9-1-1 Review: Panic (Season 5 Episode 1)

As everyone knows, 9-1-1 is well known for its intense, action-packed premieres.  9-1-1 Season 5 is playing out as no different. 

9-1-1 Season 5 Episode 1, “Panic,” proves that when it’s good, really good, a show can pack in multiple punches — within an hour — and still not seem crowded. In this case, there are so many emergencies flying around that we forget to breath or even realize it’s only been one episode. 

Athena and the Rapist

The big story arc for Athena that starts with 9-1-1 Season 3 Episode 17, “Powerless,” and carries throughout her PTSD of Season 4, is the serial rapist. It’s the first time we see Athena in a moment of extreme vulnerability and doubt. 

In all honesty, her PTSD humanizes Athena more strongly than any other storyline has ever been able to. So, naturally the next step is for her to finally face her attacker.

It’s just unfortunate that this occurs in a very convoluted way, made possible by our messed up judicial system. The courtroom scene really exemplifies why attackers shouldn’t be allowed to be their own council and cross exam their victims — it’s prejudicial and a major intimidation tactic.

Luckily, “Panic” shows Athena stronger and more resolved than ever to see this man go down. She doesn’t back away from the fight and inspires the other victims to do the same, despite all the gross “groupies” this man has in the courtroom.  

However, the biggest surprise of the episode is definitely that twist with his “fired” legal counsel. Who would have predicted she’d be the one to turn on Athena’s partner and kill him?

Talk about a gasp out loud and launch yourself at the nearest human kind of moment! This is what 9-1-1 does well, it knows how to make us want more.

You’ve Been Hacked

These hackers from last season are no joke. While it hasn’t been revealed that its the same guys, I have my suspicions — which are usually spot on. 

It’s one thing to mess with the 9-1-1 Dispatcher system, it’s another entirely to mess with everyday devices. Honestly, I never expected glitchy GPS systems and phones to be so exciting.

The team really comes together to face these insane conditions head on, keeping their cool when the world clearly didn’t get the memo. Bobby says it best at the start of the episode.

Bobby: I really thought this year was going to be different.

Different is definitely a word for it. If it’s not glitches in the air traffic control system giving people health issues then it’s a blackout that affects a medevac helicopter.

This season isn’t going to be nice and easy on anyone least of all our first responders. 

Eddie, You Ok?

I have been an Eddie Diaz fan since the moment he was introduced back in Season 2. I thought the end of Season 4 was bad enough, that’s nothing on this episode.

When 9-1-1 goes hard, it really goes hard. Eddie’s panic attack in the clothing store is so palpable I felt a tightness in my own chest. 

After his team told him things are serious and then the shop attendant mistakes Ana for Chris’ mom, it’s no wonder Eddie panicked. It’s like Carla told him in Season 4, he needs to be sure he’s dating Ana for himself not for Chris.

I have a feeling that Season 5 is going to show major growth and reflection for our dear Eddie Diaz. His panic attacks are going to wake him up to the reality that he may not be ready to admit to yet. 

Of course, this Buddie shipper hopes that Buck will be there to really support Eddie on this journey and bring them closer together. Even if it’s all just a friendship bonding experience for them, I need Buck to be there for Eddie through this.

What if, Buck suggests his therapist for Eddie? That would be further proof that 9-1-1 cares about the mental health of their characters and want to portray that in a positive light. 

Ultimately, this premiere leaves us many things to think about as we continue further into the LA blackout. Which, is something every show hopes to do with its season premiere. 

Minor Emergencies:

• It is nice to see all the “parents” sitting around a table together talking about things that matter to them. Shows a familial unity.
• Taylor and Buck have no chemistry. Why does the show continue to insist on them being a plausible couple?
• That opening sequence gives me Jumanji vibes…oh boy.

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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