The latest episode of 9-1-1 delivered one of the most emotional hours of the season. Season 9 Episode 15, titled “Pick Your Poison,” aired on ABC on March 26, 2026, and it did not hold back on the drama. While the 118 responded to a strange car crash, the real story was happening inside the station and at the hospital.
The episode focused heavily on Evan “Buck” Buckley as he secretly fought a growing addiction to painkillers. At the same time, Athena Grant faced a murder case unlike any other—one where the victim walked into the station to report his own death.
Buck Reaches His Breaking Point
The episode made it clear early on that Buck was in serious trouble. After suffering broken ribs during the road trip in New Mexico, he was prescribed opioids to manage the pain. But the medication quickly became a crutch. Buck finished his first prescription and started visiting multiple doctors to get more pills.
One doctor noticed his name in the CURES database—a system that tracks controlled substance prescriptions—and refused to give him more. The doctor told Buck he needed help, but Buck ignored the warning and showed up for work anyway.
At the station, everyone seemed too busy to notice what was happening. Buck looked terrible. He was sweating, irritable, and clearly going through withdrawal. He snapped at Hen in the hospital. When he tried to talk to Eddie about getting a new truck, Eddie barely looked at him and accepted Buck’s excuse about food poisoning.
The situation nearly became a disaster when Eddie left the ambulance’s medication drawer open. Buck grabbed two vials of fentanyl, stared at them, and put them back. But the close call pushed him to finally speak up.
Chimney’s Decision as Captain
Buck went to Chimney and asked to be fired. He admitted he almost stole fentanyl from the ambulance. He explained he had been taking oxycodone after New Mexico and ran out. Chimney immediately saw the truth—Buck had been in withdrawal for a day or two.
The standard protocol would have been to relieve Buck of duty and report the situation to the department, which could have led to criminal charges or termination. But Chimney made a different choice.
“I’m not gonna let you off that easy.”
Chimney decided to keep everything within the 118. He told Buck he would watch him closely and help him through it, even if it risked Chimney’s own career. Chimney reminded Buck that the anniversary of Bobby Nash’s death was approaching—one year since they lost their captain. He understood that grief can push people to make bad choices.
The 118 Comes Together
Once Chimney knew the truth, the entire team stepped up. Eddie, Hen, Maddie, Athena, and May all came to Buck’s house to support him. They searched his home to remove anything that could tempt him.
Eddie admitted to Hen that he wished he had checked on Buck more after New Mexico. Eddie’s son Chris sat outside with Buck during a difficult moment. Buck told Chris he felt like the others were going through his things because they didn’t trust him. Chris asked a simple question:
“Would you trust you?”
Buck answered honestly: “Probably not.”
Eddie reminded Buck that the team is a family. No one has to carry the weight alone. The chain of command ties them all together, and they would all help him get through this.
The episode showed a montage of Buck’s recovery, set to the song “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle. His friends stayed by his side day and night as he went through the hardest parts of withdrawal.
Athena’s Unique Murder Investigation
While the 118 dealt with the emergency call involving a car crash between a mother and son, Athena handled a case that started in the strangest way possible.
A man bicycled to the police station to report a murder—his own. The man, later identified as Bernard Morelli, was vomiting blood and collapsed right after telling Athena what was wrong. He was rushed to the hospital, but the mystery remained: why did he come to Athena specifically? He passed other cops and even a hospital on his way to her.
Athena worked with a homicide detective to figure out what poison was used. The detective said he had seen everything from arsenic to rat poison, but this was something new. The case kept Athena busy, but her mind was also on the anniversary of Bobby’s death, which was approaching.
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Bobby’s Memory Brings the Team Together
The anniversary of Bobby’s death was a heavy presence throughout the episode. Chimney mentioned to Buck that grief can hit without warning. Athena spent the night at Buck’s house on the anniversary, sitting in his living room while he slept.
When Buck woke up and found her there, he apologized for making her spend the night babysitting him on such a difficult day. Athena responded:
“We take care of each other every day, so being right here is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
Buck told Athena that Bobby had been on his mind recently. He said he felt like he knew Bobby now in a way he didn’t a year ago. Athena assured him that Bobby really loved him.
Later, the group gathered outside to share stories about Bobby. As midnight passed, Athena noted, “We survived the year.” Buck said he felt like Bobby got them through it. Chimney led a toast: “To Bobby.”
Ravi and May’s Complicated Situation
The episode also included a lighter subplot involving Ravi and May. The two had hooked up recently, but Ravi never called May afterward. Harry found out and told Ravi he couldn’t date his sister, and Ravi took the comment seriously.
May moved on and started spending time with Ian, a nurse she met during a social justice protest where both were arrested. Ravi saw Ian with May and got jealous, and Harry made sure everyone knew Ravi had ghosted May after their night together. By the end of the episode, Ravi looked ready to fix things.
What Happened in the Episode
“Pick Your Poison” was a turning point for several characters. Buck hit rock bottom but chose to ask for help before he made a permanent mistake. The 118 proved once again that they are a family, not just coworkers. Chimney showed strong leadership by protecting Buck while still holding him accountable.
Athena balanced her demanding work with supporting her family. The anniversary of Bobby’s death brought everyone closer together, reminding them why they rely on each other.
The episode ended with Buck through the worst of his withdrawal, surrounded by the people who love him. The final scenes showed the group laughing and remembering Bobby, a small moment of peace after a difficult week.
9-1-1 airs Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC. Episodes are available for streaming on Hulu the next day.
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