Oliver Stark shares what fans can expect in 911 season 9: 'We're gonna need a new captain'

There's still one more episode left in the game-changing 911 season 8, but we're already wondering what's going to happen for the 118 in season 9. The team has been dealt a truly devstating blow that they hadn't yet endured. Sure, they have gone through changes and have had team members come and go and come back, but what will they do now that their beloved Captain has died?

It's a question the crew grappled with quite a bit in the direct aftermath of Bobby's death and will continue to grapple with in the future. There's no easy solution to the heartbreak they're facing, no quick replacement for someone they all cherished. Likewise, it's hard for us 911 fans to face the reality of what season 9 will bring: The first full season without Bobby as captain.

While on the red carpet for the Disney Upfronts, 911 star Oliver Stark caught up with The Hollywood Reporter and naturally fielded questions about what's in store for the 118 given Bobby's loss. Unfortunately, Stark's response won't quell our concerns and confirmed that there will be "a period of uncertainty" as the team remains in search for a new captain, whether a friend or someone new.

911 season 9 will return on "unsteady ground"

The Buck actor seemingly revealed that a new captain won't be named for the 118 by the end of 911 season 8, which was a possibility considering Hen wasn't convinced a promotion to captain was the path for her. Not to mention, judging by the penultimate episode's shocking cliffhanger, the crew might be a little too busy to be concerned with replacing Bobby. Here's what Stark shared about what to expect in season 9:

"I don't know yet. I guess there's gonna be a period of uncertainty. We're gonna need a new captain, but I don't know if that's gonna be from an internal promotion or an external captain. And I think either one throws up different challenges with regards to the dynamic of the team, and so yeah, I think we're gonna be back on unsteady ground regardless."

Obviously, it's a little too soon for the cast to share spoilers for the next season, since season 9 hasn't started writing or filming, but it's interesting that Stark suggests the new captain could come from within the team or outside the team. We would all probably expect (and prefer) that a character we know and love would receive the promotion to Bobby's captain position, but there's always a chance someone new could come in to shake things up on the show.

The last time someone took over the 118 as captain, it was Gerrard, and there's no love lost with that rough-around-the-edges leader after he stepped down. While 911 could definitely try their hand at stunt casting a new co-lead for Angela Bassett, it would honestly be disrespectful to Peter Krause to replace him with another actor. In that sense, it's hopeful that future episodes will build toward one of the 118's own taking over the ship and steering in Bobby's stead.

If it's not Hen, then perhaps we're building toward Chimney stepping into his rightful power in a leadership role. Maybe that's the whole point of the show's current push-and-pull between Chimney and Athena. She finds it difficult to be around Chimney knowing Bobby sacrificed his life so Chimney could live. Wouldn't it be the ultimate form of acceptance and character development for both characters if Chimney were to get Athena's blessing to become captain? Just a thought.

Regardless, like Stark said, we will still be returning to the firehouse on unsteady ground. No matter who takes over as captain, it's going to be a culture shock that demands a lengthy stretch of growing pains. The 118 might never be the same. And sorry to the "Bobby is alive" truthers out there, but this seems like our new normal. According to Buck, it's time for us fans to buckle up!

Watch the 911 season 8 finale on Thursday, May 15 at 8/7c on ABC.