Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for 9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 14.
The popular series 9-1-1 has masterfully woven its key couples into the narrative threads throughout its episodes. Notably, Maddie and Chimney’s relationship has experienced its share of ups and downs, but one specific storyline has felt dissonant. Howard “Chimney”Han, portrayed by Kenneth Choi, has been a staple since the show’s debut, while Jennifer Love Hewitt, who plays Maddie Han (née Buckley), joined in Season 2. As Maddie, she serves as a vital voice for LA dispatch and is the older sister of Evan “Buck”Buckley (played by Oliver Stark). Their evolution from friends to partners adds depth to their romance, making their milestones memorable moments within the series.
After a journey filled with dating, parenthood, a breakup, and a reunion, Maddie’s proposal to Chimney stands out as one of the show’s touching highlights. Their shared love and growing family—now expecting a second child as Season 8 unfolds—underscore the resilience of their relationship. Despite their bond, viewers can’t help but cringe at the harrowing injuries both characters have faced. With them still being central figures, the cycle of trauma seems poised to continue, raising the question: is it worse that they face new threats or that they are forced to relive old wounds?
Chimney & Buck’s Encephalitis Reference in Season 8
Chimney’s Encephalitis: A Significant Plot Point
In Season 8, Episode 14, we see the resurfacing of past traumas for Maddie and Chimney, adding yet another layer of tension to their relationship. This couple has bravely faced countless near-fatal situations, from Chimney’s heart-stopping rescues to Maddie’s traumatic abduction by her ex, Doug Kendall (Brian Hallisay). Their troubles persist in the current season, especially with Chimney contracting the deadly Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) during the excitement of the two-part thriller “9-1-1: Contagion.”
Interestingly, Buck’s mention of Chimney’s encephalitis adds a notable reference to previous seasons when Chimney battled a viral infection after rescuing a victim trapped in an air duct—echoing their current predicament in “Sick Day.”As the tension rises in Episode 14, Chimney and Buck share a humorous exchange, acknowledging how Chimney’s past infection seems “quaint”in comparison to their current challenges. This dialogue calls back to Season 7, Episode 6, where Chimney’s encephalitis left him lost and disoriented, unable to attend his own wedding.
A Wedding Without Celebration
Their Hospital Wedding: A Bittersweet Affair
Fortunately, Chimney recovers in that poignant Season 7 episode, but the resolution is bittersweet. As Chimney is receiving treatment, Maddie insists on moving forward with their nuptials, emphasizing that their lives are often perilous and that delays may not offer a future opportunity. Thus, they hold their wedding in a hospital room, a symbolic gesture of love amidst chaos. This moment is sweetened by Jennifer Love Hewitt’s acoustic rendition of “Islands in the Stream”as Maddie walks down the aisle—a hospital corridor at that.
However, for every touching aspect of their unconventional wedding, there are glaring disappointments. As one of the best couples in the series, Maddie and Chimney deserved a dedicated episode celebrating their love without tragic undertones. While Chimney’s hallucinatory experiences help him process his traumas, the heart-wrenching narrative shouldn’t have overshadowed their special day. A two-part format could have remedied this, allowing for a deeper exploration of their romance outside the heavy themes of tragedy that often accompany their storyline.
The Opportunity for a Vow Renewal
A Chance for Redemption
With 9-1-1 recently renewed for the 2025-26 season by ABC, there remains a golden opportunity to revisit and redeem their wedding tale. While Maddie and Chimney’s hospital wedding held significance, these beloved characters still deserve a moment of normalcy where they can celebrate their commitment truly. An ideal outcome would involve a vow renewal ceremony, where they can recapture the joyous aspects of their original wedding plans.
Moreover, their daughter, Jee-yun, is now old enough to take part in the festivities, potentially as the flower girl—a charming addition that fans would treasure. Having had a vow renewal between other characters like Karen (Tracie Thoms) and Henrietta “Hen”Wilson in Season 5, it’s entirely plausible for 9-1-1 to reuse this storyline once more. While the idea of renewing vows might feel premature, the essence of the ceremony is what matters most. Buck could play a pivotal role, helping plan the event as a surprise anniversary gesture for his sister, delivering her the momentous celebration she has long wished for.
Ultimately, Maddie and Chimney deserve a happily-ever-after in 9-1-1, which surely starts with a wedding celebration that reflects the deep, abiding love they share.
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