Spoilers forward!
On this 12 months’s final episode of 9-1-1, Brad (Callum Blue) tries to change into a hero in the course of a pipe explosion, rightfully upsetting Bobby (Peter Krause). Brad additionally will get to spend extra time with the 118, sharing a considerate dialog with Eddie (Ryan Guzman), who simply discovered one thing stunning and painful about his son Christopher (Gavin McHugh). In the meantime, Athena (Angela Bassett) investigates the brutal beating of the Cart Cop (Sam Roach), a YouTuber whose content material is all about individuals who don’t return their buying carts to their correct place at a grocery retailer.
“Wannabes” – 9-1-1. Pictured: Peter Krause as Bobby, Aisha Hinds as Hen, Callum Blue as Brad. Photograph: Christopher Willard/ABC © 2024 Disney. All rights reserved.
In case you suppose this doesn’t sound like an explosive, thrilling fall finale, you’re proper! After delivering 18 episodes in 2024, 10 for season 7 and eight for this primary a part of season 8, most of them stuffed with loopy twists, revelations, beginnings, endings, one marriage ceremony, some near-death-experiences, and naturally, the (un)common emergencies everyone knows, the staff behind the present determined that this 12 months ought to finish in a peaceable, humorous word. However should you watched the promo for the following episode, slated for March 6, 2025, you in all probability really feel the identical: that is simply the calm earlier than the storm, and 8B could be a wild journey.
However let’s deal with what we now have for now first, then we return to the longer term. Wannabes may be very a lot centered on Brad, who desires to be a hero. The episode begins with the 118 watching an episode of HOTSHOTS, the present starring Brad. This scene is right here so we will be reminded of how a lot Brad cares for his efficiency as a firefighter, whereas additionally being this humorous meta factor and a superb household second throughout the 118 (I liked it!)
After Brad tries to save lots of a girl in the course of the pipe emergency with out following any of the standard security procedures, Bobby has some harsh (and true) issues to say to him. However the TV star will get what he desires throughout a name through which an enormous fan of HOTSHOTS is making an attempt to kill himself — this time, Brad’s presence is what saves the day.
“Wannabes” – 9-1-1. BTS picture of Kenneth Choi, Aisha Hinds, Oliver Stark, Peter Krause, Ryan Guzman. Photograph: Ray Mickshaw/ABC © 2024 Disney. All rights reserved.
This storyline was extra fascinating on this episode when in comparison with 8.07, with the 118 taking part extra actively right here. Brad is fascinating, and Callum Blue does a superb job when giving life to this very passionate actor. However I nonetheless suppose it’s been some time since we had an unforgettable emergency — not speaking concerning the huge, multi-arc ones that occur each season premiere/finale, or fundamental and recurring characters going by way of near-death experiences, however the common calls in common episodes haven’t been memorable and thrilling as they as soon as have been. Earlier seasons had me distressed each episode, and this 12 months was bland on this sense. So whereas I’m not bothered by the deal with Brad and get that they have been going for one thing not distressful, Wannabes continues the development of gentle weekly emergencies, making this fall finale come throughout to the viewers as this very common episode.
That’s additionally how I might describe the Cart Cop storyline: foolish, however in a light approach. I really like a superb thriller, however this story feels so displaced from the primary stuff. There was just one benefit of this: the scene with Athena and the YouTuber on the hospital, with Angela Bassett appearing as this gentler, kinder model of Athena (which by no means fails to amaze me.) I pray for the episodes subsequent 12 months to provide Athena extra issues to do with the 118 — extra scenes with Bobby, extra moments with Hen (Aisha Hinds), perhaps one thing with Chimney (Kenneth Choi), I’m accepting something. That’s the place she shines probably the most, when positioned with the remainder of the meeting. In earlier seasons, Athena had these cop storylines to be someway associated to her kids or her ex-husband, in order that they didn’t really feel this soulless — perhaps one thing related ought to occur once more.
“Wannabes” – 9-1-1. Pictured: Oliver Stark as Buck, Ryan Guzman as Eddie. Photograph: Ray Mickshaw/ABC © 2024 Disney. All rights reserved.
Lastly, Eddie talks to Christopher and discovers his new life is seemingly fantastic. He’s studying chess now, amongst different new issues he will get to do dwelling along with his grandparents in El Paso. After a considerate dialog with Brad about not letting the space between him and his son develop, Eddie decides he doesn’t wish to miss all the massive moments Chris is having. So now Eddie desires to maneuver to Texas, one thing Buck (Oliver Stark) discovers in a really fascinating second. In any case, Buck remains to be coping with his most up-to-date breakup, and his concern of abandonment strikes in full drive after his discovery about Eddie. However Buck presents some assist to him nonetheless, and there’s this very stunning second with Eddie relieved and completely satisfied that he has Buck by his facet, whereas Buck is at Eddie’s sofa feeling dreadful about shedding one other vital individual in his life. As soon as once more, Buck and Eddie’s storylines are so intertwined that’s arduous to know the place one begins and the opposite ends; and whereas I firmly imagine they already are one another’s endgame, this storyline could be the setup wanted for his or her kiss to occur earlier than the present ends.
Whereas this episode was a daily one with some good moments, I must say that I liked that last scene with Buck, Eddie, and Chimney appearing in HOTSHOTS, with Bobby and Hen serving to the manufacturing within the backstages. It was such a pleasant option to finish this Hotshots arc, with the 118 collectively, laughing, and completely satisfied. In case you watched the promo for the following episode, which options (potential spoilers; nobody will probably be certain till subsequent March) Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) going by way of one thing that appears like a kidnapping, you already know this peace won’t be for lengthy. We’ll have to attend and see what the longer term holds for these characters — Eddie nonetheless has to combat for Christopher, Athena and Bobby need to construct their new home, Maddie and Chimney expect one other youngster, and Maddie’s life could be in peril by the point 8.09 ends… These are going to be lengthy months of wait.
Now let me know your ideas about this season to date. Be at liberty to go away a remark together with your impressions and theories, and thanks for studying!
