Station 19 bids farewell with a blaze of glory, leaving fans with a mix of tearful goodbyes and hopeful futures. As the Grey’s Anatomy spinoff wraps up, showrunners Zoanne Clack and Peter Paige reflect on the series finale, “One Last Time,” and discuss the show’s lasting legacy.
Starting From the End
When the team learned they had to close out the series, they began by envisioning the finale’s final moments. “We started with the end in mind,” Clack reveals. “What did we want to leave the fans with? How do we honor these characters?” Paige adds that the two-part wildfire event was always planned, but the finale gave them an opportunity to show the firefighters’ growth amid a catastrophic event.
Easter Eggs and Full Circles
The finale is filled with nods to the show’s past. Clack highlights the return of Dean Miller (Okieriete Onaodowan) as a poignant callback, and the use of voiceovers from the early seasons as a way to connect the past with the future. “Sullivan’s flash forward included the term ‘Sankofa,’ which means to look back to move forward,” Clack explains, underscoring the theme of honoring the show’s history while moving forward.
Vic Hughes’ Powerful Arc
Vic Hughes (Barrett Doss) had a significant arc this season, culminating in a profound storyline. Paige acknowledges the importance of this development, especially given the demands placed on Black women to always be caregivers. “Barrett’s performance was incredible,” he says. “We were able to construct her arc around the idea that it’s not feasible to always be the one caring for others.”
Love Stories to Remember
The finale wraps up with three central love stories:
- Andy and Jack: Their relationship is portrayed as a deep, enduring connection. Clack and Paige suggest that while the finale hints at a future together, it leaves their relationship open-ended. “They lean on each other and their bond is evident,” Clack says, “but it could evolve in various ways.”
- Travis and Vic: Their platonic relationship is celebrated as a significant love story. Paige describes it as a “platon-com,” highlighting the beauty of deep, non-romantic connections. Vic and Travis’ decision to head to Washington, D.C., together underscores their unbreakable bond.
- Maya and Carina: The queer couple’s future includes expecting a second child. Clack notes that their story has been one of overcoming personal traumas and finding joy together, a powerful testament to their journey.
Unfulfilled Storylines and Future Hopes
Both showrunners express regret over storylines that didn’t come to fruition, such as Carina’s potential shift to emergency medicine and further integration into the firefighting world. Paige and Clack are open to revisiting the universe if the opportunity arises but feel that the finale provides a fitting conclusion for now.
The Most Heartbreaking Scene
The scene under the table, where the cast gathered for a final moment, was particularly emotional. Clack and Paige recall it as a bittersweet experience, with the cast coming together for a final celebration and wrap-up.
A Lasting Legacy
Clack and Paige hope that the show’s values and themes will live on through its fans. “The show may be over, but the spirit of Station 19 endures,” Paige concludes. “Carry its ethos into your own lives and communities.”
The series finale of Station 19 leaves viewers with a sense of closure and hope, celebrating the show’s rich tapestry of love, friendship, and resilience