9-1-1 Review: Next of Kin (Season 1 Episode 3)

Family is a great thing to be blessed with, and for the first-responders on 9-1-1 Season 1 Episode 3, “Next of Kin,” family is more than just blood.

Everyone who is part of the 9-1-1 show family suffers some kind of tragedy on “Next of Kin.”

Athena: My family means everything to me. There ain’t no trouble from the inside or evil from the outside that’s gonna tear it apart.

Having Athena assert her authority and general female badassness in that moment just further solidifies the vulnerability of it all. Here is this no-nonsense cop realizing that her world is falling apart, but refusing to give up. Athena wants the world to know that she is here to stay.

Athena may feel alone and vulnerable due to all that is going on between her and Michael, but she is not letting that outshine her deepest instinct: being a good mother. Athena will do anything and everything for her kids. They are her family.

She also has a second family, one she hasn’t quite leaned on yet. However, I hope that in the coming episodes we will see her leaning on her firefighter/EMT/cop family. There is only so much trust and faith she can put in Michael right now, so it makes sense for her to turn to her work family instead.

The biggest family on 9-1-1 is definitely the firehouse family. After all, they get the most air time as the biggest team of first-responders. The head of that family is hands down, Bobby. His cool-headed nature makes him the go to guy for advice and comfort, even if the result isn’t exactly what is asked for.

Bobby: This relationship you are in is fueled by lies.

While Bobby’s words had truth to them, it’s easy to see from the subsequent fall out that maybe he should’ve been a little less harsh in his delivery of them. Chimney just wants to feel loved and appreciated. Right now he is feeling like an outsider looking in.

Bobby’s words to him don’t exactly make him feel more confident of his place in their family. Bobby is the voice of reason, which is totally understandable and accepted. Unfortunately, that can sometimes come at the cost of his relationships with his guys.

It should be noted that Bobby seems to realize his mistake and makes up for it soon after. He talks Chimney through his tragedy by reminding him that he is a talented and level-headed EMT. Someone that Bobby heavily relies on even if he doesn’t always say it.

This relationship between Bobby and his men is the most heartwarming television I have seen in a long time. It is definitely one of this shows selling points. Sure, it’s another emergency drama, in a sea of many, but at the heart of it all beats a community of family.

We have yet to talk about the biggest family connection this show has. Abby and her mother have been the backdrop since day one. We all know that things with Abby’s mother are never going to get better, but we applaud her for the sacrifices she still loves making.

Buck: The only thing that matters is family.

Buck’s words of advice are a step forward for both him and Abby. Just a few episodes ago Abby would have never asked for anyone’s help with her mother. However, the bond she is creating with Buck gives hope for her leaning more on others in the future.

It’s also a step up for Buck, because it shows just how much he is working to change his attitude about life. Buck started off as this impulse driven guy and now he’s showing that he is working on taking a step back once in a while. His job and Bobby’s guidance are definitely helping him to become the type of person Abby can count on.

My one hope for this family is that as the season continues they will become stronger in their bonds. It would be awful to see this family fall apart due to any kind of emergency or even just simple things such as lack of communication.

Their strongest point is their ability to go to each other in their times of need to gain advice or just an ear to listen. Sometimes shows forget the little things like that in exchange for theatrics or drama. Let’s just hope this family stays a family.

Bobby: It’s alright. This family’s right here.

It’s also important that Chimney’s tragedy not be solved overnight. Clearly, his issues are going to be extensive and that is something his family can help him with.

Stray Thought:

• Tatiana’s conversation with Bobby is an important side to a person’s recovery process. Sure her presence may help Chimney in the beginning but, she doesn’t love him and it’s not fair for her to pretend just for him. Especially if the recovery process is going to be a long one. It’s refreshing to see a show tackle this perspective.

What did you think of this episode of 9-1-1? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! Catch up with our review of 9-1-1 Season 1 Episode 2 right here.

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9-1-1 airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on FOX.

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