9-1-1 Review: Malfunction (Season 3 Episode 8)
The last words we hear on 9-1-1 Season 3 Episode 8, “Malfunction,” are “Henrietta, Henrietta,” as Athena pleads for Hen’s focus and understanding before police arrive on the scene to start the investigation into Evelyn’s death.
Before Hen collapses with anguish.
It’s these words that send a chill down this writer’s spine; not the shake of Eddie’s head when he confirms that Evelyn is dead, nor the bloody sheet music falling to the ground — an eerie reminder that Evelyn won’t make history as the youngest viola player to perform at the L.A. Philharmonic.
“Henrietta.” Viewers hear her full name so seldom that I’ve been guilty of forgetting what “Hen” is short for.
Hen is focused. She’s reliable. She can roll her eyes at the boys while keeping her patient at ease. She gets out of bed after her wife’s miscarriage because she has to be strong. People need her, so she doesn’t tell them much.
Henrietta is unfocused sometimes. She’s vulnerable. She’s human, and she’s shattered.
Foreshadowing on the episode tells viewers something is coming. It’s beautifully done, because throughout the whole episode, there is an unsettling vibe through all of Hen’s scenes.
The promo video that fans may have seen for this episode confirms that. But either way, there is an unsteady pulse in the background every time she’s on the screen outside of work.
Yet, we have no idea what is coming.
My heart breaks for Hen and her entire family — because they are definitely not going to be OK. Denny is going to suffer the most, because neither of his moms are emotionally capable of taking care of him right now.
It’s very early on in this story. But for Karen and Henrietta, surviving their individual traumas may mean growing into different people — and that may mean growing apart from each other.
Hen’s state at the end of the episode makes her speech to Athena earlier on that much more important.
Athena proves she will keep her promise to be there for Hen right there in the street — as if anyone who has seen every episode of this show would doubt that.
Of course, she’s there emotionally for Hen as a friend. But she’s also Hen’s logic when she has none. Plus, off duty or not, she is a police officer and she does not hesitate for a second to protect and serve.
Protection. Let’s focus on that for a second. Hen doesn’t want any protection. On the scene, she keeps saying the phrase, “I hit her.”
Now, Hen’s not in her right state of mind. But my first reaction is to agree with her.
It’s not smart of Hen to admit guilt. But Hen hit Evelyn — what’s wrong with taking responsibility, right? Wrong. Athena Grant schools Henrietta and me as to why.
We think Hen hit Evelyn’s car and killed her. Do we know that for certain? Hen definitely does not in her state.
And Athena has me second-guessing myself.
At the risk of sounding heartless, an accident is an accident, and if Evelyn’s behavior contributed to her own death, that’s what happened. It’s heartbreaking. But if it’s a fact, it’s a fact.
Do I think Hen hitting Evelyn causes her death? Do I think Evelyn’s distracted and that should be factored into everything?
The answer to both of those questions is yes.
But what do I know for sure?
The answer to that question is nothing. Evelyn may be the one without a heartbeat, but Hen may not come out of this alive.
Henrietta will live. She will breathe. She will go on. But she’s not going to be the same person.
Hen’s story is beautifully done. But “Malfunction” isn’t a five-star episode, because there is nothing extraordinary about the other plots.
Eddie’s grief and even his anger is understandable. But 9-1-1 only incorporates street fighting into the show because Ronda Rousey plays Lena Bosko.
She plays the character well, and at least Lena isn’t at the center of the fighting.
It still stinks of desperation on the show’s part. Eddie has a child that needs him. Sure, fighting means money, and grief changes people.
Grieving or not, it’s very hard to believe that a first-responder would turn to a pastime that could make him into a murderer for a little bit of extra cash.
Punch a bag, play some poker, and grow up, Eddie Diaz. You’re getting zero sympathy from this writer.
When grieving Henrietta finds the strength to get out of the bed she’ll undoubtedly be sharing with her wife for the next couple of weeks, she deserves redemption more than Eddie.
I don’t care if he’s a widower and a single parent. That’s exactly why he should know better.
Notes:
- The writers have been doing better, but this episode has some problems balancing tone even before the crash.
- Retcon can get iffy, but I’m living for the fact that Bobby Nash was a figure skater. It better be in the show Bible.
- Maddie is scarce two episodes in a row. It’s noticeable and sad.
- I’m pretty sure that this is one of the very few times they’ve told a victim’s story backward, and it’s so effective.
- Athena’s suspension is b*llsh*t.
- In case it’s not clear enough, Aisha Hinds deserves all of the awards.
- Distracted driving is more than just texting. It’s more than holding the phone to your ear. It has everything to do with your attention, even the second after you hang up your call when your focus isn’t 100% on just the road yet. Drive safely.
What did you think of this episode of 9-1-1? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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9-1-1 airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.
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Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.