Station 19 Review: Phoenix from the Flame (Season 5 Episode 1)

Station 19 Season 5 Episode 1, “Phoenix from the Flame,” is an uplifting premiere that finds its highs not despite the characters’ lows but because of them.

It’s an episode that acknowledges the dichotomy of the good and bad in life by letting the characters experience both, sometimes simultaneously. 

Its non-linear storytelling lends itself to the off-quilter feeling that comes with this firehouse family being in disarray. However, the content of those flashbacks beautifully juxtaposes the chaos in the present. 

More often than not, those flashbacks are moments of calm surrounding the events that coincide with Maya and Carina’s wedding. They’re moments that let the characters exist without the stressors of their current call. It’s nice to see their joy. 

None of the flashbacks is more poignant than the second of Carina’s two scenes. Danielle Savre and Stefania Spampinato don’t even need to say a word for the point to get across, for us to feel Maya and Carina’s love.

No matter what happens, Marina will rise, stronger together.

This scene is all the more moving considering how Maya stuck by Carina when Andrew died last season. Their situations aren’t comparable, but the parallel exists because of how they create a safe space for the other to be vulnerable. 

The scenes between Vic and Theo are so well-earned after a season full of will-they-won’t-they moments. It’s smart of the script to include their shared skepticism about Travis in a flashback rather than in the present. 

It would be unfair for Vic and Theo to walk on eggshells again this season in order to go through the same story with Travis. It’s a good thing that Station 19 leaves that in the past, but it doesn’t appear as though it’s going to do that with Dean and Vic. 

It’s obvious that at some point before this show ends, Dean’s feelings won’t be a secret. It’s still to be determined whether this happens because Dean finally tells the truth or Jack can’t bear keeping the secret anymore. 

Regardless, this story is one that needs to brew under the surface. It would be absurd for Station 19 to spend so long building up to Vic and Theo, showing no signs that Vic could have feelings for Dean, only to blow it all up.

As of now, Dean’s work with Crisis One is far more compelling. It has the potential to create real, lasting change within the community and have a ripple effect throughout Seatle. 

It’s the journey Dean needs that frees him from orbiting around a potential relationship with Vic that is clearly not happening right now. 

Alternatively, now is the perfect time for Emmett and Travis. Their compatibility is no more evident than in “Phoenix from the Flame.” 

Jay Hayden and Lachlan Buchanan’s chemistry has only strengthened between seasons, making it impossible not to root for Travis and Emmett. It’s fun to watch them get to be so at ease around each other.

Even the way Travis pokes fun at Emmett for being nearly naked in public is a genuine progression for Tremmett.

It’s riveting to watch Travis’ pessimism come up against Emmett’s optimism. It’s also a great metaphor for the ways in which people are coming out of the last two years. Some of us are like Travis, others like Emmett.

The ease at which those two characters come together has to suggest that some sort of connection can exist within the real world, too. 

That hope for a better future, fictional or otherwise, doesn’t look all that possible for Sullivan at the moment. His apology is far too little and too late. “Phoenix from the Flame” puts Robert in a position where he will have to win back the trust of each and every person at 19. 

Though this could take Sullivan down a darker path, it will certainly let us see a different side of him that Boris Kodjoe will play so well. 

Robert is seeing the consequences of his actions, and they’re leaving him in the ashes of Andy’s flames. It’s not even unfortunate that Andy and Robert break up because it’s been coming to this for quite some time.

Andy is at least self-aware enough for the both of them to know that even their foundation is something to be dubious about. It’s actually quite brave to see Andy lean into the uncertainty of being on her own without Sullivan and without the shadow of her father. 

It’s brave of Andy to choose her joy rather than risk losing it for good by trying to maintain a relationship that won’t work. 

Her budding friendship with Theo is one of the best parts of this premiere, but it would have been even greater had that heart-to-heart been with Maya. It still feels as though Andy and Maya are finding their footing in their friendship since Maya became Captain. 

The scene at the start of the episode when Andy, Carina, and Maya go up to bat against the Chief to protect Maya’s position is such a strong one. It instills a desire to see more of their dynamic, Carina included, because Captain Beckett isn’t going anywhere — at least not soon enough.

Station 19 has the opportunity to strengthen their friendship all while Andy and Maya succeed in the face of the patriarchy. There’s no denying that Carina and the rest of 19 would be right beside them in that fight. 

“Phoenix from the Flame” leaves the 19 family finding their way through the darkness and to each other. The ground may be uneven beneath some of their feet, but they continue to find a way to steady themselves in each other.

Ultimately, they’ll always rise from the ashes together.

Stray Thoughts

• Ben giving a Bailey speech is a sight to see.
• Captain Beckett is actually so incompetent at his job that it worries me to think about what other red flags he’ll miss. 
• Did I cry at Maya picking up the call and saying “This is Captain Bishop, Station 19” because it’s a reflex? YES.
• Emmett is too precious for this world. He was fully prepared to make siren noises if it meant directing people to safety.

What did you think of this episode of Station 19? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Station 19 airs Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC.

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