9-1-1 Review: Haunted (Season 2 Episode 7)

What is billed as a Halloween themed episode, 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 7, “Haunted,” is actually all about ghosts in all shapes and forms. Within these ghosts lurks the ever-present character development that has made 9-1-1 Season 2 phenomenal so far.

However, there is still some room for improvement to be sure. While the show is continually getting better at telling the character stories we want to hear, they sometimes still lack on telling a well planned out emergency story.

It is inconsistent what version of writing on that aspect we will expect each week. Last week on 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 6, “Dosed,” the character and emergency stories were well-balanced and well written. Each emergency showed a deeper meaning to the character stories.

Now, “Haunted,” continues to sell really good character story (Here’s looking at Buck and Hen, but more on that later.). Unfortunately, the emergency stories are greatly forgettable and barely advance the plot.

With the exception of the skeleton discovery while looking for a downed hiker. That mystery weaves its way through each story being told whether it is Eddie’s, Buck’s, Hen’s, or Athena’s.

Once 9-1-1 can consistently tell both types of stories they will become a practically perfect show. However, the fact that they haven’t mastered it yet isn’t a deterrent from watching. After all, even on its worst day the show still compels us to love and connect to each story being told in some way.

The true heroes of “Haunted” are honestly the people who help sell the stories the most. This means Hen’s father, Eddie’s wife, and Abby. All are triggers to our favorite characters’ growth and maturation.

Ever since Aisha Hinds first appeared onscreen she has brought the fire. Her authenticity to each and every emotion the writers throw Hen’s way is what makes her one of the greats.

Much like my previous praises of Krause’s (Bobby Nash) nonverbal cues, Hinds does it too. However, instead of it just being in the eyes, she manages to speak volumes just by the way she carries herself.

In the scene with Angela Bassett where the two women are talking about their personal ghosts, Hinds’ emotion is palpable through her voice inflection as well as her body language. You see an open, vulnerable woman sitting there.

While the words speak of a father’s abandonment, Hinds’ body language really sells it. Her slightly defeated slouch and the tears threatening to fall all enhance her spoken emotions.

Hen: I wrote about my cabbage patch dolls. And the day I got inducted into the national honor society. And the moment I saw my friend and I realized I wanted to kiss her. You became like my diary; confessions to an imaginary daddy.

In combination, all these factors make Hen’s struggle and conflict that much more believable. It really brings home that sometimes the parents we are supposed to love and rely on end up being nothing more than a ghost in the background of our lives.

Speaking of ghosts in the background, there has been a gaping ghost all season in the form of Abby.

With 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 7, “Haunted,” the show finally addresses the future of her and Buck’s relationship. In all honesty, the conclusion the writers give us is the best decision they ever made.

Ever since it was announced that Connie Britton would officially not be coming back as Abby in Season 2, fans have questioned what it means for her and Buck.

If the writers had chosen to have Abby break up with Buck the course of the show would careen into left field, leaving very little direction and responsibility in the hands of Buck.

Having Buck be the one to reach the conclusion that he’s been looking at things wrong this whole time and see that he’s the ghost, not Abby is a positively great move for Buck’s character. After all, Season 1 Buck would’ve waited around forever for Abby to either come back or break it off.

This means that Season 2 Buck is growing in maturity and responsibility. He is looking at his life and analyzing everything. This is a quality that I was worried he would ever gain.

Buck: You are my ghost story, Abby. You are the amazing spirit that blew into my life, turned it upside down, and then vanished into the night.

Honestly, the letter to Abby is only the first step. The next is him moving out, which we do see. Finally, Buck needs to work on himself until he feels comfortable being in a relationship again.

Let’s just hope he doesn’t fall back into his old habits — that would not be beneficial for him in the slightest.

Another character we see mature within the span of one episode is Eddie Diaz. We don’t know much about his background beyond his son Christopher with CP.

The writers definitely pile it all on, on this episode, which isn’t necessarily a good thing. While it’s nice to see Eddie talk things out with his wife, it all just comes out of nowhere and concludes before its even barely started.

It’s common knowledge that Eddie would do anything for his son, but seemingly forgiving his wife for two years of abandonment seems a bit sudden. I am expecting more of a fight, or at least baby steps.

It would make more sense to have Eddie convince his wife to do the school interview, then see Christopher for a short visit, and ultimately ease herself back into their lives.

Who knows maybe the sudden kiss and makeup – literally – will devolve back into miscommunication and hurt as they try to brave the murky waters ahead.

Not that drama should be had for everything on TV. It’s just Eddie doesn’t seem like the type to forgive so nonchalantly no matter how much he loves someone.

Time will tell moving forward where each of these stories lead us, but I have complete faith that 9-1-1 will work hard to do each as authentically as possible.

Further Thoughts:

• When Hen tells her father that her letters to him were her journal through life to the backdrop of “I Found” by Amber Run there are definitely tears in my eyes.
• Carla being a voice of reason to both Eddie and Buck is so beautiful and symmetrical. She is a nice background voice that seems a part of the family.
• Bobby stepping in to help the horse pass on is the reason I so deeply love this group. They are a family through and through. They know each other’s weaknesses without saying a word.
• Athena and Hen’s friendship continues to be the female role models we need in today’s world. Especially for those who need women of color role models.

What did you think of this episode of 9-1-1? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Be sure to catch up on our review of 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 6, “Dosed” right here!

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

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