9-1-1 Recap: Mommy Issues

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After an extended break, the series 9-1-1 has come back even stronger than before. The last three episodes have been top-notch, with the perfect blend of humor, character growth, and emotional depth that’s hard to find elsewhere on television (perhaps only matched by Doctor Odyssey, if you’ve seen it). In “Holy Mother of God,” we finally get resolution to Bobby’s family issues set up in the previous season, and gain insight into Buck’s feelings for Eddie. It was a rollercoaster of emotions: laughter, tears, shock when someone emerged from a flower bed. This show truly is a gift.

The story begins at a large spiritual gathering led by Ann Hutchinson, affectionately called Sister Ann by her followers, portrayed by the talented Lesley Ann Warren. She is known for her healing abilities. After curing Greta’s bursitis and preparing to help Rodney with his gout, Rodney suddenly collapses. Chaos ensues as people around him faint, vomit, and even attempt dangerous stunts like scaling the massive cross on the building. The 118 team arrives swiftly, diagnosing a carbon monoxide leak and managing the situation as best they could. Unfortunately, Greta (now cured of her bursitis) is perched precariously on the weakening cross. Buck tries to persuade her down, but she believes he’s the devil. (“Ma’am, I’m not the devil, my name is Buck” might be the episode’s best line.) Even after Greta regains consciousness, she’s too frightened to take his hand – it’s only Sister Ann with a megaphone who can coax her down. Once everyone is safely away from the poisonous gas, Bobby and Ann share an acknowledging glance. It turns out that she isn’t just a faith healer; she’s also his long-lost mother!

In simpler terms, Bobby’s mom has been a significant enigma on the show 9-1-1. She wasn’t introduced until last season’s episode “Step Nine,” where she was portrayed by Ellen Wroe. In this episode, we discovered that Ann left their abusive father, Tim, and attempted to take Bobby and his older brother Charlie with her. However, while Charlie went with their mother, Bobby chose to stay behind. This situation carries a lot of emotional baggage for Bobby, as he struggles to explain it to Athena (who had assumed Ann was dead). Bobby has not spoken to his mom due to discomfort, and he believes she is dishonest. However, Athena thinks their reunion might be divine intervention. Bobby questions this idea, and Athena responds that God works in mysterious ways. Despite Bobby’s reservations, he can’t refuse when Charlie shows up at the firehouse and asks for a lunch meeting with Bobby and Athena. It seems that Charlie has had a difficult life as Ann’s son and assistant, having been through multiple marriages (which some might find unsettling). Nevertheless, Bobby appears to have a soft spot for his estranged brother, and this feeling overrides his physical discomfort.

Bobby and Athena encounter Ann and Charlie in Ann’s lavish hotel suite, and surprisingly, things don’t go smoothly! From the start, there are subtle jabs exchanged. When Athena shares that they’re constructing a new house, Bobby discloses that someone had destroyed their previous one. Ann questions, “Not you, I hope,” and although it was impolite, it’s fair to say she managed to land that one. Matters escalate when the discussion turns to Ann’s faith healing. While I may not be a follower, I can acknowledge that her description of her work is logical: “I provide hope for healing. I fan the flames of faith because, well, I don’t know how people can recover without hope.” The trouble begins when she brings up Bobby’s father, which is clearly a sensitive topic. Ann claims she shielded Bobby from Tim, and Bobby counters that she only did so until she left. “I will not apologize for leaving,” she states, and honestly, I find myself siding with her, especially considering the challenging circumstances she tried to save her children from. However, it’s then revealed that Charlie, not Ann, had organized this lunch. Bobby eventually decides to depart, but not before delivering a harsh parting shot: “I believe you’re a fraud, not as a preacher — as a mother.” I couldn’t help but flinch at that one.

Instead of focusing on the Nash family for now, let’s shift our attention to Buck who’s been crashing at Maddie and Chimney’s place instead of his new apartment, which used to belong to Eddie. Maddie seems to be recovering well post-surgery; I believe she has had her hair colored recently? In contrast, Buck is finding it tough without Eddie around, one of the main reasons he can’t seem to feel at home in the new place. Maddie advises Buck to make some new acquaintances, although we all know how difficult that can be for adults. However, there are possibilities, such as Ravi, the firefighter trainee introduced in season four who hasn’t had a significant role since then. Once more, Buck’s attempts at connecting with someone prove to be awkward, and it appears that he and Ravi don’t share many common interests. (Ravi seems fond of disc golf, or frisbee golf, which makes me think we might not have much in common either.) In the end, they decide to grab a drink together, hopefully marking the beginning of a strong friendship.

