9-1-1 Review: There Goes the Neighborhood (Season 4 Episode 7)

Hen and Michael get some well-deserved focus on 9-1-1 Season 4 Episode 7, “There Goes the Neighborhood.” It’s been a long time coming and honestly, it redeems the show from the previous episode.

Not since the episode where Hen’s father dies have we really heard Hen discuss her parents or family. Most of us would just assume her only family is Karen and the kids. 

Having her mom show up is a welcome surprise because she brings with her a change of pace. It’s always helpful to get some more insight into who Hen is and how she became the woman that she is today. 

Gammy is the best way to showcase that without slapping our faces with it. From Hen’s body language — which Aisha Hinds nails by the way — and her clipped statements, it is easy to surmise that her relationship with her mom isn’t much better than the one she had with her father. 

Hen is probably one of the strongest characters on this show. Time and time again she has shown just how much she can endure and keep pushing forward.

However, “There Goes the Neighborhood” highlights just how vulnerable Hen is at times. She does have this can-do attitude, but sometimes her mom’s words knock her down harder than anyone else’s. 

That vulnerability is needed to show how much Hen can grow and change for the better. If she hadn’t leaned on Karen to get through her concerns that her mom doesn’t believe in her, Hen would never have been able to give her mom an open platform.

It’s hard to imagine just how Gammy could’ve turned out if the bond with her daughter hadn’t been opened up for healing. Dismissing her mom and then finding out she lived the homeless life for any period of time would’ve wracked Hen with guilt.

Here is a woman who doesn’t necessarily trust her mom completely, but knows that compared to her father, she did the best that she could. Hen is opening up her home to this woman as a sign of good faith and love. 

This relationship is going to be the one to watch in the coming episodes because they’re still at that fragile stage, and co-habitation is stressful enough to people who get along, let alone people who don’t. 

For the first time in a while, 9-1-1 actually has us terrified for Michael’s safety for a few hot minutes. There is a level of anticipation built into this episode that has been lacking from everyone’s storyline, especially Michael’s. 

Is this man trying to waste the second chance at life he’s been given? Honestly, I can’t think of anything more reckless than him taking the law into his own hands just because he’s a bit bored. 

While thrilling, Michael needs to pick up a different hobby. Maybe one a bit less life-threatening. 

Despite how dangerous the whole neighbor plot is, Michael and Bobby banding together to solve a crime despite what Athena wants is true TV gold. These two men have always had an interesting dynamic considering who they are in Athena’s life, and it’s great to see them be positive influences for May and Harry. 

However, I’m not too sure that Bobby encouraging Michael’s sleuthing is the way to go. Thankfully, if Bobby hadn’t been involved Michael would’ve been in more danger so there is a silver lining at least. 

Also, there is just something so satisfying about defying a direct order from Athena Grant.

The woman is formidable, but somehow her husbands — current and ex — have the innate ability to bring out her more forgiving/playful side. Which we always love to see. 

This is also a bonding moment for Michael’s new boyfriend. Up to this point, we’ve seen Athena verbally accept him as part of the family fold. 

However, because of this mission, he is now indubitably part of the Bobby/Michael friendship circle. Which, we also love to see because Michael deserves to feel like all parts of him are accepted by his family.

Minor Emergencies:

• Buck really needs to chill out a bit. I’m not sure he’s ready for dating yet if this is how he takes rejection.
• I love the gift basket ideas that Maddie and Chim are handing out.
• Harry is the man. So cute and funny.

—

What did you think of this episode of 9-1-1? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

9-1-1 airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

What to Watch on TV: New Amsterdam, WandaVision, Coming 2 America