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9-1-1 Season 8 Episode 17: From Worst to Best – How the Show Mastered Grief and Fire Emergencies

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This article contains spoilers for 9-1-1 season 8, episode 17, “Don’t Drink the Water.”

In the penultimate episode of season 8, the hit series 9-1-1 conveys the profound effect of Bobby’s death more powerfully than his funeral. The show continues to employ brief time skips, avoiding prolonged sadness for the viewers. However, despite characters trying to cope and the show reintroducing some of its humorous elements, “Don’t Drink the Water” portrays exceptionally well the implications of Captain Bobby Nash’s (Peter Krause) absence on those who cherished him.

In my experience as a movie critic, I must admit that “The Last Alarm” isn’t without its flaws. For instance, the omission of a scene involving Bobby’s mother, Ann Nash (Lesley Ann Warren), felt quite noticeable, seemingly sacrificed for the sake of a routine case-of-the-week. However, I’ve come to understand that sometimes, a series like 9-1-1 requires a second attempt to truly hit its mark.

Eddie (Ryan Guzman)’s relocation to Texas was one such instance where a few episodes were needed before the narrative found its core, focusing on his relationship with his son. Similarly, the impact of Bobby’s death is more profound as we move further away from the initial shock. In other words, the series often needs a bit of time and patience to deliver its most poignant moments.

9-1-1 Checks In On Everyone’s Level Of Grief

A Devastating Pre-Credits Scene Sets The Tone

The opening scene in “Don’t Drink the Water” sets a strong tone right from the start, surpassing anything seen in the previous episode. This is achieved through a flashback to when Ravi (Anirudh Pisharody) was still a probie. The 118 team is seated around a table, and Ravi is eager to dig into a delicious meal. However, as the leader of the 118 explains, they all wait to eat together as one united family.

Afterward, Bobby recounts anecdotes about the full moons that the 118 crew experienced collectively, where extraordinary events transpired such as delivering babies on yoga mats during their first season. The entire group, including Henrietta (Aisha Hinds), Howard (Kenneth Choi), and Eddie, break into hearty laughter. It’s plausible or even likely that Buck (Oliver Stark) is viewing the incident as more meaningful than it truly was. He might be recalling their laughter more vividly than it occurred, but he doesn’t seem to be present in the flashback. Instead, he sees only his cherished people, all united, grinning and content.

When the flashback concludes, it leaves an even more poignant impact as we see Buck, portrayed superbly by Stark, sitting solitarily at the firehouse table. His facial expressions suggest he’s on the verge of tears but manages to hold them back. The scene brilliantly contrasts the bustling sounds of a family feast with the deafening silence that envelops Buck in loneliness. This scene could well be the highlight of the episode, and luckily, the rest of “Don’t Drink the Water” is equally powerful.

Following the opening credits, attention turns to Athena (Angela Bassett), alongside May (Corinne Messiah) and Harry (Elijah M. Cooper). Despite being unable to distinguish among three different shades of white when asked, Athena informs her children that she has no intention of selling the house. This revelation catches both Harry and May off guard, as they had anticipated she might do so following Bobby’s passing. However, they are less taken aback by her statement about returning to work.

This scene is charmingly suggestive that Messiah and Cooper should return to the show more frequently, yet it also raises a question about Michael (Rockmond Dunbar) and his silence regarding Bobby’s death. Despite Dunbar’s departure from 9-1-1 under contentious terms, at one time, Bobby and Michael shared a close bond. It seems unusual that Athena hasn’t received even a phone call from her former partner and the father of her children off-screen.

Before diving into the impending crisis of water igniting, let me catch up on Henrietta and Eddie’s situation. They’re in Hen’s kitchen with Karen (Tracie Thoms), fretting over Buck. There’s a bit of debate about whether Hen should take on the role of Captain or if Eddie should rejoin the 118 team or consider the offer from the Texas Fire Department. Both Hen and Eddie are unsure about their next steps.

Rather than focusing on the details of these short episodes, what stands out is the dialogue between and about characters, which was missing from “The Last Alarm.” This left each character to express their reactions to loss individually. The key strength of 9-1-1, however, is its unique trait among long-running network shows – minimal changes to the main cast. It’s surprising that the script doesn’t make more use of this inherent chemistry between characters. However, when it does, it pays off.

9-1-1 Taps Into An Emergency That Works

The Show Doesn’t Have To Go Big

In this scenario, the character named Buck visits a priest named Father Brian (played by Gavin Stenhouse). Despite having had past issues with characters Bobby and Eddie, Father Brian doesn’t play a significant role in this specific episode. The amusing aspect lies in witnessing Buck explain that he is not Catholic and is learning the process of confession through his phone. This scene serves two purposes. Firstly, it serves as a reminder for viewers about why, apart from Athena and perhaps Howard, Buck might find it particularly challenging to move on following Bobby’s death.

While his companions seem to be managing their lives and understanding that they might grow apart, Buck has historically found it challenging to grasp this idea. At that moment, he’s grappling with the fact that the 118 seems to be drifting apart following their shared loss, no longer interacting or even sharing a meal. Father Brian steps aside, giving him space to communicate with the person he misses, unaware it’s Bobby Nash. In this solitude, Buck ponders if the 118 still require his presence at all.

His melancholy momentarily breaks as a minor earthquake, tainting much of Los Angeles’ water system, occurs. As usual with such 9-1-1 emergencies, the details aren’t crucial. What truly counts is that for the first time in several weeks, this crisis brings a sense of excitement to the central emergency response team.

