9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 1 Review: Pilot

9-1-1 is a franchise that fans just can’t quit, so much so that a second spinoff has officially been born.

9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot,” introduces the story of a family of firefighters having their lives upended when a long-lost son makes an out-of-the-blue appearance.

As the first outing passes and my emotions fester, 9-1-1: Nashville feels as if it’s trying to capitalize on the existing hype, hoping fans will naturally gravitate toward it based on its predecessors.

In true 9-1-1 fashion, fans are privy to some entertainingly wild situations, like a tornado barreling toward a concert venue, and a strip show from one of the main characters as a first impression.

However, unlike 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star, there are no truly exhilarating, out-of-this-world moments in the pilot. Or really anything that holds weight emotion-wise, like the other series in the franchise. Nothing like Chimney getting a steel rod plunged through his skull or Judd being the sole survivor of the 126 after an explosion.

Nonetheless, I do think there is real potential for the series as it continues to progress and work out its kinks.

New Family and Firehouse Addition

Kicking things off, Blue Bennings, played by Hunter McVey, a struggling man who strips for a living, storms into the life of Don Hart, played by Colin O’Donnell, in the same manner as the tornado they end up facing.

It’s hard to connect to the storyline at first because of how nonchalant Don is about his illegitimate child suddenly appearing in his cushy life. However, we later discover that Don has known about Blue’s existence since he was in the womb.

Instead of being a deadbeat father who stayed away on purpose, though, he was forced out of Blue’s life by his mother, Dixie Bennings, portrayed by LeAnn Rimes. Her decision to take money from Don and choosing to raise her son without his father are tone-setting moments that will be key drivers in the storyline moving forward.

Off the bat, Dixie implies that Don doesn’t care about him because he’s never once tried to reach out, while failing to mention her role in the matter or Don’s monetary contributions all those years. She wants Blue to use his new opportunity to sink his hooks into Don and exploit it to get whatever they need.

At the same time, Blue seems to be interested only in fostering a relationship with his father and newfound half-brother, Ryan Hart, portrayed by Michael Provost. His intentions seem to be pure and driven solely by his own search for answers.

Staying True to The Heart of Music City

It wouldn’t be a series set in Nashville, Tennessee, if there weren’t instances of some good old country music, and boy, does 9-1-1: Nashville deliver.

Tennessee native Kane Brown makes a cameo appearance as the series’ first significant guest star, delivering a high-energy, fun performance that takes center stage as the first major disaster.

When strong gusts of wind cause the metal frames on the stage to buckle and collapse, many are trapped underneath, making time of the essence as a tornado barrels toward the venue. It also provides one of the most heartfelt moments of the episode.

After being corralled to safety, Brown notices the firefighters attempting to lift the steel rods off those trapped underneath, but failing. Without a moment’s hesitation, he waves for the rest of the people waiting out the storm to help him.

In the face of disaster, it’s not uncommon for people to freak out and initially think only of themselves. But, as 9-1-1: Nashville highlights, the power of community can be a beautiful thing when tragedy strikes.

Thanks to those willing to risk their lives, the firefighters can help everyone except one person to safety, leading to the episode’s cliffhanger.

Will they make it to the person trapped in the rafters in time? Will the tornado change course at the last second? Could we see Blue experience his first on-the-job injury?

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While I find the plot of 9-1-1: Nashville interesting, I can’t help but notice the soap opera vibes, which remind me of Dynasty and make me feel as if Blue is a long-lost Carrington, coming in to stir up drama in my mind.

Nevertheless, I am eager to see where the series goes from here. I’m also patiently keeping my fingers crossed and waiting to see if some LGBTQ characters enter the mix later on.

Stray Thoughts:

• Television or not, it’s wild for a main character to be a stripper turned firefighter in training all in the span of one episode. I look forward to seeing how the series continues to toy with the role of Blue, primarily since his joining the fire station stems from the illegal act of false impersonation.
• Let’s be honest, Hunter McVey might be the one who gives the strip tease, but Michael Provost is the one providing that adorable cowboy charm.
• Out of everyone, Dixie is clearly one of the messier characters to be on the lookout for. She’s bound to cause some intense drama later on.
• Based on first impressions, Roxie Alba, portrayed by Juani Feliz, and Taylor Thompson, portrayed by Hailey Kilgore, will likely become two of my favorite characters.

 

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

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

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