After seven thrilling seasons, our beloved Station 19 Seattle fire station closed its gloriouis doors on May 30 with its final installment, “One Last Time,” a moving and inventive episode that had its heroes flash-forward to glimpses of what their lives might be like in the future.
As great as the episode is, nothing can make the pain of losing the Grey’s Anatomy spin-off easier, but if you’re finding it hard to say goodbye for good, these short documentary-style tribute might provide a little relief. Prior to the finish of the finale, Shondaland visited the Station 19 set, talking with the cast, crew, and showrunners Zoanne Clack and Peter Paige about shooting that bittersweet last chapter, and the show’s lasting legacy.
“We actually brought the actors in [to meet with the producers],” says Clack. “We really wanted to get their perspective on how they felt that their characters would be ending in a way that was true and authentic for them.”
Also in the video, you’ll see Jay Hayden and Barrett Doss talk about capturing the big emotions Travis and Vic experience week to week; Danielle Savre explain what it was like wearing the heavy firefighting gear in earlier seasons; and Jason George share how tight-knit and loving the Station 19 family really are when the cameras aren’t rolling.
“It’s such a great group of people,” says Josh Randall, who plays Sean Beckett. “I’ll really miss everybody, and I’ll miss that camaraderie.” He’s not alone: You’ll also find folks from the crew you don’t see on camera spill some cool secrets and tricks they used to make all those 104 episodes look and feel super-real. They also speak from the heart about what being part of the show meant to them. Yeah, you’re definitely gonna have some moist eyes.
“At the end of the finale,” Paige says, fighting back tears, “Andy gives a speech to the new firefighters, and she basically says Station 19 is not a station. It’s not even the people who work there. Station 19 is an idea. … It’s a way of making the world a better place. And I feel the same way about the show. It’s a way of putting good into the world, of showing up for other people, holding yourself and others accountable, to grow and get better. So many of us got to bring our very best humanity to work every day. And that’s not nothing.”
