9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 12 Review: The Spirit of the Games
Station 113 plays host to visiting firefighters in town on 9-1-1: Nashville Season 1 Episode 12, “The Spirit of the Games.”
Let’s not beat around the bush; this outing might be the best of the season so far. It’s certainly the better crossover event compared to 9-1-1‘s visit to Texas on 9-1-1: Lone Star.
The episode stays true to the show’s premise by continuing to incorporate action-packed saves with a focus on helping people, while also bringing a wave of humor, playfulness, and camaraderie.
Competitiveness Overload
As Buck and Eddie make their way to Nashville to compete in the 51st Firefighting Games, their introduction to the town is a whirlwind from beginning to end.
The games are exactly what any fan could have anticipated: a battle of egos at play. But that’s okay because who doesn’t love rugged men showing off how talented they are?
Seriously, though, I love how competitive Buck is. Watching his and Ryan’s back-and-forths throughout the episode, both in the field and as they compete in the games, is spectacularly hilarious.
And we can’t talk about their quickly formed rivalry getting heated without mentioning Eddie’s quickness to defend Buck.
Buck: So, that’s your dad, huh? I didn’t catch that yesterday. I knew you were a trust fund baby. I didn’t know you were a nepo baby, too.
Ryan: What’d you just say, chump?
Blue: Don’t listen to that jerk. You know Dad wouldn’t want him to get in your head.
Eddie: Wait. Hold on a sec. That’s your dad, too?
Buck: So, we’re competing against two nepo babies? What kind of firehouse is Daddy running?
I mean, Eddie’s whole nonchalant attitude disappears in a split second as he lunges for Blue to defend Eddie. I am forever waiting for 9-1-1 to pull the trigger on one of the most highly sought-after couples on television. But until then, we’ll have to make do with them being the best platonic soulmates.
That aside, what stands out the most is their camaraderie and ability to put egos aside in the face of danger and what’s right. Their working together to save a man before his car catches fire is a heartwarming moment, even if they go right back to flaming each other immediately after.
The cherry on top of the whole scenario is when Ryan and Buck sacrifice their win to make history for the Kenosha fire department.
They notice that Carl has injured himself and is crawling to the finish line, with the clear opportunity to take home the win in front of them, but that’s not who they are.
Their life is dedicated to helping people, and some silly game isn’t going to get in the way of their character. So, they scoop Carl up on both sides and carry him to the finish line, allowing Kenosha to celebrate their first-ever event win in the history of the games.
Saving Lives as a Team
Staying true to the trouble and rowdiness we see Buck and Eddie get into as a duo on 9-1-1, their visit finds them in the presence of chaos within mere hours. It also leads to one of the most grotesque saves, in my personal opinion.
Throughout the 9-1-1 franchise, there have been a handful of downright bloody and vomit-inducing moments, but Eddie and Buck’s introduction to the town takes the cake.
When they try to come to the rescue of a woman being heckled, the instigator falls off the ledge of the roof, landing face-first on the pavement. The impact of the fall completely slicing off his nose, and the show making no qualms about putting it front and center as much as they can.
Even if you’re prone to seeing horrific scenarios regularly, whether in real life or through the 9-1-1 franchise, you have to admit this one is a bit extreme. As someone who isn’t squeamish, even I had to look away from my screen once or twice.
Despite all of that, I love that Eddie and Roxie are the ones who come to the rescue and ultimately save the guy.
If we were ranking the most badass characters on 9-1-1: Nashville, Roxie would be at the top of the list. That’s in part due to how spectacularly Juani Feliz portrays the character.
I hope that, before the season is over, we get one episode dedicated solely to Roxie, learning the ins and outs of her life. If not, there better be one in Season 2.
Stray Thoughts:
- Buck sniffing Blue’s casserole and naming the three cheeses he used based on scent had me screaming! It’s definitely the funniest moment of the episode.
- This outing proves that Blythe and Dixie could actually be friends if they put their differences aside. That said, Dixie would have a lot of apologizing to do before there can be any sense of a friendship.
- Boston needed to be disqualified from the games for their incessant cheating, both on and off the track.
- Did anyone else peep Blue and Taylor leaving the bar together? Looks like fans shipping the two might be getting what they wish for.
- I pray Blue never finds out that his mother seduced Buck.
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!
Critic Rating:
Audience Rating:
9-1-1: Nashville airs Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC.
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Cade Taylor
Cade Taylor is a television and film critic living in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV. His love for television developed at a young age, with a concentration on queer stories, sitcoms, teen dramas, and science fiction thrillers. In addition, he works full-time as a news producer, telling the stories of Missourians and helming "Produced in the Bi-State," a segment spotlighting actors, musicians, and entertainers from the St. Louis area. He can be reached by email at cade@telltaletv.com.