ABC’s 9-1-1 never shies away from blending high-stakes emergencies with emotional callbacks—and Season 8, Episode 17, titled “Don’t Drink the Water,” does both brilliantly. Following the heartbreaking farewell to Captain Bobby Nash (Peter Krause), the episode offers a dose of nostalgia through a series of flashbacks and the return of several familiar guest stars. Among the most surprising is the return of Phoebe Neidhardt as Lorna, a character who left quite the impression during her first appearance in Season 3.
So, who exactly is Lorna, and why did the show bring her back now? Let’s break it down.
LORNA’S FIRST APPEARANCE: THE BLUE CHRISTMAS PATIENT
Lorna originally appeared in 9-1-1 Season 3, Episode 10, titled “Christmas Spirit.” During that holiday-themed episode, viewers were introduced to her in a rather unusual state—her skin had turned completely blue. Lorna had been suffering from a painful toothache and, unable to find relief, she overloaded on over-the-counter Benzocaine tooth cream before falling asleep. She woke up with her skin blue and called 911 for help. Bobby and the 118 responded to the call and discovered she was suffering from methemoglobinemia, a condition caused by excessive use of certain anesthetics, which reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
That episode struck a comedic tone—set to the song “Blue Christmas”—but it also carried the emotional weight of Buck (Oliver Stark) worrying about Bobby’s health due to possible radiation exposure from another rescue. In that moment, Buck opened up to Bobby, calling him one of the most important people in his life. The scene reflected the tight-knit family dynamic the 118 has built over the years.
THE RETURN OF LORNA IN SEASON 8
Fast forward to Season 8, Episode 17, and Lorna is back—still facing dental problems. In the middle of a string of bizarre fire emergencies caused by a methane gas leak contaminating the water supply, the 118 is dispatched to a dentist’s office. A patient undergoing a routine root canal accidentally breathes fire, burning the dentist. As the team responds to the call, Buck immediately recognizes the patient despite her mouth being filled with melted dental blocks.
He can’t quite place her at first—was she from his gym or maybe a local celebrity? But the moment he sees a blue drape, it all clicks: “BLUE! I knew you looked familiar!” Buck recalls her Christmas emergency, and Chimney (Kenneth Choi) excitedly adds, “THE SMURF!” That brief but hilarious flashback takes viewers right back to Season 3, underscoring how long the characters have been through wild and unforgettable situations together.
PHOEBE NEIDHARDT PLAYS LORNA
Phoebe Neidhardt is an American actress and writer, born on January 19, 1987, in Los Angeles County, California. She is best known for her role as Wendy in the comedy show Silicon Valley (2014). She has also appeared in popular TV shows like Scandal (2012), Chad on Roku, and When We Rise (2017). Besides acting in shows, Phoebe has been featured in several commercials, including ones for GEICO and Samsung.
WHY BRING LORNA BACK NOW?
The timing of Lorna’s return isn’t random. With Bobby’s funeral still fresh in everyone’s minds, the 118 is trying to move forward while dealing with their grief. Episode 17 opens with a flashback of Bobby presiding over one of the firehouse’s signature family dinners. He proudly reminds his crew that they eat, support, and live like a family. That memory sharply contrasts with present-day Buck sitting alone at the same table, underscoring how much has changed.
Bringing back Lorna serves a dual purpose. First, it connects to the ongoing theme of grief and remembrance. Buck, especially, is having a hard time processing Bobby’s death. Seeing someone from their shared past unexpectedly triggers both sorrow and nostalgia. Second, the callback adds levity to an otherwise heavy episode, reminding viewers of the show’s ability to balance tragedy with humor.
OTHER FAMILIAR FACES RETURN IN EPISODE 17
Lorna wasn’t the only familiar face to show up in “Don’t Drink the Water.” The episode was filled with notable guest star returns. Eddie’s Aunt Pepa (Terri Hoyos) returned for a dinner with Eddie (Ryan Guzman), Buck, and Christopher (Gavin McHugh), marking her first appearance since Season 6.
Father Brian (Gavin Stenhouse), the so-called “hot priest” from Season 1, also made an appearance. Buck visited him in search of a spiritual connection to Bobby, saying he hadn’t felt Bobby’s presence since his death. It’s a heartfelt moment made more surreal when a 2.8 earthquake hits just after Buck prays for a sign.
Also making a return was Graham the cart cop (Sam Roach), who fans last saw earlier in Season 8. All these characters add layers of meaning, weaving past and present into a cohesive narrative thread.
BUCK AND EDDIE’S CONFLICT
Much of the emotional weight in this episode rests on the growing tension between Buck and Eddie. Eddie, who’s still in town after the funeral, has kept quiet about a job offer he received from the El Paso Fire Department. He’s afraid to tell Buck, who’s been unusually sensitive since losing Bobby. When Buck finds out from Ravi instead, he’s upset that Eddie didn’t trust him enough to share.
Their argument reaches a boiling point, with Eddie reminding Buck that everyone lost Bobby, not just him. It’s a painful but honest moment between two close friends, and eventually, Eddie brings Christopher to town, giving Buck the emotional clarity he needs. Aunt Pepa also offers him comforting advice: “Life is change. It’s unavoidable. You have to own it.”
With one episode left in Season 8, “Don’t Drink the Water” uses flashbacks and returning characters like Lorna to emphasize how much the 118 has been through—and how far they still have to go. It’s not just a trip down memory lane; it’s a reminder that healing often begins by revisiting the past.
Visit tvacute.com again soon for more 9-1-1 insights, cast updates, and detailed episode recaps.
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