9-1-1 Review: Hen Begins (Season 2 Episode 9)
The mark of a great show is when it looks at its entire cast and sees which ones need a moment in the sun. That is exactly what 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 9, “Hen Begins” is all about.
Aisha Hinds is already a well-known, well-respected actress from her other works pre-9-1-1. However, on 9-1-1 she has rarely been given an opportunity to really showcase all of her talents.
“Hen Begins” is that moment. Hinds buckles down and gives 110% to her character and really exalts the beauty and strength that is Henrietta Wilson. It’s woven in and out of all the moments, the big and the small.
This is also our time to learn all about Hen and what makes her tick. This is the most character background we have ever seen for her. The expansion that is very on par for 9-1-1 this season.
The show has been working diligently to ensure that no one character goes unnoticed or unappreciated. So far, most of the characters are well-developed and well-rounded. They have backgrounds and lives; in essence, they are more than just first-responders.
Up until this point, the characters lacking the most background information are Hen and Chim. With “Hen Begins” an insight into their beginnings as friends are given.
While all the background information on Hen, and partially on Chim, is really great and really important it’s not the only point of note.
The most important discussion from this episode comes in between the lines. We see what Hen and Chim both have to go through when they first start due to their race, and for Hen also her gender.
The amount of comments they have to field day in and day out really sets the tone for their experiences as firefighters. But it also opens the door to a bigger conversation. It’s a conversation that is not just about race, but also how race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. can define experiences and viewpoints.
Hen has one of the most powerful monologues of the whole episode when she speaks to the firehouse at large and pleads with them to see her as she sees them.
Hen: See me! As I see you! A proud member of this department.
In this moment, Hen takes charge of her narrative and doesn’t let go. She reminds us all that we are all a combination of many things. All of these parts make up the whole and allow us to have unique experiences in the world.
Hinds’ emotion at this moment is also worth noting. For a few seconds, it’s hard to discern actor from character. It feels as though Hinds is saying this to the world.
Even better is seeing Chim add his encouragement to the narrative as well. It’s great to see all these characters of color portrayed as equal and similar to their white counterparts.
Hen: I know what you are trying to do but I don’t need anyone carrying my load.
Chim: Don’t I already know it. I’m just trying to let you know that you aren’t alone here.
The level of camaraderie shown between them when Hen is at her lowest brings a power to the story that wouldn’t be there without them. Chim, while he is male, is also looked down upon in the firehouse by a handful of the guys.
Based on his commiseration with Hen audiences are able to see just how much he has to bear too. While his experience isn’t quite the same as Hen’s they both acknowledge each other’s trauma and work together to make their environment better.
“Hen Begins” teaches us to slow down once in a while and listen to the stories of others. Don’t just listen, absorb because these stories will teach you and guide you towards a more open and experienced view of the world.
In today’s climate of “otherness,” this episode stands out as a testament to our country’s ability to unify against all odds. Despite what it may seem, there is hope on the horizon and we don’t have to look very far to find it.
Hen is the embodiment of the three major marginalized groups in today’s world: women, minorities/people of color, and LGBT+. In short, she is the hope we need right now.
9-1-1 sees that and chooses to encourage it. She’s being given more screen time as well as strong, impactful stories to be a part of.
They’re sending out the message that women like Hen matter and have worth. Even better, they are showing that Hinds has the resolve and the talent to make Hen a truly remarkable character.
If 9-1-1 continues to showcase the amazing talents of all its cast members, then the success of the show will just continue to grow.
More importantly, the show continues to leave us with a message that contains a call to action. The message of “Hen Begins” is slightly less direct than those in the past, but effective none-the-less.
Hen Voiceover: Is it all just chaos or is there a purpose?
Further Thoughts:
- Hen’s badassery is taken to a whole other level with that training sequence backed up by the song “Cherry Bomb”. My muscles hurt just watching it all.
- Captain Gerrard is the worst of the worst. He has no respect for his house. I’m so glad they fired him and hired Captain Nash in his stead.
- This episode kind of made me wish we could see Hen and Bobby meeting for the first time.
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 8, “Buck, Actually” right here!
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9-1-1 airs Mondays at 9/8c on FOX.
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Mads Misasi
Mads is a part-time entertainment journalist and full-time marketing content creator. They love any and all TV Dramas with a few sitcoms mixed in. Join in the fun talking about TV by following them on Twitter: @dorothynyc89.