9-1-1 Review: Ghost Stories (Season 5 Episode 7)

It would be nice if Season 5 would settle on a tone and stick to it. 9-1-1 Season 5 Episode 7, “Ghost Stories,” doesn’t help the season figure out it’s place within the series. 

In fact, as far as episodes go, this one is easily a throwaway episode. If not for one storyline that took hold of the episode when it didn’t need to, this episode could’ve been a strong contender up against 9-1-1 Season 5 Episode 6, “Brawl in Cell Block 9-1-1” as a top episode of the season.

By rogue storyline, I am of course talking about the extremely convoluted murder plot between a couple and the guy at the hardware store. 

Murder for Hire, but for Who?

Having an exciting murder plot is all fun and games, but maybe not on a show about first responders? It took up a big chunk of the episode for no reason. 

Maybe if the whole case is handled by Athena and her friend Detective Ransone, but not when we throw Taylor Kelly into the mix. She is just a reporter, she isn’t a licensed detective. How is she not getting in trouble for breaking the rules?

The case has no place in this episode overall and should’ve been a one-off and then done. It would’ve been more satisfying just to see the end result instead of all the investigating.

Especially considering the stories this plot took away from — you know the actual main characters of this show. The investigation barely involves Athena so I can’t even chalk it up to her side of the first responders getting more air time. 

All in all, the murder for hire is more of a dumpster fire. 

The Ghosts in “Ghost Stories”

One of the most fascinating parts of this episode is actually when the story focuses on Chim or Hen. These two characters barely get the focus they deserve so it’s nice to see their personal lives take center stage. 

First and foremost, it’s nice to see Chim again after weeks without him. The other surprise is seeing him reunite with the man who mentored him in his early days, Eli. 

Something about seeing that blast from the past brings Chim’s story full circle and allows him to find closure in his inner battle with Maddie. Eli provides him the perspective he needs to really see who he needs to be for both Jee-yun and Maddie. 

I’m interested to see if 9-1-1 actually allows Chim to grow in that direction on camera or if we will have to hear about it second hand. Either way, I hope Eli’s words help Chim to forgive Buck for something that wasn’t his fault. 

In terms of Hen, her ghost is one I don’t ever want to see ever again. Eva wasn’t a great plot device the first time she is introduced in Season 1, and she’s still not a great plot device now. 

Karen and Hen don’t need almost every single one of their domestic, romantic moments to either stem from a fight or create a fight. It’s one of the writers’ biggest offenses for these characters.

That being said, watching Karen bare her soul, and fight for what is hers, is a moment 5 seasons in the making. I just wish it could have been this powerful moment where Hen is more involved to see her woman fight for their family. 

It’s obvious why this plot is created to happen between Eva and Karen instead of all three of them. That doesn’t mean we have to like it. 

The Family that Heals Together

At the start of “Ghost Stories” it’s truly worrying that Athena seems to still be stuck on Harry not speaking with her about his trauma. However, by the time Harry finally confronts his fears, we can clearly see this is going to be the turning point for the whole Grant/Nash family. 

While I am sure there are other ways Harry could confront his trauma and fear in a more productive way, there has to be a dramatic moment because it is 9-1-1 after all. Also, Harry isn’t really the type of kid to do things in a “typical” fashion. 

He is the type to confront what scares him the most, head-on. Of course, this means he will go to the location of his kidnapping. Of course, this means he isn’t going to assess the danger of such actions.

I’m just grateful that the writers created this organic moment between Harry and Ransone where they can both attack their traumas with Hudson. Sometimes that’s all it takes to move past something as intense as what they both went through. 

May’s comment earlier in the episode about the family needing to talk about it together is exactly the wake-up call that Michael needed. We’re grateful this family has now realized just how best to deal with all their PTSD from Hudson’s reign of terror.

Minor Emergencies

• For an episode that had us believing it would be a bit more “spooky” it definitely didn’t end up that way.
• Where was the girl with the emergency whose non-existent roommate called it in? Did I blink and miss it?
• There wasn’t nearly enough Buck or Eddie or the 118 in general during this episode
• Also, what is this illusion of Taylor having past trauma? I swear if they give her even more airtime I’m going to scream. She already greatly takes away from our mains.

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

9-1-1 airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

13 TV Partners with Undeniable Chemistry