9-1-1 Season 9 Paves The Way For Athena's Perfect Exit After Bobby’s Death

In a subtle move, 9-1-1 season 9 clears the path for Athena to leave the show not long after Bobby's death. Still reeling from losing Peter Krause's character, the 118 attempts to move on with their beloved captain. The

9-1-1 season 9 premiere, "Eat the Rich" catches viewers up on how the characters are holding up after losing Bobby.

9-1-1 season 9, episode 1 is a solid introduction to a new era for the procedural. An ambitious, if not a tad ridiculous, coupled with several character-driven moments, "Eat the Rich" is just about the best one can hope for in terms of a comeback for a show that underwent a massive change.

Among all the main characters in 9-1-1 season 9, Athena has the most interesting storyline. That says a lot, considering that the episode also teases Buck's true feelings for Eddie and Chimney's road to fully replacing Bobby, while Hen is set to go to space. However, the Athena-focused plots also pave the way for her departure from the show.

The FBI Offers Athena A Way Out In 9-1-1 Season 9

While the rest of the 118, alongside May, Harry, Maddie, Karen, and even Sue, attend the memorial service for Bobby at the station,

Athena is noticeably absent. Apparently, something very important has come up that she's missing the event. It's eventually revealed that she's undercover for a case that the LAPD has been working on for months now. Unfortunately, her efforts are wasted when the FBI swoops in and blows her cover.

In the precinct, Athena's superior calls her out for using work as a coping mechanism for her grief — something that May and Harry back up when they confront their mother for disappearing after Bobby's death. Considering everything that she has been through, it's difficult to blame her for wanting to run away from the pain of losing her husband. However, to be able to have a fresh start, changing her environment is her best option.

For what it's worth, Athena has long outgrown her role in the LAPD. She is more than qualified to join the FBI, if she wants to. This narrative route offers

9-1-1 an easy and, more importantly, understandable way to write out the character.

How Athena Can Remain Tied To 9-1-1 Despite Angela Bassett's Possible Exit

Athena transferring to FBI doesn't mean that she will no longer have any presence in

9-1-1. Perhaps it could simply be a way for Bassett to step down as a series regular. As a network show, the filming schedule for the procedural is rigorous, and since she's also a movie star, it could help her explore other opportunities.

In the event, however, that Athena is fully written out of 9-1-1, her legacy will live through May and Harry, who will both have a big season ahead of them. In the premiere, it's revealed that

May is about to finish college while Harry dropped out of high school. Chances are that both of these stories are setting up their long-term future in the procedural.

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‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ Will Return for Season 2

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 2 – Everything We Know So Far

While the highly anticipated Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is still months away from its premiere in early 2026, fans of the franchise can already mark their calendars for more. The Paramount+ series, centered around a diverse group of young cadets at Starfleet Academy, has been granted an early renewal for Season 2, with the announcement made during New York Comic Con in October 2024. Here’s what we know so far about what’s to come in the series’ second season.

When Will Season 2 Premiere?

It’s still too early to speculate on the exact date for Starfleet Academy Season 2. With Season 1 still to premiere in early 2026, the release window for the second season is far down the line. However, fans can rest assured that the show is already locked in for a return.

Who's in the Cast for Season 2?

Before we dive into the second season’s cast, we’ll need to see which characters make it through the thrilling events of Season 1. As of now, the freshman season boasts an impressive lineup, led by the talented

Holly Hunter portraying Nahla Ake, the Chancellor of Starfleet Academy and Captain of the U.S.S. Athena. She’s a long-lived half-Lanthanite with a crucial role in shaping the academy's future.

The cadet roles include Sandro Rosta as Caleb Mir, an orphan with a troubled past; Karim Diané as Jay-Den Kraag, a Klingon cadet with hopes of becoming a medical officer;

Kerrice Brooks as Mil (aka Sam), the first of her kind to attend Starfleet Academy; George Hawkins as Darem Reymi, a wealthy, aspiring captain; Bella Shepard as Genesis Lythe, the ambitious daughter of an admiral; and

Zoë Steiner as Tarima Sadal, a Betazoid and daughter of the president of Betazed.

Additional familiar faces include Robert Picardo reprising his role as The Doctor, Tig Notaro as Jett Reno, and

Oded Fehr as Admiral Vance. Gina Yashere returns as Commander Lura Thok, a Klingon/Jem’Hadar hybrid, and Tatiana Maslany also recurs. Meanwhile, Paul Giamatti joins as the enigmatic villain Nus Braka, a part Klingon, part Tellarite with ties to one of the cadets.

What Will Season 2 Be About?

We’ll have to wait for the first season to unfold before we can dig deeper into the narrative direction for Season 2. The show centers on a group of cadets chasing their dream of becoming Starfleet officers. As they navigate the challenges of the academy — including rivalries, friendships, first loves, and their training — a new threat looms over both the Academy and the Federation. With explosive moments expected, Season 2 promises even more high-stakes drama and development.

Is There a Trailer for Season 2?

No trailer yet! Given that Season 1 hasn’t even aired yet, we’ll have to wait until after its release before a sneak peek at what’s to come in the second season.

Will There Be a Season 3?

It’s too soon to say. With the success of the first season and early renewal for Season 2, there’s definitely hope for a continued journey at Starfleet Academy. But for now, let’s focus on the thrilling adventures yet to unfold in Season 1.

Stay tuned for updates as we approach the release of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy in 2026!

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