9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 3 Review: Forces of Nature

9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 3, “Forces of Nature,” provides an action-packed and heartfelt conclusion to the three-part season premiere.

Providing a real sense of worry and upping the risk factors episode by episode, this series only continues to improve.

I was hesitant to see if it would live up to its predecessors. The high-stakes scenarios with our main characters seemed to be lacking on 9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot.”

However, the series has come to rectify that. Not only do we have real turmoil in the mix, but we also get three exhilarating instances of Station 113 rushing into action to save the day.

While the fast-paced moments keep momentum going, Don’s recovery and Blythe’s interactions with Dixie push the main plot further.

Fill-In Captain

With Don fighting for his life, it would be entirely reasonable for Station 113 to stay on OOS. Nobody is in their right mind as Don lies in the hospital unconscious.

Blythe, however, knows that during times like these, it’s essential to keep yourself focused on the primary goal. For them, that’s putting their problems aside and showing up to save the day for those in need.

Through this change in leadership, “Forces of Nature” teases what the future will look like under Ryan’s reign. And it’s not a bad thing.

Ryan is proving he knows how to juggle a mess of drama while simultaneously pushing it aside to protect those in need. He is truly his father’s son, and we see that on full display in this episode.

From coming up with a solution to prevent the 113 from being impaled by flying gardening tools to Ryan barely saving a child from a dangling vehicle, Ryan shows he has what it takes.

9-1-1: Nashville is proving that it knows how to deliver finger-biting, foot-shaking, anxiety-inducing moments. Plus, it’s been providing some spectacular shots in its first three episodes. One aspect I continue to see as a potential issue with fans, though, is the soap-opera feeling of it all.

A Snake in the Mix

So far, Dixie is proving herself to be the villain of the season. In the midst of Blue having a genuine moment of desperation and explaining how he’s upset his father could die after finally meeting him, Dixie turns the attention to finances.

Dixie is a selfish woman who has worked for over 20 years to keep Don from Blue and is now trying to capitalize on their newfound relationship.

Not only that, but with Don in the hospital, she’s using everything she can to charm her way into Don’s good graces again. Thankfully, Blythe sees through the flirting and lies, seeing what’s happening.

Dixie: I know there’s a lot of water under this bridge. Times of crisis remind you what’s important. And who’s important.
Blythe: Like my husband?
Dixie: Like the father of my only child.
Blythe: I know, and I think that almost makes you kin. Well, not in the hospital’s eyes. This wing is just for family, and I’d hate to see security have to escort you out.

As I’ve previously said, it’s giving Dynasty-level drama and vibes. Especially now that Dixie and Blythe have confirmed an all-out war between the two.

If we’re being honest, it’s a disgrace to both LeAnn Rimes and Jessica Capshaw if their character storylines are going to revolve around a petty war between the two. It could be fun for a few episodes, but to base a whole season around it would be overkill.

Nonetheless, I look forward to seeing Jessica Capshaw find herself in this new role and bring the powerhouse performances we’re used to from her.

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There’s always opposition to new growth initiatives for a franchise already so beloved, especially for 9-1-1. 9-1-1: Nashville, though, shows real potential. I hope to see it find a dedicated fanbase, just as 9-1-1: Lone Star did.

If we’re lucky, we’ll also get to see it reach five seasons and have that time to grow attached to these characters. But if that’s going to happen, we’re going to need to start exploring more of the main characters.

Respectfully, Taylor and Roxie have been getting the short end of the stick when it comes to developing backstory. Now that we’ve spent the first three outings building up the tension amongst the Bennings and Hart families, it’s time to start developing these other characters.

Stray Thoughts:

• While Blue isn’t a professional and is learning on the job, his inability to keep a child away from a dangerous medical situation is infuriating. One aspect of the job is comforting those in their times of need, but rather than doing so, he stands over the body like a deer in headlights.
• I might be the only one who feels this way, but it’s a little upsetting to see that Ryan and Samantha are going to try to work things out. I’m all for people saving their marriages. However, part of me hoped this would be the beginning of Ryan’s journey to potentially questioning his sexual identity.

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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 8/7c on ABC.

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