Station 19 concluded its seven-season run with a poignant two-part finale titled “One Last Time,” which aired on May 30, 2024. In an interview with Deadline, showrunners Zoanne Clack and Peter Paige discussed the finale’s themes and the futures of the beloved characters. Since its debut in 2018, the series has aired 105 episodes, following the lives of Seattle firefighters at the fictional Station 19 and intertwining with the narrative of Grey’s Anatomy.
The finale centers around a large wildfire threatening Seattle, symbolizing fresh starts for the characters. Clack and Paige emphasized that the emotional scenes featuring returning actors were filmed in person, not with CGI, enhancing the finale’s authenticity.
Where Did the Finale Leave the Characters?
In the closing moments, Ben, portrayed by Jason George, decides to return to his surgical residency, a move Paige describes as a natural progression for the character. Clack echoes this sentiment, stating, “Everyone had to move on and do different things. Push forward.”
A highlight of the finale was the surprise return of Okieriete Onaodowan as Dean, who flew in from New York to participate in the scene. Clack praised the emotional depth of his appearance, noting that it was crucial to the storyline.
The finale wraps up many character arcs satisfyingly, providing several with the happy endings they deserve. Clack elaborated on the wildfire’s significance, explaining it was conceived before the cancellation. “It became kind of this beautiful metaphor as we proceeded to be canceled… you had to burn it all down to push them to their fast forwards.”
Did Cancellation Impact the Conclusion?
Clack and Paige acknowledged that the show’s cancellation affected their initial plans for the season. Paige expressed a desire to explore more character relationships, while Clack noted they had intended to develop a storyline involving Carina more deeply into firefighting. Despite this, they felt the finale delivered meaningful moments.
When asked about the takeaways from the finale, Paige pointed to Andy’s final speech, emphasizing that while the show may be over, the ethos of Station 19 lives on. “Carry it forward… be the values that you loved here.”
Clack concluded with reflections on the show’s last shot, highlighting its hopeful message. “Keep the good going and have that sense of community. Keep going.”
