI to believe Bobby is dead, which isn’t exactly the same, though for the purposes of this, it feels like the same. Maybe a hero doesn’t get in trouble. Maybe the family of a hero is given a pass. But heroes can’t stay dead forever, can they? And how do heroes get out of this mess? Do they? We don’t know, but I kinda can’t wait to find out. And if this is true, and if the next three episodes are about what happens after, about mourning, then I wonder if this show is really equipped to do that storyline justice.
Either way, I refuse to eulogize Bobby Nash fully—perhaps it’s because I can’t do it through the tears, but I will say that it has been an honor to watch Peter Krause play this character for eight seasons. And though some might say this would be a great way to say goodbye, I will say I am not ready. I don’t want to. It’s not time.
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Things I think I think:
- “My people in here are now lab rats.”
- Look, we’re all pausing logic at the door to enjoy this episode.
- “Buck, listen to Athena.”
- Lol Bobby and Athena mindmeld, he’s really not telling her to let this go, hahahaha.
- And did Buck look excited at breaking the rules with Athena or…
- “You’re a man waiting in the car.”
- What do you mean you don’t know what a memory card is, Buck?
- I’m not sure who I’m more attracted to this episode, Athena or Bobby. I apparently have a thing for assertive and competent.
- They sure are dropping like flies this hour!
- Well, at least now we know what the problem is! There’s only one dose.
- “We would have figured it out. It’s what we do.”
- Supervillains just casually telling people their plans, lol.
- The conversation between Hen and Ravi about calling family hit me hard.
- Bobby and Chimney!
- “You’re not the same, and you’re not going anywhere.”
- Chimney, why do you have me here sobbing?
- I started crying about 25 minutes into this episode.
- Yeah, that call to Maggie ended up being traumatizing.
- Imagine that, a Big Pharma guy with a conscience.
- Lol, seriously, Buck? You call your ex for this?
- Lol. Buck making it clear to Athena that Tommy is his “ex-boyfriend” is important.
- Hen literally risking her life to get up to save her friend I’m not crying, you are.
- Look, Chimney did save Tommy’s life.
- Athena was never with them, lol. Imagine them actually having a plan!
- Go Karen.
- HOW DARE YOU TELL BUCK HE’S GONNA BE OKAY, BOBBY.
- “I love you, kid.”
- Oliver Stark and Peter Krause killed me in this scene, truly.
- Either this is a setup or Bobby truly thinks there’s no cure here and they’re gonna make one out of Chimney’s blood, right, right?!
- I have 55 ways Bobby can live.
- Buck doing what Bobby asks I’m not even crying I’m full on sobbing.
- “You’re not leaving you. I won’t let you.”
- “If I could choose, I would stay with you. Always.”
- And Bobby saying that his time was always borrowed noooo.
- “I’m here for all the parts that we have left.”
- Ravi crying.
- Buck crying.
- Give Angela Bassett an Emmy.
- Chimney crying.
- I know it makes no sense to actually show it, but I’m so sad I didn’t get to see Eddie crying, too.
- THE BODY BAG.
- Cruel ending. Especially because I still refuse to believe it. Denial is a river in Egypt, and all of that. Please, pleaseeeeeeeee, can this be a nightmare?
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of 9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 15 ‘Lab Rats’? Share with us in the comments below! Check out our Tales From the 118 podcast if you also want to listen to our reviews. On Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Plus, if you want to leave your own rating/comment about the show, you can do so in our 9-1-1 hub!
9-1-1 airs Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC.
I still cannot believe that Bobby’s dead I refuse to believe it. I will not believe anything until next episode is back I refuse, it just all feels like a damn nightmare that I’ll wake up from someday and just laugh about it about how silly it was (Bobby saying that his time was always borrowed- no it wasn’t). I’m not ready to say goodbye to Bobby yet he’s been with us for All 8 seasons, he’s been with us from the start even before Eddie and I’ve grown way to attach to let go. I’m not ready to let go yet, we already lost 911 Lonestar and I wasn’t ready to lose Bobby yet either. I know it’s weird but I want the same thing too, I wish I could see Eddie and Christopher mourn Bobby’s death too in some way, to assure that they’re still here. I wonder if the death of his captain is a way of bringing Eddie back home?