9-1-1 Review: First Responders (Season 4 Episode 11)

While the firefighters and the police often work together, it isn’t often that the dispatchers are part of the action as well. That is why 9-1-1 Season 4 Episode 11, “First Responders,” pushes this show forward with the biggest move of the whole series.

By utilizing the dispatchers’ ability to know the layout of certain areas of LA to their advantage, both fire and police are able to locate the victim and the suspect. It’s a team effort, which is ultimately what this show should have been about ages ago. 

It’s always been a bit jarring that the dispatch team is part of the show but always as a separate unit, not part of the bigger picture. Except on a few rare occasions when the dispatchers become part of the action like during the hostage storyline.

Hopefully, by showing us what Josh and Sue are all about as dispatchers, 9-1-1 is setting it up for them to be a bigger part of the show moving forward. It is difficult to give every character their due when there are so many moving pieces, but it’s time the dispatchers are given a pat on the back.

After all, they are the backbone of what happens in each emergency situation. Sure, they sometimes don’t get to see things through to the end, but they are still major heroes. 

The biggest reveal of this episode is that Sue is the glue of the dispatch center because she has been there since it opened its doors in 1984. Talk about girl power! 

May joining the dispatch team has been a real blessing because with her and Maddie having ties to both police and fire we get to see more of the dispatch side. However, moving forward let’s make dispatch more a part of the story.

While the realism of the situation is that dispatchers only take the calls and then hand off the emergencies, that doesn’t mean they can’t be better integrated into 9-1-1 as a whole. It’s as simple as making at least one call per episode more intertwined with the workings of fire and police. 

I need more Josh and Sue like I need air. They are strong, pivotal characters who deserve a little bit more than what we get from them. It has taken four seasons for us to really even see a side of Sue that isn’t just standing behind another member of the dispatch team.

And Josh is a former stenographer? What else don’t we know about this character? He deserves a bit more spotlight on occasion — and not for another gay tragedy story, please. Those are old and tired.

Bryan Safi is a phenomenal addition to the 9-1-1 team and yet he rarely gets highlighted. Getting to see him flex his acting range during “First Responders” is the best reward for us patient fans.

We got to watch as Safi went from carefree and comforting Josh to terrified, ill-prepared past Josh and then to heartbroken friend Josh. It’s a range not many actors get to experience over a full season and he manages it during one episode with grace and beauty.

Josh breaks our hearts because we feel and understand his pain. Sue isn’t just his boss, she is his mentor and friend. We’ve all been there where we’ve been terrified for someone we care about.

Pulling the focus during “First Responders” to the often-overlooked first responders is a clear sign that the show knows its balance needs to be put right. That balance needs to include all three corners of the first responder mold — fire, police, and dispatch. 

As I said, it’s a move in the right direction. The real question is going to be whether or not 9-1-1 will maintain this upward trend.

On a smaller note, it’s nice to see Athena working to relinquish control of everything in her life. In the past, if May had talked to her about moving out she would’ve clammed up and refused to let her go. 

However, since starting therapy and leaning on Hen and Bobby more, Athena has learned that she needs to put more faith and trust in others. Seeing her actually implement those lessons is a dream come true. 

Character growth is always a beautiful thing, but when you thought a character couldn’t grow anymore and then they do it’s downright magical.

Athena’s positive step is a moment of magic because while doing that she is also mending fences with her daughter. All things considered, it’s about time they truly bury the hatchet. Together, Athena and May are going to be unstoppable. 

Minor Emergencies

• The Hen and Athena friendship is my absolute favorite on this show.
• Buck and Taylor’s friendship is growing on me too.

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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