Summary
- Station 19
showrunners Zoanne Clack and Peter Paige share their take on the series’ finale, One Last Time. - Series celebrated love in various forms, from romance to friendship, emphasizing foundational relationships for characters.
- Station 19
‘s wildfire theme was a full-circle aspect for the show, tying the series back to its roots.
WARNING! This article contains spoilers from Station 19 Season 7 finale.
ABC’s Station 19 series showrunners Zoanne Clack and Peter Paige unwrap the emotional and unexpected twists of the finale, aptly titled One Last Time. The final episode offered a satisfying closure for longtime viewers.
During an interview with Deadline, Clack and Paige explained the surprising character arcs and moving revelations of the finale. One of which is the return of Okieriete Onaodowan, who reprised his role in a crucial scene. Clack described his return as vital, stemming from a deep-seated understanding of the moment’s significance, which brought him back from New York just for the shoot.
We called him up and told him we had this idea. It’s not gonna be like a big thing, but it’s really important. And he was like, “Stop talking. Yes.” So, he flew in from New York and he did it for us.
The finale also focused on the relationship between Andy and Jack, suggesting a permanent bond as they confront life-altering challenges together. Paige highlighted a future hinted at through delicate gestures of intimacy and supportive exchanges.
So each character [Andy and Jack] was in a life-threatening situation when they had their flash forward and they saw what they needed at that moment. They saw what they needed to push on and move forward.
He’s always been her rock and someone for her to lean on. I think in that moment, she was realizing, “Oh my God, it’s always been you.”
Station 19 Finale Celebrates Love and Friendship
Station 19 has consistently crafted complicated tales of love and companionship, and the finale was no exception. It featured multiple love stories, celebrating them in various forms, from conventional romances to a portrayal of profound friendship between Vic and Travis. The showrunners pointed out that these relationships, romantic or platonic, are foundational to the characters’ lives.
Look, rom-com is a part of the Shondaland vocabulary and we wanted to make sure we were honoring that in a way that felt fresh and unique. This is my favorite moment in the whole finale.
One intriguing choice of storyline was Theo and Vic’s, where their relationship concluded with a sense of mutual release, allowing each other to find happiness separately.
Ben has decided to return to his surgical residency, a move that Clack described as a “natural progression” for his character. The shift hints at a potential appearance in Grey’s Anatomy. Ben’s daughter, Pruitt, is set to follow in the footsteps of her father, marking her destiny within the fire station.
Maya and Carina’s relationship also received a touching closure. Despite the complexities of their relationship, defined by personal and mutual challenges, their story ends on a note of resilience and hope. Clack points out that their past adversities have prepared them for a future where they can face new challenges together.
We’ve already seen them go through adversities that will continue to happen, but we know that they can push through it. So this was honoring that.
Travis’s storyline introduces a less conclusive but hopeful note, hinting at future possibilities. After overcoming personal struggles and chaotic relationships, his future teases potential travels with new love interests, implying his readiness for deeper, more meaningful connections.
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Wildfire Ignites Final Themes in Station 19
A significant aspect of the final episodes is the wildfire, which Clack describes as a profound symbol of regeneration. Initially conceived before the show’s cancellation was confirmed, the wildfire serves as a hinge to the show’s story, illustrating the series’ themes of confronting and overcoming adversity. It was a full-circle moment, tying back to the series’ roots with voiceovers from the early seasons and pushing characters towards their futures.
The series finale also revisits and concludes several character arcs. Paige and Clack hinted at missed opportunities to explore certain storylines, such as Beckett’s emerging relationship and Carina’s shift towards a more active role in firefighting. These narratives were set aside in favor of focusing on the series’ conclusive elements.
