Following one of the most intense story arcs in 9-1-1 history, viewers are eager to learn what lies ahead for Angela Bassett’s character, Athena Grant. As a seasoned LAPD officer, Athena has faced countless dangers—from high-speed chases to explosions—and recently survived a gripping space rescue mission. With this arc concluded, fans are questioning whether Bassett will continue her role on the show in Season 9.
Confirmation That Athena Will Stay On the Series
Despite the emotionally charged and dramatic space storyline, Athena Grant will remain on 9-1-1 this season. Aisha Hinds, who plays Hen, revealed in a Variety interview that both she and Angela Bassett experienced intense emotions during filming as their characters faced life-threatening circumstances together. Hinds mentioned,
“We didn’t know our next move until we were deep into this move.”
—Aisha Hinds, Actress
The climax of the space rescue involved Athena risking her life to repair the spacecraft so Hen could return safely to her family, an act underscored by Athena’s grief over the loss of her husband, Bobby, portrayed by Peter Krause. Hinds described Athena’s motivation for this risky self-sacrifice:
“She’s doing it willingly in a way that’s feeling like she has nothing more to live for,”
and added,
“But helping us to all realize that there is so much more to life.”
—Aisha Hinds, Actress
Exploring Athena’s Emotional Journey Moving Forward
Aisha Hinds noted that both Athena and Hen will likely spend much of the remainder of Season 9 managing the emotional aftermath of their ordeal. Their journey involves processing the trauma and fear from their near-death experience in space alongside a profound sense of gratitude for surviving. Hinds remarked, they
“may spend the rest of the season sort of grappling with those two things.”
—Aisha Hinds, Actress
This sets the stage for Athena to rediscover her purpose, marking a crucial narrative arc for 9-1-1’s latest season. The space rescue not only tested Athena’s limits but also reinforced her importance within the series, underscoring her role as one of the show’s core anchors.
What Fans Can Expect From Season 9 Regarding Athena
With the confirmation that Angela Bassett’s Athena isn’t departing the show, viewers can look forward to seeing her character’s growth and resilience throughout Season 9. The storyline promises to focus on healing after trauma and the strength needed to move forward, maintaining Athena’s vital presence in the series.
