9-1-1 Review: Hero Complex (Season 5 Episode 17)

When we focus on Hen and Chim, we absolutely cannot lose. Which is why 9-1-1 Season 5 Episode 17, “Hero Complex,” is a successful episode.

The way this episode manages to draw in details from previous episodes this season as well as add in new content keeps everyone on their toes. It’s engaging in the best way possible without veering into predictable tropes or busy storytelling. 

While there are some weaker moments, namely the whole business in Texas with the Diaz family, Chim and Hen manage to save the day. In more ways than one. 

Ride or Die

Since the beginning, Chim and Hen have been the friendship to end all friendships. Their bond is a favorite among most, if not all, 9-1-1 fans. 

There is just something so wholesome and strong about the bond they share and the roles they have in each other’s lives. Honestly, they wouldn’t be where or who they are today if it wasn’t for the other. 

It’s been a while since the show has given us some great quality Hen and Chim time. So, “Hero Complex” is like a whole buffet and we definitely got to eat.

There is the always fun one-liners that have us groaning and rolling our eyes or making us laugh. Then of course we also have the would do anything for the other — including, but not limited to, believing in a half baked idea, investigating without the authority being aware, and saving each other from harm.

Not going to lie, I had to hold my breath there for a minute when Jonah kept pumping Chim with drugs and Hen was sitting there begging him to stop. The whole thing made me feel so helpless and terrified that Chim was actually going to die.

It’s a true blessing that he didn’t; which as he puts is a team effort. I couldn’t agree more. These two are unstoppable. 

Jonah’s Descent

Not going to lie, Jonah’s part in everything makes this episode feel kind of like a page out of Criminal Minds‘ book. Down to the insane backstory and slow progression towards murder over time.

First and foremost, lets talk about that backstory. Sure, it’s fantastic that Jonah saved that bus driver’s life, but to get the key to the city and college tuition as a result? No wonder he becomes a serial killer.

The actor who plays Jonah should get some praise here because he manages to make even a smiling paramedic come off as creepy. While Jonah’s unhinged behavior regarding Hen and Chim is terrifying, I can’t help feeling like there’s something we don’t quite know yet.

The way Taylor is all gung-ho to run the story and reluctantly agrees to stand down has me feeling she has something to do with it. I don’t think that an investigator would tell Jonah what they are doing. So, it had to have been someone else who tipped him off.

Was it Taylor? Did she call up Jonah and push some buttons on him just to get a big headline on the news? We may never know, but either way it’s plausible theory. 

Diaz Family Drama

While Jonah’s serial killer activities seem to come out of nowhere, it’s not the only story that feels that way. While, it’s evident from the start that Eddie isn’t super close to all the members of his family it’s never really addressed. 

Until now, when Eddie travels back home to Texas. It just seems a bit jarring to have Eddie immediately at odds with his father, no preamble, no previous warning — apart from his conversation with Buck at the top of the episode. 

To top it all off, 9-1-1 makes the mistake of trying to squeeze a father forgiveness/redemption arc into an already messy storyline. While, it’s fine that Eddie and his father are seeking forgiveness from each other, it just seems a bit sudden that they go from such disdain and disregard to this — all because of a heart condition.

I’m personally tired of shows using the medical emergency trope to absolve characters of wrong-doing without actually putting in the work to develop the character beyond that wrong-doing. I guarantee if you create a more drawn out growth arc no one is going to complain. 

Minor Emergencies

• Chim with the Capri Sun in the hospital bed is a huge mood.
• I appreciate that the show seems to be laying the groundwork for Bobby to have his own mental health crisis. 
• I’m going to be so annoyed if Buck confronts Taylor about lying because he’s still lying to her in a BIG way. (Unless he told her off-screen which even more annoying.)

 

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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