Spoilers forward!
On this yr’s final episode of 9-1-1, Brad (Callum Blue) tries to turn into a hero in the course of a pipe explosion, rightfully upsetting Bobby (Peter Krause). Brad additionally will get to spend extra time with the 118, sharing a considerate dialog with Eddie (Ryan Guzman), who simply realized one thing shocking and painful about his son Christopher (Gavin McHugh). In the meantime, Athena (Angela Bassett) investigates the brutal beating of the Cart Cop (Sam Roach), a YouTuber whose content material is all about individuals who don’t return their purchasing carts to their correct place at a grocery retailer.
“Wannabes” – 9-1-1. Pictured: Peter Krause as Bobby, Aisha Hinds as Hen, Callum Blue as Brad. Picture: Christopher Willard/ABC © 2024 Disney. All rights reserved.
For those who assume this doesn’t sound like an explosive, thrilling fall finale, you might be proper! After delivering 18 episodes in 2024, 10 for season 7 and eight for this primary a part of season 8, most of them crammed with loopy twists, revelations, beginnings, endings, one marriage ceremony, some near-death-experiences, and naturally, the (un)typical emergencies everyone knows, the crew behind the present determined that this yr ought to finish in a peaceable, humorous observe. However in the event you watched the promo for the subsequent episode, slated for March 6, 2025, you in all probability really feel the identical: that is simply the calm earlier than the storm, and 8B may be a wild journey.
However let’s concentrate on what we now have for now first, then we return to the long run. Wannabes could be very a lot targeted on Brad, who desires to be a hero. The episode begins with the 118 watching an episode of HOTSHOTS, the present starring Brad. This scene is right here so we may be reminded of how a lot Brad cares for his efficiency as a firefighter, whereas additionally being this humorous meta factor and household second inside the 118 (I beloved it!)
After Brad tries to avoid wasting a girl in the course of the pipe emergency with out following any of the same old security procedures, Bobby has some harsh (and true) issues to say to him. However the TV star will get what he desires throughout a name through which a giant fan of HOTSHOTS is attempting to kill himself — this time, Brad’s presence is what saves the day.
“Wannabes” – 9-1-1. BTS picture of Kenneth Choi, Aisha Hinds, Oliver Stark, Peter Krause, Ryan Guzman. Picture: Ray Mickshaw/ABC © 2024 Disney. All rights reserved.
This storyline was extra attention-grabbing on this episode when in comparison with 8.07, with the 118 taking part extra actively right here. Brad is charming, and Callum Blue does job when giving life to this very passionate actor. However I nonetheless assume it’s been some time since we had an unforgettable emergency — not speaking concerning the massive, multi-arc ones that occur each season premiere/finale, or most important and recurring characters going by near-death experiences, however the typical calls in common episodes haven’t been memorable and thrilling as they as soon as had been. Earlier seasons had me distressed each episode, and this yr was bland on this sense. So whereas I’m not bothered by the concentrate on Brad and get that they had been going for one thing not distressful, Wannabes continues the development of delicate weekly emergencies, making this fall finale come throughout to the viewers as this very common episode.
That’s additionally how I might describe the Cart Cop storyline: foolish, however in a light means. I really like thriller, however this story feels so displaced from the principle stuff. There was just one benefit of this: the scene with Athena and the YouTuber on the hospital, with Angela Bassett appearing as this gentler, kinder model of Athena (which by no means fails to amaze me.) I pray for the episodes subsequent yr to offer Athena extra issues to do with the 118 — extra scenes with Bobby, extra moments with Hen (Aisha Hinds), possibly one thing with Chimney (Kenneth Choi), I’m accepting something. That’s the place she shines essentially the most, when positioned with the remainder of the meeting. In earlier seasons, Athena had these cop storylines to be someway associated to her youngsters or her ex-husband, so that they didn’t really feel this soulless — possibly one thing related ought to occur once more.
“Wannabes” – 9-1-1. Pictured: Oliver Stark as Buck, Ryan Guzman as Eddie. Picture: Ray Mickshaw/ABC © 2024 Disney. All rights reserved.
Lastly, Eddie talks to Christopher and discovers his new life is seemingly fantastic. He’s studying chess now, amongst different new issues he will get to do dwelling together with his grandparents in El Paso. After a considerate dialog with Brad about not letting the space between him and his son develop, Eddie decides he doesn’t wish to miss all the massive moments Chris is having. So now Eddie desires to maneuver to Texas, one thing Buck (Oliver Stark) discovers in a really attention-grabbing second. In any case, Buck remains to be coping with his most up-to-date breakup, and his worry of abandonment strikes in full power after his discovery about Eddie. However Buck provides some assist to him nonetheless, and there’s this very lovely second with Eddie relieved and blissful that he has Buck by his aspect, whereas Buck is at Eddie’s sofa feeling dreadful about shedding one other vital individual in his life. As soon as once more, Buck and Eddie’s storylines are so intertwined that’s arduous to know the place one begins and the opposite ends; and whereas I firmly imagine they already are one another’s endgame, this storyline may be the setup wanted for his or her kiss to occur earlier than the present ends.
Whereas this episode was an everyday one with some good moments, I have to say that I beloved that last scene with Buck, Eddie, and Chimney appearing in HOTSHOTS, with Bobby and Hen serving to the manufacturing within the backstages. It was such a pleasant approach to finish this Hotshots arc, with the 118 collectively, laughing, and blissful. For those who watched the promo for the subsequent episode, which options (potential spoilers; nobody might be certain till subsequent March) Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) going by one thing that appears like a kidnapping, you already know this peace won’t be for lengthy. We’ll have to attend and see what the long run holds for these characters — Eddie nonetheless has to battle for Christopher, Athena and Bobby need to construct their new home, Maddie and Chimney expect one other youngster, and Maddie’s life may be in peril by the point 8.09 ends… These are going to be lengthy months of wait.
Now let me know your ideas about this season up to now. Be at liberty to depart a remark along with your impressions and theories, and thanks for studying!