“They are characters from our universe”

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for 9-1-1 season 8, episode 8!9-1-1 showrunner Tim Minear addressed whether characters like Brad or Tommy could return in future episodes of the procedural series. 9-1-1 season 8 saw the seemingly permanent departure of some important supporting characters as the story developed. This includes Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.), who broke up with Buck (Oliver Stark) after learning he was still discovering his sexuality, and Brad (Callum Blue), the lead actor of the in-universe show. Important photos. Their recent appearances in the last two episodes make it unclear whether they will return.

However, speaking to Screen speechMinear confirmed that although 9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 8 was meant to wrap up Brad’s storyline, that doesn’t mean he won’t appear again in the future. Briefly mentioning Tommy as well, the showrunner explains how his presence as “characters in [their] universe” means that it will always be possible for them to come back for more stories. Check out what Minear has to say below:

Yeah yeah. It felt like this was a way to pay homage to that story and really let it build into something that felt like it had an ending. So I’m not in a big hurry to go back to that world. But Brad, like Tommy, or these other characters – they’re characters from our universe. You never know when you might see them again.

What Minear’s statement means for the characters’ return in 9-1-1 Season 8

The show is not tied to the ending of the characters’ stories

Minear’s statement indicates the door is not closed permanently on Brad and Tommyhighlighting how anyone from the show’s past could return because of their continued place in the franchise. They’re not the only faces this applies to either, with Gerrard (Brian Thompson) having his story resolved after Bobby (Peter Krause) returns as captain. However, he still appeared in Season 8 Episode 7, meaning other characters whose stories were resolved don’t have to wait as long. 9-1-1 season 9 before returning.

9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 8 also hinted at the possibility of another character departure, with Eddie (Ryan Guzman) potentially leaving for Texas to be closer to his son, Christopher (Gavin McHugh). If he decided to leave for good, the same rules would likely apply to him, although it could be more difficult since the loss of main cast members is often more permanent. Even so, offers hope that familiar faces from the past always have a chance to returnpossibly even in unexpected ways, despite their initial stories being resolved.

Our opinion on the character’s possible return in the future of 9-1-1

Minear doesn’t close the door on anything

By keeping the door open for future character appearances, Minear ensures plenty of open-ended stories for 9-1-1 in the future. Even though we don’t know what Tommy, Brad, or other guest stars might look like if they returned, we’re confident that the show’s narrative would justify having them back in whatever role they play. It also emphasizes the importance of having so many familiar faces to choose from, keeping future episodes fresh and unique in the process.