'9-1-1' Season 8 Episode 17 "Don't Drink the Water" Recap: Does 9-1-1 Hate Us?

What is 9-1-1’s actual problem this season? Do they hate us? Are they purposely trying to ruin our emotions week after week? They must be, because what else explains opening 9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 17 with even more flashbacks of Bobby Nash? Knowing full well all we want is for Cap to come back—and yet, they twist the knife. Again.

A flashback to happier times with Bobby’s comforting presence cuts straight to Buck sitting all alone at the station’s dining table—the same one where the 118 family used to gather and devour Bobby’s famous home-cooked meals. Absolutely diabolical. Side note: I’ve always wanted to try one of Bobby’s signature dishes. Remember that episode when Athena was cooking for the firehouse, turned her back for one second, and Bobby swooped in to add more seasoning? Classic Bobby. Simpler, happier times.

Hen as Captain? Chimney and Athena Tension?

Hen is offered the position of the new captain and, honestly, she’s got the whole team's support. But she doesn’t want it—and it’s not hard to understand why. Hen thrives in the field, connecting with patients and saving lives, then going home to be a present mom and loving wife. Leadership? Not on her vision board right now.

Meanwhile, Chimney is still deep in guilt mode over Bobby’s death. Maddie’s doing her best to be his rock, but he’s more focused on supporting Athena. Unfortunately, Athena Grant is not having it. She’s grieving Bobby in her own way and right now, Chimney is just… a co-worker. Nothing more. Yikes. It hurts because you know it’s not fair—but grief rarely is. Can they recover from this distance?

Buck and Eddie Drama (Again), and Ravi With the Plot Twist

Eddie hasn’t left yet, even though he has a job offer waiting. Why? Because he’s not ready to leave Buck. (Insert everyone screaming into a pillow here.) Buck, looking for something—anything—asks the universe for a sign. And of course, in true 9-1-1 fashion, he gets one. An earthquake. Subtle.

Then Ravi shows up, casually drops the Eddie job bomb, and Buck is instantly in his feelings. Cue another Buck and Eddie fight. (Wash, rinse, repeat.) But Eddie’s right—he lost Bobby too. This pain doesn’t belong to Buck alone. Still… is Eddie really going to Texas or is this just emotional whiplash?

Athena's Cliffhanger & the Return of a Meme Icon

Just when you think Athena Grant’s been through enough, she’s out here helping that guy—you know, the one who used to yell at people for not returning shopping carts? Him. He heads into a building and—boom—it collapses. Cliffhanger. Because 9-1-1 said “you’re not allowed to breathe until the next episode.”

Final Thoughts

9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 17 is packed with emotional gut punches, from the Bobby flashbacks to the strained relationships and the looming questions about the team’s future. Where do Buck and Eddie go from here? Will Hen reconsider the captain’s role? And what’s next for Athena?

Let’s discuss. What did you think of the episode? Drop a comment below and don’t forget to vote in our poll. We need to scream into the void together.