9-1-1 Season 9 Episode 12 Review: Dads and Cads

It is time for Buck and Eddie to head on over to Nashville for the 51st Annual Firefighter Games. However, before they do there are some things to settle back in LA on 9-1-1 Season 9 Episode 12, “Dads and Cads.”

When Buck and Eddie both find out they are selected to represent the 118 at the games in Nashville they have mixed reactions. Then, they realize that it wasn’t Chim who nominated them, but Bobby before he died.

This starts an entire episode of Bobby references and reminders as Maddie and Buck deal with news from their parents. And Harry comes to terms with his sister dating Ravi.

Maddie Reacts Badly to the Divorce News

Whenever the Buckley parents have appeared on the show its been a mixed bag of emotions. Often, Buck ends up feeling like he needs to smooth things over between them and his sister.

Despite being the one most hurt by their parents’ indifference method of parenting, Buck is always willing to look the other way. But more on that in a minute. On the other hand, Maddie’s reactions are always much more on the surface.

This is exactly what is happening now, Maddie isn’t afraid to speak her mind. We see her fumble as she tries to make sense of why her parents would be seeking a divorce so far into their marriage, 49 years.

It’s interesting that Maddie, the older sister, the one who always seems to pull Buck back from disaster, can’t do that for herself. She is spiraling to Chim about her confusion over how to feel. 

Then, we see her trying to get a reaction out of Buck only to reveal just how conflicted she is. Considering how complicated the relationship is between Maddie and her parents you’d think she wouldn’t be this concerned about them getting a divorce. 

At the end of the day, does it truly affect her life? How often does she actually see them? And who’s to say them getting divorced means anything really has to change.

It truly feels as though the writers of 9-1-1 are once again forcing these siblings to make up for their parents’ lack of care. Sometimes families don’t work out and that’s okay. We don’t need to redeem the elder Buckleys, they can stay bad parents.

Buck Becomes Avoidance Central

If Maddie seems to be overreacting then Buck is definitely underreacting. It’s clear from the moment he shows up at Eddie’s to talk about Nashville stuff that he’s simply ignoring the bomb just dropped in his lap.

While Maddie’s reaction doesn’t seem warranted, Buck being upset about it and concerned about it would be. After all, he’s the one always trying to make nice with their parents to ensure a family unit remains in some way.

Instead, he’s acting as if this is no big deal, nothing to worry about. Sure, we all know his hyperfocus on Nashville is so he can avoid thinking about his feelings, but come on man. 

He’s gotta deal with it at some point. Which is why it is nice to see the confrontation between him and his father at the end of the episode. 

Personally, I have never felt like these siblings needed to constantly make up with their parents for their lack of care or concern for them. However, in this episode giving Buck that conversation with his dad gives him the chance to show he does feel something.

I just wish it was more in the realm of anger or frustration because that’s what Buck’s dad deserves. The man has never shown an ounce of consideration or care for anything Buck does with his life.

And now he comes waltzing into Buck’s house and telling him he should be proud of being selected for these games? Oh and even better he admits to Buck they purposely avoided being there for Buck when Bobby died?

After admissions like that you’d expect Buck to lash out in anger, much like he has in the past when dealing with his parents. But, instead he gets emotional about his dad asking to know more about Bobby and unofficially forgives him.

When will these writers figure out how to allow the Buckley siblings to be angry at their parents without also trying to mend fences with them? Not all relationships are worth saving, the Buckley’s clearly don’t care about there kids so why does this continue to be a story?

Harry Has to Accept His Sister’s Dating Life

One of the other parts of this episode that really just doesn’t sit right with me is the Harry of it all. For one it comes across as a completely out of proportion reaction.

Sure, walking into your sister’s apartment and finding she’s having sex with your coworker is shocking. But to make that about you is a bit much. 

It’s important to note that Harry is still technically a teenager, despite being a firefighter. That said, he’s mature enough to be a first responder he should be mature enough to shrug off his sister’s dating life.

It just got old very fast with how he was making what he walked in on every one else’s problem. Okay, so you are uncomfortable. Confront May about it, talk it through, and move on. 

Harry didn’t need to complain about it to Chim and Athena. He made it super messy and that just wasn’t necessary. Especially, when he was complaining that May was ruining his work vibe.

No, Harry, you are doing that all on your own. On the flip side, it was nice to see him and May finally talk it out. These two are the sibling duo to rival that of Maddie and Buck.

At the end of the day, did this really need to take up a third of the episode? No, but we enjoyed the payout regardless. Also, May, get it girl.

Stray Thoughts

• Christopher telling Buck, “It’s always hard on the kids” is very emotionally mature of him.
• I love that Bobby is the one who nominated both Buck and Eddie for the games, back when Eddie wasn’t even in LA anymore.
• How is Nash already walking? I swear he was just a baby baby two moments ago

 

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

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