Angela Bassett responded to fan worries about her character Athena Grant's fate after the LAPD sergeant was shot in the penultimate episode of 9-1-1 Season 9. The actress offered reassurance during a Good Morning America appearance. The season finale is scheduled for May 7 on ABC.
In the April 30 episode of 9-1-1, Athena Grant, played by Angela Bassett, was shot by a corrupt detective, portrayed by guest star Josh Stamberg. The episode ended on a cliffhanger as Athena collapsed after confronting the detective, who had earlier killed an unarmed man and mistaken a cell phone for a gun. This incident followed Athena's investigation into human trafficking linked to a figure named Nikolay Caster, where Detective Hooks invited her to witness an arrest that turned deadly. Hen and Eddie had been aiding trafficked migrants earlier in the storyline, but faced challenges from ICE agents discharging them prematurely. Athena underwent life-saving surgery in the hospital, flatlining at one point, as shown in the promo for the May 7 season finale. An active shooter incident forces the hospital into lockdown, endangering the 118 crew, including Ryan Guzman's Eddie. On May 1, Bassett appeared on Good Morning America, telling host Michael Strahan, “It remains to be seen,” regarding Athena's survival. She added, “I wish I could say. But Athena is strong.” Bassett noted that friends called her, expressing concern over the episode. Assuming survival, she remarked, “I hope our crazy days are behind us,” referencing over-the-top emergencies like Athena's month-long space filming. The episode also featured Buck reuniting with his biological son Theo, born from his sperm donation to Connor and Kameron in Season 6. Theo's parents died in a car crash, leaving his future uncertain ahead of the finale. Maddie faced mishaps with a catered lunch causing food poisoning at the dispatch center.