SPOILERS ahead for the 9-1-1 Season 4 finale, “Survivors.”
While the first half of Season 4 of Fox’s 9-1-1 had Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Chimney (Kenneth Choi) anxiously awaiting for the arrival of their baby girl, the second half featured the new parents getting used to having a little one around. Though it wasn’t all great for Maddie, as the 911 dispatcher started experiencing postpartum depression, something common for new mothers after giving birth. Co-creator and showrunner Tim Minear previews how the upcoming fifth season will further explore Maddie’s story.
The last few episodes of 9-1-1 Season 4 had Maddie gradually struggle with her newborn, Jee-Yung, constantly crying and always keeping her up, Maddie’s always worried about her. The struggles came to a head in last week’s season finale, when Maddie decided to quit the Call Center after being there since the start of Season 2. Towards the end of the finale, Maddie opened up to Chimney about her needing help, and Chim lended his full support. Tim Minear told TV Line how Season 5 will explore Maddie’s postpartum depression and what Jennifer Love Hewitt brings to a character who has already gone through so much:
It’s an important issue that we’re interested in giving service to. It’s a story that we’re gonna tell a little bit as we go into the next season. We’re not just going to drop it. Jennifer Love Hewitt’s such an empathic performer. She’s just so great at expressing an experience for the audience, [such as] the story of her and her ex and the domestic violence, those important topics. This is another important topic and without it becoming kind of a message-y movie of the week kind of thing, it’s something that we felt like we could address. The show has always, always been about personal emergencies, just as much as 9-1-1 calls and fiery emergencies out in the world. It just felt like a good story for her.
Maddie has been through a lot over the years, and in just the few seasons we’ve known her. Between an abusive husband and literally fighting for her life when he came back into the picture, and hiding a secret from her brother, Jennifer Love Hewitt’s emotional storylines for Maddie prove that she is in for a rough time this next season. Maddie’s postpartum depression and her job at the Call Center will make for an emotional time for her. Postpartum depression is not something to be ashamed of, and 9-1-1 exploring Maddie’s further will be something to look forward to in Season 5.
Meanwhile, following the near deaths of both Eddie (Ryan Guzman) and Bobby (Peter Krause), the 118 will surely be in for another wild ride next season. Even though it’s unknown what else Season 5 will include, fans can look forward to another crossover with spinoff 9-1-1: Lone Star sometime next year.
The first four seasons of 9-1-1 are streaming on Hulu. Season 5 is set to premiere this fall on Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on Fox.
