9-1-1 Season Finale Review: Survivors (Season 4 Episode 14)

Never before have viewers been so amped up for a season finale episode, and then let down so dramatically.

This is, unfortunately, the case for 9-1-1 Season 4 Episode 14, “Survivors.” There are so many opportunities for real consequences to come for the 118 from this active sniper situation. After all, he is targetting firefighters. 

With the end of 9-1-1 Season 4 Episode 13, “Suspicion,” it seems the only logical route for this episode is a dramatic rescue of Eddie, and to have his life hang in the balance.

What we get instead is a very anti-climatic end to his life being in danger within the first fifteen minutes of the episode. 

To be fair, I have sat through the entire episode anticipating some major twist at the end that will create drama for someone. For a hot second, it seems as though Bobby is going to meet his end there in the fire with the sniper.

Unfortunately, the problem that 9-1-1 has had with follow-through since day one continues to be a problem here. On any good high-stakes drama there needs to be action and consequence. 

On shows like Chicago Fire and Grey’s Anatomy, major characters die from time to time. It’s a way of life on these types of shows, even 9-1-1: Lone Star understands this only two seasons in.

What’s really disappointing is that 9-1-1 has so much promise to be one of the absolute greats. Clearly, there is a very passionate fanbase out there for this show — most of whom don’t care all that much about consequences seeming reasonable or realistic. 

However, there are a few of us who want that drama and intrigue of whether or not our favorites will make it out alive.

Four seasons in and we are at the point where it doesn’t really get our blood pumping anymore because everything always ends with a nice little bow on top — no harm no foul. 

If not for this issue with the threat to Eddie and Bobby’s lives, 9-1-1 might have a solid end to a solid season. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t another issue on many fans’ minds with this episode.

I am talking about the very big Buck/Eddie elephant in the room. These guys are fantastic friends and by all means, it seems that the writers are choosing to keep them at that level.

This is all well and good, but that also means the writers need to take a good, long, hard look in the mirror at what this means for a certain subset of their fanbase.

Fans are always going to have characters that they want to see get together, it’s just how the world works when it comes to consuming TV shows. However, between 9-1-1 Season 4 Episode 13, “Suspicion,” and this episode, the deeper connection between these characters — which some could interpret as being more than just platonic — has been laid on super thick. 

Between the looks they both share as Eddie gets shot; Buck losing his mind on calls because of Eddie, and then Eddie naming Buck the legal guardian of Chris, it’s all very obvious and frustrating.

It’s not necessarily the acts of these moments themselves but the nature in which each scene is orchestrated. 

It’s not nice and it’s not fair to still be doing this to the LGBTQ+ community in 2021. I will leave it at this to stay on topic, but a big chunk of my enjoyment of this episode is squandered on the very obvious pandering 9-1-1 has decided to reduce itself to.

While it’s fantastic that this show has been renewed for a fifth season, I personally find myself tired. Maybe next season will be different and the follow-through will be more sincere, but I remain unconvinced. 

Minor Emergencies:

• It’s wonderful that Buck has been named the legal guardian of Chris should anything happen to Eddie, but I don’t appreciate that Eddie didn’t tell Buck for a year — they are closer than that.
• While it’s nice that Bobby and Athena seem to be on the same page I need to see them actually hash out their issues to be fully convinced.
• I’m glad Nia is going to have both her momma and her foster momma in her life. 

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

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9-1-1 returns this fall for Season 5 on FOX.

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