The latest episode of 9-1-1 Season 9 concludes Hen and Athena's space adventure with intense drama, emotional flashbacks, and a poignant return to Earth. A brief appearance by the late Captain Bobby Nash adds to the heartfelt moments, while Harry surprises Athena with his LAFD aspirations. The episode ends with a tribute to showrunner Tim Minear's late father.
Episode Recap
In 9-1-1 Season 9 Episode 4, aired on Thursday, Hen (Aisha Hinds) and Athena face a high-stakes repair mission on the space station to enable their return to Earth. With only one vessel available for five astronauts, Athena volunteers for the dangerous spacewalk, confessing she feels she has 'nothing left to live for' after losing Bobby. Hen counters by reminding her of shared grief, leading to a tense confrontation between the friends.
Flashbacks reveal young Athena (Pepi Sonuga) struggling with loss after partner Emmett's death, resisting new connections until tragedy strikes again. An imagined 'interview' with her younger self urges letting go, but present-day Athena affirms life's value: 'Pain is the price we pay for joy.' She successfully repairs the machinery, allowing the crew—minus Lewis—to return home.
A subtle flashback includes a quick shot of Bobby from his first date with Athena in the Season 1 finale. On Earth, Harry (Marcan Nadon) reveals he applied to join the LAFD, shocking Athena. The episode features an end card 'For Dad,' honoring Tim Minear's late father, Charles Minear, Sr.
Aisha Hinds Interview Highlights
Speaking to TVLine, Hinds reflected on the space arc's realism amid real-world space tourism: 'I was like, "That tracks."' She praised the production's zero-gravity effects using wires and sets. On grief, Hinds noted Hen and Athena process Bobby's loss differently, appreciating the episode's nod to it: 'I love that they... hold space for that.'
Regarding Harry, Hinds sees potential for Hen to mentor him, viewing it as 'generational health.' She also shared a fun aside, dreaming of the Wilson family's Halloween costume as the cast of Ryan Murphy's All's Fair.