Station 19 Review: The Little Things You Do Together (Season 5 Episode 11)

Station 19 Season 5 Episode 11, “The Little Things You Do Together,” places some of its couples at defining crossroads. In the process, this episode furthers the show’s ability to challenge the narratives usually spotlighted on TV.

First and foremost, its representation of Vic’s medical abortion is an example of something that’s still incredibly rare to see on TV.

It’s important. It’s relevant. Yet, it’s still incredibly rare. That realization hits at different moments, like when Carina doesn’t simply hand the pills to Vic. Instead, Carina explains their differences, what they do, and their side effects.

After that, the storyline doesn’t shift to pretend Vic’s abortion’s side effects are less worthy of screentime. 

“The Little Things You Do Together” doesn’t flinch in the face of Vic’s discomfort or pain. Instead, it follows her through it with such sympathy, and Barrett Doss delivers yet another exceptional performance along the way.

Vic’s abortion surfaces a broad range of beautifully imperfect human emotions, and Station 19 never once shames her for any of it. Moreover, it’s still wonderful to see Vic’s decision respected by everyone around her that knows and loves her.

Furthermore, it’s genuinely sweet to see Theo show up for Vic and accept her and love her through all of this like he always has. Theo’s a top-notch guy. He proves it at every turn during the episode, including singing loudly and poorly to make her smile.

Not to mention, it’s endearing and sexy to see a man who wants to know more about women’s reproductive systems and how specific medical procedures affect them.

Doss and Carlos Miranda’s work together is so great that it’s challenging to pick a standout scene from “The Little Things You Do Together.” But, Vic’s devastating confession is one of the best.

It’s a revelatory moment where she’s finally honest with Theo and herself. Tessa Blake’s direction of this scene is inspiring and noteworthy in its unabashed focus on Vic. The female gaze matters.

The camera could quickly check in with Theo to gauge his reaction to her words, but it’s not about him at that moment. It’s about Vic. Station 19 knows this and is better for it. Miranda’s presence as Theo is enough in that scene.

This episode intimately centers Vic’s complexity and catches her humanity in many different lights. It’s beautiful. It’s also beautiful to see Vic and Theo’s love come out of this situation even stronger through the little things they do together.

The same is true for Maya and Carina. This episode starts with a glimpse into Marina’s domestic life, featuring a conversation about sperm donors.

Blake’s direction captures the little things they do together during that sequence. They make smoothies. They make coffee. They find quiet beats with each other before their respective shifts.

That situation within itself is rare on TV. Two women discussing sperm donors to start their family is still rare on TV. This episode — this season — chips away at that rarity. After all, we know representation matters.

Maya and Carina’s discussions about sperm donors are candid and emotional. The Andrew DeLuca mention is enough to bring happy tears to a Station 19 fan’s eyes. Moreover, their shared excitement about the next chapter of their search is palpable.

“The Little Things You Do Together” finds joy in the crossroads for its couples. Like Ben says, the firehouse family is a bit of a mess right now and understandably so. But, finding that joy is vital.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be possible for Emmett and Travis any longer. At least that won’t be possible until the two of them have an honest conversation like Vic and Theo do, like Carina and Maya do.

At the end of the episode, Travis chooses his words very wisely by stating he loves Emmett and doesn’t want to hurt him. But, Travis can’t suppress his feelings in favor of prolonging the inevitable. That’s not fair to anyone. 

So, Travis and Emmett are still at a crossroads. Sometimes deciding to choose the more challenging path is the one that leads to joy. Sometimes that means letting go of someone you love to let them find that joy without you. It’s tough, but maybe that’s what Travis and Emmett need to do.

Stray Thoughts

• Pru running into Andy’s arms is one of the best things to ever happen on this show.
• Jack waving to Pru with both hands is another one of the best things to ever happen on this show.
• How long did Maya walk around Grey Sloan before finding Carina?
• Andy and Jack are in their besties era, and I love that for them!
• Every Robert Sullivan and Richard Webber scene sparks joy.
• Will I cry every time someone mentions Lucas Ripley? Yes!

 

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Station 19 airs Thursdays at 8/9c on ABC.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

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

Shelby’s Top 10 TV Shows of 2021