9-1-1 Review: Chimney Begins (Season 2 Episode 12)
One of the elements of 9-1-1 that fans consistently praise is the show’s ability to give each character, the big and the small, their due. 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 12, “Chimney Begins,” proves to be a prime example of just that.
Ever since his introduction in the pilot episode, Chimney has stood both in the background and a little off-center in order to let his colleagues shine. But, that is no more.
On “Chimney Begins” fans lie witness to the humble yet rocky beginnings of one Howard Han, a.k.a., Chimney. We get to watch him go on a journey, all while knowing it’s simply a use of “memory” storytelling as Chimney lays bleeding from his wounds in the present.
In fact, a moment towards the end of the episode cinematically shows that parallel through transitions and sound that pull every moment of his life together. Through everything set forth on this episode, 9-1-1 shows they are deserving of their primo 9 pm Mondays slot.
While I have criticized their lack of flow on occasion, its never without an underlying love for their unique way of telling a story. We can’t all be perfect every time, but “Chimney Begins” shows that every once in a great while a show hits one so far out of the park we’re celebrating it for days, even weeks, after.
When 9-1-1 showed us Hen’s background before the winter hiatus, we were floored by their relevant storytelling and its sense of urgency in the message. We thought that nothing could ever top that.
Then along comes Howard.
He shows us the story of a man in the prime of his life starting over new because he’s finally found something to believe in. It’s a story we’ve all heard before, but rarely feel compelled to care about.
Something in the way Kenneth Choi shows Howie’s struggles and triumphs in tandem brings us to our knees every single time. It’s as if Howie’s story is Choi’s story. We believe in it because we ultimately believe in him.
The writers do a beautiful job of reminding us who the 118 firefighters are based on what we learned through Hen. Yet they also take that information and expand on it just enough for us to see a different side to the dynamic.
In Howie’s story, they aren’t all racist, misogynistic pricks. In fact, there are a couple of them who treat Howie decently.
Yes, the chief is still an ass, but not all of his men are. It’s important that as an audience we go on this journey with Howie in order to see the full scope of how these guys think.
It’s like Eli tells Howie, these guys need proof that he’s gonna stick around before they go getting attached.
If we are being honest, it’s a sentiment that doesn’t really stick until that fateful fire call where Howie loses his best friend, Kevin. The job of a firefighter is never easy and it’s dangerous as hell. Getting attached can sometimes get in the way of doing their job.
If it weren’t for Eli’s sage advice, who knows if Howie would even be around the firehouse long enough to get the nickname Chim and become the firefighter/medic that we all know and love.
“Chimney Begins” is 9-1-1‘s ode to the true hardships and heartbreaks that happen on the job. Through the backdrop of a beautiful story, we are reminded that life is fleeting and we have got to live while we can.
The most bone-chilling moment is when Howie is in the ambulance chatting with Eli about what drew him to the job. He talks about not expecting to live a long life so he may as well enjoy it.
If this is 9-1-1‘s way of setting us up for Chimney’s demise they can take it back. All of it. We don’t want it.
After learning all that Chim went through to get to where he is today fans have found a new level of respect for him. He never once gives up hope, even when he almost dies. This can’t be the end for him.
By spreading out Chim’s fate over three episodes, 9-1-1 is ensuring that this is a story we will always remember. It is masterful and effective.
Another element to note is the lack of current characters. It is the mark of a truly great show when they can take a character out of the shadows, put them center stage, change up their supporting cast, and still manage to successfully launch that character into stardom.
Chimney is able to shine because the episode is really and truly all about him and him alone.
Moments of Note:
- Seeing Chimney’s father reject him is hard, but to turn around and have Mrs. Lee tell him “We took you in because we love you, Howie. You’re family” makes our heart sing!
- Eli’s advice is good not only for a firefighter but also for anyone. “The things that can’t be treated with an ointment or a splint are the things that’ll kill us…..hand it off.”
- If we could give the show’s sound department more than just an Emmy I would! They deserve all the awards. One of the best soundtracks to a show ever!
What did you think of this episode of 9-1-1? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Be sure to get caught up with our review of 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 11, “New Beginnings” 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.
One thought on “9-1-1 Review: Chimney Begins (Season 2 Episode 12)”
911I’m in love with every character. Buck needs a interesting maybe even bi racial relationship. Someone to love him deeply. Diaz too. And more intimacy between characters.
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