The smoke is thick, and the tears are real—at least, we’re pretty sure they are. After watching Station 19’s emotional series finale on Thursday, it’s hard to tell whether we’re crying or just reacting to the intensity of it all. But chances are, if you were following the firefighter drama, you’ve had your own share of waterworks, too.
As the action-packed final episode, “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” unfolded, it felt like we were on the edge of losing everyone we cared about. From Maya’s close call to Vic narrowly escaping being burned alive, not to mention Andy’s intense battle with fire, it seemed like the characters we’ve grown to love might not make it. But in the end, only one casualty emerged—Chaos Kate, who fell victim to the terrifying flaming tornado. (Honestly, did anybody even like her?)
But there were a few sweet moments, too. Carina got to reveal to Maya that they were expecting, Ben decided to go back to finish his surgical residency (leaving us wondering if he might join Grey’s Anatomy soon), and Vic and Travis had their own heartwarming twist. After Travis said he couldn’t follow Vic to Washington, D.C., he surprised her by showing up at the airport, declaring, “As it turns out, my life is wherever you are.” Cue the collective aww.
In the flash-forward sequences, we saw that Maya and Andy had both moved up the ranks, with Maya now the captain of Station 19, and Andy the chief. Even little Pru, the daughter of Ben and Bailey, was a firefighter in this hopeful future. As we saw these glimpses into the future, we couldn’t help but think, why not explore these potential spinoff stories further?
To shed light on the emotional rollercoaster that was the series finale, TVLine sat down with showrunners Peter Paige and Zoanne Clack to discuss what went into the final moments of Station 19, and how these flash-forwards could potentially pave the way for future spinoffs.
Maya and Carina: The Ultimate Full-Circle Moment
When things were at their darkest for Maya in the finale, she dreamt of the day she and Carina would not only have children together but also achieve a balanced life. According to Clack, “It was this beautiful full-circle thing for her. Their relationship had gone through so many trials, but seeing them both envision a future together with kids was incredibly satisfying.”
And while Carina’s IVF treatment worked, Maya still decided to take the plunge into pregnancy, signaling that both women had finally found stability in their chaotic worlds. Their journey from rocky beginnings to this moment of mutual happiness could easily be the foundation of a heartwarming spinoff about balancing family and careers in the high-pressure world of first responders.
Theo’s Future: A Redemption Arc in the Making
After a controversial exit in Season 6, Theo’s flash-forward gave him a well-deserved happy ending. He was celebrated by his firehouse family, with his wife and child by his side. For fans who were upset with how Theo’s character was treated in the past, this was a sweet redemption.
Paige had this to say about Theo’s future: “I refuse to believe that Theo was done dirty in Season 6. Yes, he made some choices, but that’s what makes him real. Everyone has a flawed past, especially in the world of Shondaland characters.”
Theo’s path to redemption could very well play out in a spinoff, offering a deeper look into his growth and re-establishing his bond with the team.
Vic and Travis: A Platonic Love Story for the Ages
Travis had a significant moment in his flash-forward when his boyfriend, Dom, appeared in his vision, alongside his best friend Vic. As Paige explained, “We wanted this to be one of our great love stories, but a platonic one. A ‘platoncom.’” For fans of Vic and Travis’s undeniable bond, this moment was a poignant reminder that, sometimes, the truest love stories are not romantic, but ones of deep friendship.
Considering the success of Crisis One and the teasing potential of Travis and Vic taking their operations to Washington, D.C., it’s easy to imagine a spinoff that follows them as they expand their crisis response efforts across the nation. Paige even joked about seeing a “Crisis One on ABC Thursday nights at 8 o’clock” meme floating around. Who’s to say this won’t become a reality?
Ross and Sullivan: The Power Couple We Deserve
In a delightful twist, it was revealed in the flash-forward that Ross and Sullivan were not only happily married but also envisioned leading a community program to help military veterans become firefighters. Ross’s political aspirations seemed to be coming into focus as well, with a subtle nod to her eventual rise to mayor of Seattle.
Could a show about the power couple navigating both their personal and professional lives be on the horizon? According to Paige, “Sullivan’s flash-forward hinted at a partnership with the mayor’s office, which means Ross may very well become Seattle’s mayor soon.” With the chemistry between Ross and Sullivan, this would definitely make for a compelling spinoff concept.
Vic’s Emotional Farewell to Dean
Vic’s vision of the future took a deeply emotional turn when she imagined Dean visiting her, offering her the affirmation she so desperately needed. As Paige explained, “Dean has always been Vic’s North Star. To have him appear in this moment was a way to remind her that she’s done right by him and carried the torch.”
This poignant moment is a tribute to Dean’s lasting impact on Station 19’s team and could be expanded into a full-fledged story of Vic’s continued journey, honoring Dean’s memory while forging ahead with her new goals.
The Flash-Forwards: Hints at What Could Have Been
Throughout the finale, we got a glimpse of some characters’ envisioned futures, including Beckett and Jinny’s budding romance, Jack and Andy’s potential reunion, and Ben’s hopes for his kids. But as Clack and Paige admitted, some of these storylines were rushed or cut short due to the abrupt end of the series. “There were a lot of ideas we would have loved to explore, but with the show ending, we had to condense them. Still, we hope some of these storylines can live on elsewhere.”
A Possible Spinoff?
With so many tantalizing hints at what could have been, it’s hard not to dream of the possibilities. A spinoff exploring Ross’s mayoral journey, or a show about Vic and Travis expanding their crisis management to a national stage, would be a natural fit. And let’s not forget Maya and Carina’s family dynamics—there’s a lot to explore there, too.
Ultimately, as Paige and Clack put it, “The finale was a love letter to the fans who supported these characters, and we hope we can continue to tell their stories in new ways.”
Conclusion
The Station 19 finale was a bittersweet goodbye, filled with emotional moments, heartfelt flash-forwards, and plenty of unresolved potential. While fans might have to say goodbye to the beloved station, the door is open for spinoff possibilities that could carry these characters’ journeys forward, giving us more of the heart, action, and drama we’ve come to love. Only time will tell if ABC will give these stories the green light, but if they do, we’ll be watching every second.
FAQs
1. Will there be a spinoff of Station 19?
While there’s no official confirmation, the series finale’s flash-forwards and character arcs definitely leave room for potential spinoffs.
2. What was the most emotional moment in the Station 19 finale?
Many fans were moved by the vision of Vic being visited by Dean, her former partner, offering her reassurance that she had carried the torch and made him proud.
3. Was Maya pregnant in the finale of Station 19?
Yes, in the flash-forward, Maya and Carina were both pregnant and planning for their growing family.
4. Will Ben return to Grey’s Anatomy after Station 19‘s cancellation?
Ben’s return to Grey’s Anatomy is currently uncertain, but there are talks about him finishing his surgical residency at Grey Sloan Memorial.
5. What happens to Ross and Sullivan in the Station 19 finale?
In the flash-forward, Ross and Sullivan are married, with Ross potentially becoming the mayor of Seattle, while Sullivan helps veterans become firefighters.