Station 19 Review: Things We Lost in the Fire (Season 5 Episode 5)
The firehouse family loses one of their own on Station 19 Season 5 Episode 5, “Things We Lost in the Fire,” and it’s more than bittersweet.
It’s a shame, and it’s frustrating.
It’s a shame to see Dean Miller go out like this, albeit heroically because the seeds existed for a much brighter, prosperous future.
Dean’s death feels more like a side effect of a spectacle than a meaningful end to a character who has been on this show from the beginning.
Station 19 never shies away from the difficult truth that people die in this field of work.
Pruitt Herrera’s preexisting conditions contributed to his death. Lucas Ripley and Ryan Tanner are unexpected deaths that still sting.
Dean Miller could have been different. Over the last season and with the creation of Crisis One, the show makes us believe as much as possible.
It’s especially unfortunate that this is the last time we’ll see Okieriete Onaodowan in this role. His talents are unmistakable in every scene.
Namely, the scenes between Onaodowan and Barrett Doss in “Things We Lost in The Fire” are exceptional and emotional.
Their poignancy strengths with retrospection because of the way Dean leaves his heart on his sleeve even then.
Vic may think that Dean never told her that he loved her, but it’s heartbreaking to know that he does at that moment.
It’s evident through Onaodowan’s line delivery that Dean’s invitation doubles as a declaration.
Dean’s death is devastating, and it’s brutal to watch the realization ripple through the firehouse family.
Grey Damon and Jason George are outstanding as Jack and Ben grapple with reality in Dean’s final moments.
This tragic event will undoubtedly open old wounds for 19. “Things We Lost in the Fire” sees that starting to happen for Andy.
Jaina Lee Ortiz is so talented that it’s genuinely crushing to watch Andy realize how history repeats itself in real time.
Though “Things We Lost in the Fire” is advertised as a two-episode crossover event with Grey’s Anatomy, there is no crossing over in this episode.
Unfortunately, this is usually the case with episodes like this. Anyone from Grey Sloan rarely visits 19. Hopefully, that changes as both series progress.
Station 19 does make up for previously missed opportunities by letting Carina DeLuca-Bishop play a significant role in this episode.
It’s exciting to see her in the field, but it’s also nice to finally see her blossoming dynamics with the team at the firehouse.
The firehouse needs Carina’s energy! It’s great that this show realizes Carina can share scenes with characters other than Maya.
It’s fascinating to think of the clinic’s future with Jack, but that’s still a twinkle in Station 19‘s eye.
The standout scene for Carina in “Things We Lost in the Fire” is the one with Emmett.
Stefania Spampinato and Lachlan Buchanan are excellent additions to a stellar cast, and they shine in Carina and Emmett’s heart to heart.
Carina and Emmett offer insightful opinions from a perspective that differs from the dominant one in the firehouse.
Their conversation in the middle of one of Station 19‘s tensest episodes is like a touchstone for our concern for the characters.
Furthermore, it’s exciting to see them (especially Carina) take up space in the firehouse because that bodes well for their appearances in upcoming episodes.
With Emmett helping with Crisis One and Carina’s role with the new clinic, the future looks bright for them at 19.
It’s disheartening that the same cannot be true for Dean Miller.
His tragic death raises plenty of questions that Station 19 will need to unpack in its upcoming episodes.
Pru’s custody with Ben and Miranda is not a concern. Alternatively, it will be interesting to see how his death influences Crisis One’s advancement.
Most importantly, it matters how his life and death impact the 19 family — Jack and Vic especially.
Stray Thoughts
- Carina judging 19’s coffee preferences is very on-brand for her.
- Travis and Vic’s friendship is everything to me.
- It’s very sweet that Jack and Joey are friends.
- The Alexa sponsorship always makes me laugh.
- The sets are impressive!
- How did 23 not feel the explosion?
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.