9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 10 Review: Voices

Despite Maddie’s previous history of being kidnapped, she manages to keep her head on straight for her entire captivity on 9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 10, “Voices.” In fact, the writers choosing to mostly focus on her interactions with Det. Amber Braeburn is a perfect decision for this episode.

It has been a while since the relationship between Maddie and Chim has been given the focus it deserves. For that alone, this episode is just as strong as 9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 9, “Sob Stories.”

So, let’s break down everything that happened to Maddie and the reactions from her family. After all, one of the greatest things about the 118 is that they band together when one of their own is in trouble.

Maddie vs. Det. Amber Braeburn and Peter

It isn’t often that television gives respect to people who have trauma-related mental illness. From the drop with this episode, we see that Amber is struggling to keep her other identity in line, which just further shows how unstable she currently is.

Disassociative Identity Disorder is a real condition that doesn’t get portrayed well in the media. However, I feel 9-1-1 is the closest I’ve seen to it being shown respectfully. 

Much like people with this condition, we only see Amber’s alter, Peter, when she’s under the most stress. So, right after she locks Maddie up, and right before Amber wants to kill Maddie with fentanyl. 

While Peter is present, Maddie is able to coax him away from sticking her with the needle, asking him for a second chance. While I’m no expert on this mental disorder, I do know that people with this disorder need to be addressed differently based on which identity is at the forefront.

Maddie quickly realizes that she’s dealing with two identities within the same person and handles the situation with care and consideration for her own safety. It’s wonderful to see Jennifer Love Hewitt switch on and off between the aggressive fighter that she needs to be against Amber and the scared but considerate version she has to be to stay safe in Peter’s presence. 

Unlike her kidnapping during 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 13, “Fight or Flight,” this time around, Maddie has both Chim and Jee to worry about. This itself drives her actions as her time in captivity continues, and her survival seems bleak.

What surprises us most about her moments in captivity is how quick on her feet Maddie is about everything. From getting free from the tape wrapped around her wrists to using a can to unlock the chain around her ankle to managing to catch Amber by surprise when she needed it most. 

When she sees Chim on the screens in the basement, her heart visibly skips a beat. Hewitt makes sure viewers understand just how terrified Maddie is for his safety now, not her own. This is why it is so shocking when, despite her throat being slashed, she manages to drag herself upstairs and attack Amber.

Chim and Athena In Action

When the episode isn’t focusing on Maddie and Amber’s actions, it shows viewers just how those around her are coping with her disappearance. Most notable is the way Chim is devastated and determined in the face of uncertainty.

His conversation with Det. Amber Braeburn at the police department is extremely important because it shows just how much Chim has grown in his relationship with Maddie, but also still has doubts. Though he doesn’t say it all out loud, Kenneth Choi’s acting choices make up the difference.

Our hearts break watching the worry take over Chim’s whole demeanor. He’s trying to hold onto the belief that Maddie didn’t leave of her own accord, but Det. Braeburn makes a very strong case for it potentially being another pregnancy-related bout of depression.

However, when she asks which beach Maddie went to previously, it clicks into place for Chim, and he starts to suspect there is something fishy going on. He hasn’t quite clued into the fact that Det. Braeburn is the kidnapper, but he’s starting to move away from suspecting she’s left them behind again.

Apart from Chim, the most determined to see Maddie safe and sound is Athena. The moment she finds out Maddie is pregnant (thank you, Chim, for finally telling people), she goes full throttle to find her and bring her home alive.

It’s great to see her team up with Rick Romero again in the quest for Maddie. These two have a fantastic work rapport and chemistry. Honestly, if they are going to give Athena a partner, I vote for him (ignore the detail that he’s a detective).

The Rest of the Family Comes Together in Support

Since the pilot, we’ve known that one of the best friendships on 9-1-1 is that between Hen and Chim. These two have endured toxic workplace behavior together and come out the other side stronger than ever.

So, naturally, when Chim is in a crisis, it is Hen who gives everyone their assignments. She tells Chim to go to the police with Bobby, instructs Eddie and Buck to drive around the neighborhood looking for her, and she stays back at the house watching Jee. 

Throughout the episode, we see her make sure Chim doesn’t have to worry about his daughter so he can focus on Maddie instead. She keeps his head above the water, reminding him of what he and Maddie are capable of.

One of the most heartfelt moments of the whole episode is when Chim comes back home to rest and let the police handle things and finds Jee playing with Denny and Mara in the living room. He hugs Karen and Hen in thanks, and the group splits up, but it’s a moment that shows just how grateful Chim is to have Hen in his life.

Meanwhile, we see Buck start to spiral out about how much his life has spun out of his control. While it might seem selfish at first, fans of the character know that this is how Buck copes with stressful and traumatic events. He lets the thoughts in his head come streaming out of his mouth.

Usually, Eddie would be a stronger support for Buck, but this time he’s barely hanging on due to his lack of sleep. And honestly, he’s so real for that. Despite this, Eddie is still able to manage a quick “It’s not nothing” when Buck accuses of him being pretty cavalier about moving.

At the end of the day, they all convene at the hospital to sit with Chim while he awaits news regarding Maddie’s slit throat. It’s such a somber scene that, for the first time in a while, we are convinced it might not end well for Maddie or those who love her.

Thankfully, that is not the case, and this episode gets wrapped up in a beautiful bow of happiness and hope.

Stray Thoughts:

• Please tell me I was not alone in thinking of Buck and Eddie’s post-shooting ambulance ride while Chim was holding a cloth to Maddie’s neck in Amber’s kitchen. His utterance of “Stay with me” is the exact way Buck had spoken to Eddie in the past.
• We’ve been agonizing over the Buck and Eddie goodbye scene for weeks now, and seeing it play out is somehow a bit more devastating.
• I’m still thinking about Eddie saying to Buck that he and Christopher are only a phone call away.
• Poor Buck is really going through it. And I can’t imagine it settling anytime soon.
• Finally, Maddie and Chim are having a son! That reveal brings us the joy we need after everything she has been through.

 

---

What did you think of this episode of 9-1-1? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

Critic Rating:

Audience Rating:

 

9-1-1 airs Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC.

Check out our latest TV recommendations, updated weekly!

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