9-1-1 Review: Seize the Day (Season 3 Episode 11)

Nothing spells family more than 9-1-1 Season 3 Episode 11, “Seize the Day,” where the topic jumps between given and chosen family dynamics. Both Michael and Chim are dealing with their own family dramas, which highlights why this show has become a part of our family.

Of course, the biggest concern going into this episode is Michael’s tumor. So, it comes as no surprise that it is a large topic of conversation both within the Grant family as well as the 118 family. 

One of the elements that 9-1-1 is always quick to highlight is the importance of blended family dynamics. This is a huge plus for me as a viewer because it shows two unique family dynamics can come together as one for the sake of the unit. 

It warms my heart to see that it doesn’t ever discredit or dismiss the importance of Bobby or Michael in May and Harry’s lives. Both of these men are their fathers in totally different ways — neither is more important than the other. 

To have that remain strong and in place even during a major life crisis such as this is what brings us back week after week. 

This isn’t just a showing for May and Harry, though. This attention to both men shows that any decision made by any member of the Grant/Nash family is a unified one.

So when Michael decides that the surgery isn’t the way to go for him, he is able to use these connections to really lean in and be supported. In all honesty, 9-1-1 could’ve easily created a story where Athena continues to hate Michael for all that he did to her.

This unity is a much more compelling story and makes it about love instead of drama — which we don’t need any more of on this show. Love is a stronger emotion and really pulls us into the story.

When Michael announces that he isn’t getting the surgery because of his conversation with May about focusing on life instead of death, we all feel that. I’d be hard-pressed to find a single fan who doesn’t shed a small tear for that moment. 

Speaking of May, her initial reaction to Michael discussing his possible death has me concerned. As fans will remember back on Season 1, May tries to kill herself when her parents first divorce. 

The subject of her depression and mental health haven’t really been brought up again, but I suspected her father’s possible death could be a trigger. It is nice that she surprised even me by reacting in a completely different way.

May’s probably one of the wisest kids on TV right now. She doesn’t say much, but when she does, it has depth and meaning. 

“Seize the Day” is no different; this girl is going to really carry not only her father through this but herself, something that isn’t expected if you look at her in Season 1. 

The subject of May knowing more because she’s the older sibling is actually one of the best tie-ins I’ve ever seen on a show between two separate storylines. It isn’t often that Chim becomes the center of attention, and this is the perfect way to do that for his character.

This is the episode that we find out Chim has a brother — well, half-brother — who seems to be treated fairly by their father. It brings out a side of Chim no one has ever really seen before and even I — a faithful Chim supporter — have a hard time condoning it.

If we think about all that we previously learned about Chim, sure it’s easy to understand why he’d be a bit short with the “preferred son” in his family. However, at times he really dives into petty a bit too deeply and comes out nothing like the Chim we know and love. 

Maybe this is 9-1-1‘s way of showing that even the most perfect of characters — i.e. Chim — aren’t actually any better than, say, Buck when he is injured. Whatever the reason, it is annoying at first because it seems so out of character but then mellows out as Chim opens up a bit more.

Chim is always the character who brings it home with a funny quip or a smile to cheer us up. It’s very rare that he gets personal or emotional about anything. 

That is what ultimately excuses his behavior — not the explanation itself but the fact that he explains. Considering how open Chim seems, he’s actually one of the most closed-off characters on the entire show. 

It’s nice that we are getting to see him break down a few of his walls. It’s even better that they come down because of Maddie’s love and attention. 

She never pushes him, she just gently guides him through all that he is feeling. Being rejected by a parent is hard to deal with and she never judges him for his pettiness or jealousy — she understands and listens. 

To see her nature encourage Chim to approach his brother and actually try to extend an olive branch really rounds out this episode and makes it one to remember. It’ll be nice to see Chim believe in the bond of a given family again.

Who knows, maybe his brother is the key to him finally putting his father behind him once and for all. 

Whatever the case is going to be, no one at Firehouse 118 is ever alone with their chosen family by their side. Sometimes it’s true what they say: that love is more than just blood. 

Further Thoughts:

• Eddie and Buck are the dream rescue team — this show better not break them up ever again. 
• I am so glad that Buck is back to his full health once again. Especially because it brings his more carefree nature out once more.
• The meet-cute between Justin and his crush is the kind of lovely this world needs right now. 

 

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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