Note: This story contains spoilers from “9-1-1” Season 8, Episode 9.
In the latest episode of “9-1-1,” Jennifer Love Hewitt’s character Maddie faces her most daunting challenge yet: an abduction by a serial killer. This harrowing experience makes her previous trauma, including the abuse from her former husband Doug (played by real-life husband Brian Hallisay), feel trivial in comparison, according to Hewitt.
Prior to the airing of this two-part episode, Hewitt shared her thoughts with TheWrap, emphasizing the excitement she feels in portraying Maddie’s distressing situations. “It’s awesome. Most people don’t get handed things like this at their normal TV job, and [showrunner] Tim [Minear] always gives us the best stuff. I’m just so deeply grateful,” she said. “These episodes are the most Maddie,” she added, noting, “This is what she was put on the planet to do, unfortunately, to survive over and over again and fight like hell.”
Hewitt continued to reflect on Maddie’s experiences, stating, “This is by far the worst thing that’s ever happened to Maddie, and it’s the biggest fight of her life.” The added danger of her being pregnant, a secret not yet known to her colleagues at the call center, intensifies her struggle.
“When I received this script, my first thought was, ‘How am I going to do this?’ I felt nervous yet excited about the challenge,” Hewitt said. “We want her to be happy and to find goodness in her life. However, these episodes really showcase Maddie’s essence, as they reflect her journey of survival and resilience.”
Maddie’s involvement in a case that begins with a distress call from the killer serves as a reminder of her past traumas, making her feel more connected to the victims. “When it switches into that territory, it becomes different. It’s not just a dispatcher handling a call; it’s a victim, it’s a survivor, it’s a trigger point,” she explained.
Later in the episode, Maddie grapples with the consequences of her actions after a tense conversation with the killer. “When he brings up her own child, the mama bear instinct kicks in, and she feels compelled to save everyone. Sometimes her humanity blends with her job, transforming her from dispatcher to survivor, which complicates her ability to cope.”
Hewitt expressed her excitement about working with Abigail Spencer, who plays the detective revealed to be the true abductor at the end of the episode. “She’s tremendous in these episodes. Working with her again was a joy, and we had a great time filming, despite the challenging conditions.”
As for Maddie’s future, viewers are left wondering if she will take time off work after this ordeal. “We’ll see. The main characters are facing trauma this season, and it reflects the struggles they encounter in their personal lives, making it a transformative experience for all of them,” Hewitt shared.
“9-1-1” airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.
The post ‘9-1-1’ Star Jennifer Love Hewitt Calls Serial Killer Abduction the ‘Worst Thing That’s Ever Happened to Maddie’ appeared first on TheWrap.