Besides the fact that discussions with Buck about Eddie were tedious for Ravi, he often spoke excessively about him. Interestingly, Buck failed to share a captivating tale from season three regarding Eddie’s participation in an underground fight club, which I had overlooked. The show is jam-packed with events! Fortunately, Ravi found solace – though not necessarily Buck – when he encountered Tommy at the bar and invited him to join their table. It might seem rude for Ravi to leave abruptly, but it provided an opportunity for these former partners to reconnect. However, Ravi’s hasty departure could be considered uncouth. This separation gave them a chance to reminisce. “Things are going well; some events have occurred; my sister was kidnapped,” Buck confided in Tommy. Similarly, Tommy learned that Eddie had returned to El Paso, and their friendship had ended when he and Buck parted ways. I find Eddie’s loyalty to the bro code quite endearing. It’s evident that these ex-lovers have missed each other considerably, so it’s not surprising when Buck invites Tommy back to his apartment – or when they are found passionately kissing. Even recognizing Eddie’s previous residence did not dampen their enthusiasm, and Buck finally enjoyed a night in his newly named bedroom.

The following morning, Tommy is preparing breakfast, hinting that their encounter may have been more than a casual ex-relationship exchange. They even discuss going on a date. Tommy seems less concerned about Buck hurting him “since the competition has ended.” My ears certainly pricked up at this revelation. Buck appears surprised by the suggestion, quickly reminding Tommy that Eddie is straight. I couldn’t help but chuckle at Tommy’s response, which was essentially a dismissive “fine.” Later, Buck speaks to Maddie in a softer tone. He’s still puzzled about people assuming he’s in love with Eddie, but she shares the same doubt. “It wouldn’t be entirely unreasonable,” she says, and indeed it wouldn’t! However, I will respect Buck’s assertion that “despite everyone’s hopes, I am not pining for my straight best friend.” If this is the end of that romantic possibility, at least we’ve made it clear.

We can’t linger in sorrow for too long, as there are urgent matters at hand. A medical alert pendant saves the life of a man named Elmer who is experiencing a cardiac event. Given his hypertension and coronary stent, he insists he’s fine after collapsing in his garden, but the paramedics aren’t taking any chances. As Dr. Hen diagnoses angina from exertion, Elmer’s wife, Suzanne, suddenly emerges from a flower bed. Her tale of eating questionable sweet potato soup triggers Dr. Hen to suspect cyanide poisoning. The LAPD are on their way to apprehend Elmer when he suffers another cardiac event, which turns out to be fatal. As she’s being transported away on a stretcher, Suzanne reflects that she should have left her husband much earlier. This realization is enough for Bobby to understand that his mother may have had valid reasons for leaving when she did.

In a subsequent gathering, he intends to apologize to her, but before he gets the chance, he observes Ann falling onstage. At the hospital, Bobby discovers his mother has advanced cancer and is no longer seeking treatment. She accepts the irony of the situation but expresses eagerness to meet her savior. Regardless of my personal religious beliefs, the scene between Bobby and Ann in the hospital room is deeply emotional, a testament to Peter Krause and Lesley Ann Warren’s acting skills. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save him,” Ann laments about Bobby’s father. “Sometimes, all you can do is save yourself,” Bobby replies, finally understanding his mother’s decision. They both cry, and so do I. It’s a profound moment that makes the anticipated crossover of Doctor Odyssey with another cruise ship more tolerable. Frankly, it’s unconscionable to subject this woman to open waters again.

Call Log

In this episode, I had the pleasure of witnessing Aisha Hinds’ directorial debut – a job incredibly well done if you ask me! Although I eagerly anticipate more appearances from Hen, I find myself yearning for even more opportunities to see her talents shine as a director.

• Buck-Tommy’s Watch: Shockingly! You might have assumed we’ve parted ways for good. However, it seems our rendezvous may not be happening tonight.

Let me pause for a moment to discuss the differing viewpoints about Buddie that have emerged on these recaps. This has been a recurring theme, and my recognition of it – along with the show’s acknowledgment – is not intended as an accusation or justification for inappropriate online conduct. I’ve spent many years immersed in fandom communities, and I’m well aware of how intense debates over ships can become. Instead, let’s assume that everyone is acting with good intentions rather than suspecting hidden agendas.

Could it be possible to assign Ravi some other tasks during this season, as it might not be very pleasant for him to serve as a temporary substitute for Eddie, and to have Bobby repeatedly call him by Eddie’s name?

I won’t be able to watch every episode of “Doctor Odyssey”, but please let me know promptly if there are any significant developments concerning Athena.

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2025-03-21 05:56