Station 19 Review: Little Girl Blue (Season 5 Episode 6)
Station 19 Season 5 Episode 6, “Little Girl Blue,” tries to find a reason for celebration as it struggles to make sense of Dean Miller’s death.
Thankfully, this episode has such strong elements, like new dynamics and emotional bombshells, that let this stellar cast shine.
“Little Girl Blue” seemingly believes it provides enough clarity when, instead, it doubles down on how Dean’s death is not only unavoidable but unnecessary.
All of the drama (sans Ben and Miranda’s custody battle) would have persisted had Dean moved to Oakland.
Vic could have reckoned with Dean’s love for her after the move. Andy would still confront her trauma.
Jack would still have to adjust to day-to-day life without his best friend. But, the firehouse family would feel Dean’s absence, regardless.
So why does Station 19 believe Dean’s death is the only route to confront the characters with heartaches, grief, and beautiful disasters?
Characters frequently die on television to move the plot along, but Dean Miller shouldn’t have been one of those characters.
Unfortunately, Dean is gone. Fortunately, Station 19 doesn’t let Pru fade into the background.
It’s difficult to imagine the tension between Dean’s parents and Ben and Miranda ending traumatically because that is too much for one little girl to unknowingly shoulder.
Here’s hoping the show finds an efficient and effective way to wrap up that story because Pru doesn’t need any more drastic changes in her life.
Maya and Carina, on the other hand, are ready for a drastic change. If you listen carefully, you can hear Marina fans (myself included) rejoicing at the news!
The happy couple’s family will eventually grow with a baby of their own. The timing feels right because of how well-paced this arc has been, especially this season.
There have been a few bumps, like Maya’s absurd interactions with patients who just so happen to be in Maya’s exact predicament.
It all pays off with a beautifully tender moment between the couple where Danielle Savre and Stefania Spampinato lean into their characters’ vulnerabilities.
It’s a standout moment from “Little Girl Blue” because Savre and Spampinato carve out space for Maya and Carina in a crowded room.
Carina and Maya’s comfortability around 19 contributes to the ease of the intimacy of this moment.
It’s meaningful for such a moment to come after Carina’s scene with Jack, where Spampinato delivers a beautiful and classic Shondaland speech. It gives me high hopes for their scenes done the road with the clinic.
Nevertheless, Carina and Maya’s trust in each other allows Maya to let her guard down long enough to be soft and not see shame in it.
Maya melts at the sight of Pru, and it’s moving because we all know, Carina included, how much it took Maya to get to this point. Her growth is a sight to see, and we are lucky that this is only the beginning of a new chapter.
Alternatively, Station 19 succeeds at showing personal growth is not linear (at least not for everyone) with Travis Montgomery.
This storyline with Travis and his father Paul has been long and sometimes arduous, but a realistic reflection of how everyone’s coming out journey is different and should happen at their own pace.
Travis knows this because of himself, Emmett, and their past. Yet, he can’t step back from the situation long enough to see Paul through a lens as anyone other than his deceptive father.
Paul and Travis’ arguments are compelling to watch because there is truth in both of their perspectives.
Moreover, Jay Hayden is so unbelievably fantastic at his job that he makes us want to root for Travis even when we know he’s in the wrong.
Hayden finds humor in moments that make us laugh through our tears, like his desperation in saving a turkey when he couldn’t save his parent’s marriage.
He’s a fascinating performer, which isn’t unlike the rest of this cast.
Despite the Ingrid arc falling flat for me, Jason George’s performance makes me wish I cared about it more.
George’s delivery of the line “It’s love, and it’s grief” feels as though it speaks directly to what plenty of us have felt over the last two years.
Lachlan Buchanan’s ability to harness Emmett’s empathy makes me yearn for more one-on-one Tremmett scenes so those “I love yous” feel less casual and more purposeful.
Stray Thoughts
- Why did Dean’s funeral happen off-camera?
- Theo having Andy’s back makes me happy.
- You bet I caught that longing Surrera glance during Thanksgiving dinner!
- Can Dr. Diane stay forever? I’ll keep asking; I don’t mind.
- This episode is more of a crossover than the last.
- Chandra Wilson is a national treasure.
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 8/9c on ABC.
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Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.