9-1-1 Review: Defend in Place (Season 5 Episode 8)

If you are looking for an episode to remind you of the days of old, then 9-1-1 Season 5 Episode 8, “Defend in Place,” is that episode. 

It’s been so long since we’ve had a good, strong episode of 9-1-1 that we hardly know how to contain ourselves. While overall the episode is very nearly perfect, I do have a minor issue with it. 

Let’s dive in, shall we? 

Family, Unity, Community

The best thing about “Defend in Place” is that it gives us that feeling of family and community that has been sorely lacking this season. Not only do we get to see the 118 hold their own against one of the biggest fires they’ve fought in years, but we also get to see the other parts of the 9-1-1 story come together.

I’m not only talking about Athena and Michael starting a prayer circle/chain in the parking lot of the hospital. There is also the coming together that happens at the dispatch center. 

Since her arrival, Claudette has done nothing but create division and a culture of bullying. However, when her chips are down, and she’s barely hanging on, it’s her coworkers that pull her back up and make sure she is okay. 

They work together to get the job done, even when it seems that all hope is lost. Then, when all is said and done they pretend as though it never happened and move on. 

In a situation like this that is key, because it allows a few of Claudette’s walls to come down. Maybe this situation is going to help her see that she will do well to be human toward her coworkers instead of dismissive and rude.

The Side Characters Matter

Something that doesn’t happen often with 9-1-1 is that the characters being rescued are made to be a big part of the overall story. We are rarely given a reason to care about these minor characters beyond the moment.

However, on “Defend in Place,” there are several characters that keep us on the edge of our seats the whole time. From Rupert and his friend Callie to the little boy and his baby sister, we are on the edge waiting to know each of their fates. 

Even the man in surgery and his wife are on our minds the whole time. The biggest reason for this is because the loved ones of these characters or the characters themselves have connection with our main cast. 

If Eddie hadn’t been visibly shaken by the prospect of that little boy and his sister dying we wouldn’t have been as invested. Sure, we would’ve wanted to know what happens, but it wouldn’t be as important to the story as it is after Eddie’s physical reaction to the situation. 

The man in surgery is just a plot device to blame for David being reckless, but then we see his wife. She’s just as broken as Michael is and the two take comfort in one another and create a circle of faith and healing together. 

It’s a welcome change to the writing for this season and I, for one, hope it sticks around.

Grant and Nash: Family First

One of the best things about 9-1-1 is the attention it puts on families and family units. From the beginning the Grant family has stuck together despite Michael being gay and divorcing Athena. 

Then when Bobby was added, the children didn’t act as though Bobby was an other — he was just Bobby. So, it only seems natural that now Michael wants to ask David to marry him the family expands once more.

Harry’s sweet comment of “I’ll have three dads, Father’s Day is gonna suck” is exactly what is so special about this family. They are one whole unit, not two to three separate parts. It shines a positive light on the success of blended families. 

Honestly, the loveliest moment of the whole episode is the montage at the beginning where Athena, Bobby, and the kids all pitch in to make sure Michael has everything he needs to propose to David that very night. It’s one thing to be a family, but it’s another to love each other enough despite it all to help create more members of the family. 

Even when Michael is rushing around in the parking lot on the verge of panic because David is in the middle of the explosion zone it never once feels like anything else. Athena is there by his side through it all reminding him that he can have faith becuase she trusts in Bobby and so should he.

The way Bobby calls Michael David’s husband while trying to save David is even further proof of this family. 9-1-1 has been kind of lax on reminding us of that core element we fell in love with the show for,  but this episode more than makes up for it.

Are they husbands or just close friends?

Now for the one glaring issue I have with this episode. Michael and David are in love, they get engaged. Heck David almost died.

So, why is the most physical contact they have a hug? That’s the same kind of reaction we normally get when one of the 118 is in a harrowing situation and they make it out to the rest of the team.

These two men are supposedly so in love with one another that they are getting married and going off to Haiti together. And yet, all we get are some soft glances and a hug or two. 

I’m sorry, but I am not feeling the love. It’s as if the show is afraid to show them being “too intimate.” Because as I sit here and wrack my brains in the time they’ve been in their relationship I barely remember any kisses between them.

Then I sit here and think about the other LGBTQ+ couple on the show — Hen and Karen — and I come up the same. It’s beyond frustrating. 

These two men are in a loving, stable relationship which is about to turn into a marriage. Please let them show that with a bit more intimacy. Thank you. 

I am aware that we are in a pandemic, but kissing hasn’t been banned from all shows so clearly, 9-1-1 could try to make something work. I would have even settled for a kiss on the cheek at the very least. 

David almost died for crying out loud! Michael was beyond worried, but no a hug is just fine. 

Stray Thought:

• The flashbacks with Michael as the family said goodbye to him is probably the most emotional moment of the whole episode. It’s going to be strange not having Michael around. 

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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