The twelfth episode of 9-1-1 Season 5, titled “Boston,” is one of the show’s most intimate and character-driven episodes. Originally airing on March 28, 2022, the episode shifts away from the usual emergency-response ensemble format and focuses almost entirely on Maddie Buckley and Howard “Chimney” Han as they work through the emotional fallout of Maddie’s departure and her struggle with postpartum depression.
Unlike many episodes of 9-1-1, most of the Los Angeles-based ensemble is absent or appears only briefly, making this a unique chapter centered on healing, family, and reconciliation.
Main Focus Cast
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Jennifer Love Hewitt | Maddie Buckley |
| Kenneth Choi | Howard “Chimney” Han |
Jennifer Love Hewitt as Maddie Buckley
Jennifer Love Hewitt takes center stage as Maddie Buckley. After leaving Los Angeles earlier in the season to seek help for severe postpartum depression, Maddie has been living in Boston while trying to rebuild her life and regain her confidence as a mother.
The episode follows Maddie as she confronts the emotional weight of her decision to leave, while also facing the possibility of reconnecting with Chimney and their daughter, Jee-Yun. Hewitt delivers one of her most emotional performances of the series, highlighting Maddie’s vulnerability, guilt, and determination to heal.
Hewitt is widely known for her roles in Ghost Whisperer, Party of Five, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and The Client List.
Kenneth Choi as Howard “Chimney” Han
Kenneth Choi’s Chimney is the emotional counterpart to Maddie’s story. After spending much of Season 5 searching for Maddie, Chimney finally finds her in Boston, leading to several heartfelt and difficult conversations.
Rather than focusing on dramatic rescues, the episode showcases Chimney’s patience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his family. Choi brings warmth and authenticity to the role, making “Boston” one of his strongest episodes of the season.
Choi is also known for his work in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Sons of Anarchy, and The Wolf of Wall Street.
Supporting Cast and Brief Appearances
Although “Boston” primarily follows Maddie and Chimney, several regular cast members receive brief appearances or are featured through limited scenes.
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Angela Bassett | Athena Grant-Nash |
| Peter Krause | Bobby Nash |
| Oliver Stark | Evan “Buck” Buckley |
| Aisha Hinds | Henrietta “Hen” Wilson |
| Ryan Guzman | Eddie Diaz |
| Corinne Massiah | May Grant |
Angela Bassett as Athena Grant-Nash
Angela Bassett appears briefly as Athena Grant-Nash. While she is not directly involved in the Boston storyline, her presence helps maintain continuity with events unfolding back in Los Angeles.
Bassett is best known for Black Panther, What’s Love Got to Do with It, Waiting to Exhale, and American Horror Story.
Peter Krause as Bobby Nash
Peter Krause returns as Captain Bobby Nash in limited scenes. Although the episode’s narrative remains focused on Maddie and Chimney, Bobby continues serving as the steady leader of Station 118.
Krause is known for Six Feet Under, Parenthood, Sports Night, and The Catch.
Oliver Stark as Evan “Buck” Buckley
Oliver Stark appears as Buck, Maddie’s younger brother. While Buck does not play a major role in the episode, his connection to Maddie remains an important part of the emotional context surrounding her recovery.
Stark previously appeared in Into the Badlands and Underworld: Blood Wars.
Aisha Hinds as Henrietta “Hen” Wilson
Aisha Hinds makes a brief appearance as Hen. Her longstanding friendship with Chimney adds emotional context to the events unfolding in Boston, even though she is not central to the episode’s narrative.
Hinds is known for Underground, True Blood, and Godzilla: King of the Monsters.
Ryan Guzman as Eddie Diaz
Ryan Guzman appears in a limited capacity as Eddie Diaz. The episode does not focus on Eddie’s storyline, but his inclusion maintains continuity with the broader Season 5 narrative.
Guzman previously starred in Step Up Revolution, The Boy Next Door, and Heroes Reborn.
Corinne Massiah as May Grant
Corinne Massiah appears briefly as May Grant. Her role is limited in “Boston,” but she remains an important part of the show’s emergency dispatch team.
Massiah is also known for her work on Mistresses.
Notable Guest Cast
Several guest performers contribute to the Boston-centered storyline and help shape Maddie’s journey throughout the episode.
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Declan Pratt | Young Kevin Lee |
| London Cheshire | Jee-Yun Buckley Han |
| Tracie Thoms | Karen Wilson |
| Gavin McHugh | Christopher Diaz |
These guest appearances provide additional emotional depth and connections to the wider 9-1-1 universe.
What Is “Boston” About?
“Boston” follows Maddie Buckley as she continues her recovery from postpartum depression after leaving Los Angeles. When Chimney finally locates her, the two are forced to confront difficult questions about trust, parenthood, forgiveness, and the future of their family.
Rather than emphasizing large-scale emergencies, the episode focuses on emotional healing and personal growth, making it one of the most character-focused episodes of Season 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the cast in 9-1-1 Season 5 Episode 12?
Jennifer Love Hewitt and Kenneth Choi lead the episode as Maddie Buckley and Howard “Chimney” Han.
Do the rest of the 118 appear in the episode?
Most members of the 118 are absent or appear only briefly, as the story primarily follows Maddie and Chimney in Boston.
What is the main story of “Boston”?
The episode centers on Maddie’s recovery from postpartum depression and Chimney’s efforts to reconnect with her and rebuild their family.
When did “Boston” air?
The episode originally aired on March 28, 2022.
Where can I watch 9-1-1 Season 5 Episode 12?
Availability varies by region. In the United States, episodes of 9-1-1 are generally available through Hulu following their FOX broadcast.