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9-1-1: A New House and an Unexpected Character Twist
9-1-1 is poised to introduce a new chapter for Bobby (Peter Krause) and Athena (Angela Bassett) as the series prepares to unveil their new home following the destruction of their last residence in the Season 7 finale. However, the circumstances surrounding the fire, which ultimately led to this significant plot development, were initially conceived quite differently.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, known for his role in Season 7 as Amir—a nurse grappling with the aftermath of a fire that he survived but which claimed the lives of his wife and changed the trajectory of Bobby’s character—shared insights into his character’s evolution. Warner originally imagined himself as the antagonist, holding the responsibility for the fire that devastated Bobby’s past. “When Tim [Minear, the showrunner] first discussed the character with me, my initial thought was that I would be the one responsible for the house fire,” he revealed.
Warner adds, “I was excited about portraying a villainous character. I thought I would bring an intense and evil persona to the role. After filming the initial episode, however, Tim gestured towards a different direction. He expressed concerns about the character’s moral integrity and questioned whether it would be believable for such a principled person to commit an act like burning down a house.”
When Warner expressed his dedication to the role and the depth he was crafting for it, Minear came up with a compromise. They decided to create intrigue around Amir without solidifying him as the villain. “Tim suggested that if he wanted to bring me back in a potential future season, he couldn’t have me dead or imprisoned, but we could create the impression that I was responsible for the fire,” Warner explained, encompassing both tension and possibility in his character arc.
Warner expressed interest in returning to the show, saying, “I would definitely like to come back, but maybe let’s skip the fire scenario this time,” he joked. “Tim and I even joked about me coming back, having married a top-notch plastic surgeon so I wouldn’t need to undergo hours of makeup again.”
Beyond his character journey, Warner reflects positively on his experiences with Krause and Bassett. “I cherished the moments I shared with Peter. We developed a strong bond both on and off-camera, which enriched our performances. I have been a fan of his work since Six Feet Under, so sharing the screen with him was a real treat,” he noted. Warner has previously collaborated with Bassett multiple times and expressed joy at reuniting with her again, saying, “I have known Angela long before she became a household name, and it’s always rewarding to work with her.”
As the show advances, fans may wonder whether they will see Amir make a return. Would you be interested in Warner reprising his role? Join the conversation in the comments section below.
9-1-1, Thursdays, 8/7c, ABC
Source
www.tvinsider.com