9-1-1 Review: Dosed (Season 2 Episode 6)

For the first time since Season 1, 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 6, “Dosed,” the focus is on Bobby and his struggles. It’s a move that is truly a beneficial one for the continued forward projection of character development.

On a show with so many moving parts, it can sometimes fall short in the continuity department. Or the minor parts of a character can be dropped for the sake of more exciting cases or character stories.

To have “Dosed” be all about Bobby’s continued struggle with the death of his family, more specifically his daughter, the writers are showing that his struggles matter just as much as his relationships and job. And that the show has finally figured out that perfect balance between characters and emergencies.

The level of emotion conveyed in the dialogue and story is easily felt on a deeply personal level for most, if not all, the viewers. Even for those who don’t have a personal connection can relate to his guilt and that is what makes Bobby’s character so captivating.

Last season, 9-1-1 did a fantastic job of drawing us in and leading us to care about Bobby, by showing early on that he was complicated and lost. Finding out about his past indiscretions and his feelings of failure, as a result, were a step in the right direction for the writers and creators.

Bobby: I feel like a failure because I want to get high again.

Expanding on those elements in “Dosed” ensures that this show is going to survive for a while; hopefully, for many years. It shows that emotional and mental struggles such as Bobby’s are ongoing and won’t ever fully go away.

This acknowledgment is proof that the writers are fully aware of the authentic telling of certain stories. This alone will be able to carry the show further than the emergency stories alone.

Even better is showing the parallels between Bobby’s guilt and ease at accepting love. Last season, Bobby was a great leader, yet he remained at arm’s length when it came to deeper, more meaningful, love-centered relationships.

This doesn’t exclusively mean romantic love, it also refers to familial love. Bobby lost his entire family. In Season 1, 9-1-1 was quick to show that Bobby is really trying to build a family through the firehouse.

This season we haven’t seen much of Bobby’s inner turmoil. But in one episode and with more unsaid than said; 9-1-1 reminds us that Bobby is always struggling, under the surface.

“Dosed” is a great showcase of Peter Krause’s talents with expressing through non-verbal cues. When Bobby listens in on Athena’s conversation with her daughter about Homecoming we see the sadness, guilt, and pain storming together in Krause’s eyes.

It breaks our hearts and then those same eyes stitch us back up at the end. When he is asked to be a part of the family photo, it’s clear that Bobby wasn’t expecting it. The shock quickly turns to a warm contented visual as Krause smiles with his eyes as well as his mouth.

However, in a weird and unexpected twist, the best form of love comes from Athena Grant. Their relationship came out of left field, but the longer the show explores their connection it’s easy to see they will be there to share the burden of each other’s struggles. That is a sign of a true connection, a strong love.

Athena: Maybe you should stop trying to carry it alone.

Athena sees the worst parts of Bobby and spins them around to remind him that his past makes him who he is but it doesn’t have to define him. His continued sobriety and recovery will be more obtainable as long as she is by his side.

There are many sources who say you can’t pin your sobriety on another person because they can easily let you down, however, I don’t feel Athena is. She is the exception to the rule.

As unexpected as this pairing initially was, the writers have given us reason to truly believe in it. Bobby is a stronger, more present friend, mentor, father figure because of Athena. Frankly, it’ll be fun to see Bobby become more of a father to May and Harry.

His growth is also shown in the relationships he has with Buck, Eddie, and the gang. Just listening to how they speak of him to the reporter we get a glimpse into just how much he’s made himself vulnerable towards them more recently.

The team has an unwavering faith in him and they understand him on a deeper level now that they know about his recovery and the death of his family.

Finding a family that can be relied upon in times of need is one of life’s greatest joys. Bobby is happier and stronger because of Engine 118.

Buck: To him we’re not the story. We’re just here to make sure no story ends before it should.

While Bobby’s foray with LSD this episode is a reason for concern, there are many more factors to consider and it’s all put into perspective in the subtlest of ways.

The writers sneak in these positive indicators throughout the episode in little moments that don’t always directly connect to Bobby and his addictions.

It’s a stronger message of Bobby’s strength because it’s told through other’s, not Bobby himself. This method is successful and could easily be used to further expand other well-established characters.

Let’s just hope that Bobby doesn’t fall off the wagon again, but if he does I have complete faith he won’t fall entirely. His new family will hold him up.

Further Thoughts:

• Maddie is another badass female added to the roster and I’m excited about it. Her finally talking over her paranoia and fears has me feeling inspired.
• While a focus on romance is sometimes a downfall of procedurals such as 9-1-1 it’s easy to see that Chim and Maddie starting a romance could have a similar result to that of Athena and Bobby. They will be there to build each other up.
• All the emergencies this episode were out there and pretty crazy, but the best one is definitely the bug-eating contest.

What did you think of this episode of 9-1-1? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Catch up on our review of 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 5 “Awful People” right here.

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

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