A series of scenes unfolds showing Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and other dispatchers handling the quirky emergencies typical of this procedural. Notable moments are a man expelling fire instead of burps, and Josh (Bryan Safi) suggesting someone should flee from bodies of water in an emergency. The show also reintroduces past guest characters like Lorna (Phoebe Neidhart). During a tense dentist visit, she begins to emit fire, causing distress. Buck remembers her as the woman who turned blue due to toothache medication in season 3.

In a surprising encounter, Athena bumps into someone she recognizes – it’s none other than Graeme Quay (Sam Roach), who was previously connected to the Cart Cop in season 8’s episode “Wannabes.” Despite having strained relations with his parents, Graeme has shifted his focus from penalizing cart abandoners in parking lots to meddling with individuals who excessively use washing machines.

In this show, everything functions smoothly, even a scene where Maddie suggests a caller to essentially breathe through toilet water as a means to avoid suffocating in her burning bathroom. This demonstrates that the series doesn’t need to mimic a heavy, dramatic film on a limited budget when creating these large two-part events. Instead, it can be slightly creative, nimble, and introduce guest stars who can make viewers care about their outcomes, no matter how small.

Buck & Eddie Have Another Electric Scene

They’re Different From Any Other Pairing On The Show

Approximately midway through “Don’t Drink the Water”, Buck encounters a disagreement with Eddie. There’s palpable strain between these housemates. Buck is displeased because Eddie didn’t inform him about his intention to join the El Paso Fire Department. On the other hand, Eddie is annoyed because Buck has been going through a tough time since the funeral, and Eddie fears that Buck might make his new job a platform for expressing feelings of abandonment.

Eddie’s remark is biting, yet amusingly accurate. What appeals to me about it, what I admire in Eddie confronting Buck later, is that it brings out the uniqueness of Buddie compared to other 9-1-1 duos – they genuinely argue. It’s intense, slightly hurtful, and nothing like the interactions between Maddie/Howard or Hen/Karen. The latter have been through so much turmoil that they refrain from hurting each other, while Karen and Hen, for several seasons now, have represented a model of domestic tranquility. This is also true for Bobby and Athena.

Eddie values their friendship with Buck so much that he isn’t afraid to engage in a confrontation with him, regardless of how harsh things might get. Despite his complaints about people walking on eggshells around him, fearful of hurting his feelings, Eddie believes Buck is tough enough to handle blunt honesty. He has faith that their strong bond will endure even through such challenges.

The scene skillfully incorporates Eddie’s immediate response upon hearing about Bobby’s death. However, it doesn’t excuse his minimal presence in “The Last Alarm.” Despite this, the scene is effectively handled, with Eddie acknowledging his difficulty in delivering the tragic news to Christopher (Gavin McHugh). Both Guzman and Stark deliver exceptional performances, perfectly portraying their characters.

The following day, Buck discovers a note stating Eddie has departed for the airport. He deduces that Eddie must have returned to El Paso, but an unexpected twist unfolds when he picks up Christopher from the airport; this is their first encounter since the end of season 7 on 9-1-1.

I’m hoping there will be a significant moment between them in next week’s finale, ideally serving as Eddie’s apology. This moment underscores the depth of their friendship, as even a simple, straightforward expression of remorse carries great weight. Eddie smiles, watching Christopher, Buck, and his Aunt Pepa (guest star Terri Hoyos) all gathered. It’s a poignant finale that, with good reason, might rekindle the fond feelings fans have for their friendship, often referred to as ‘Buddie hopes’.

Athena & Howard Are A Long Way From Reconciliation

But They Can Agree On One Thing

In the conversation, it seems nothing is resolved: Drinking water is like talking without finding solutions. Buck’s confession to Father Brian doesn’t seem beneficial. Eddie and Buck argue endlessly without reaching an agreement. The Cart Cop ignores Athena’s suggestions. The discussion between Athena and Hen about her assuming Bobby’s job leaves more questions than answers. It suggests that both women are uncertain about their future career paths.

Athena hastens her departure from Hen’s home upon encountering Howard not just because she’s upset about the phone call that rushed Bobby’s burial. She’s also angry that Howard survived while Bobby didn’t. Howard may not be able to justify her anger, but his current state – feeling defeated yet present for his family and loved ones – seems more authentic compared to his appearance in the funeral episode. Despite his sadness, he remains a husband and a father, as demonstrated in the penultimate episode where he diligently prepares the baby’s crib.

In a subsequent chat with Karen, Athena shares that she doesn’t hold Howard responsible, but finding him brings back memories of Bobby. It’s cleverly arranged for Karen to act as the mediator. She’s linked to the group primarily through Hen, and while she may be more familiar with some members of the 118 than others, her neutral position allows her to calmly prevent the team from dividing into ‘Athena’s Group’ and ‘Chimney’s Group.’

Her attempts at connecting with Howard seem unsuccessful, maintaining a steady pattern of fruitless, sincere discussions. From now on, Athena advises being strictly business-like with Howard. I have a feeling this professionalism might be put to the test during the upcoming finale.

The Finale Has Several Worthwhile Threads To Address

It Feels Like A Genuine Two-Parter

In the final act, we’re hit with one more unexpected twist: A blaze in a building requires the 118 to respond, a standard scenario under normal conditions. However, the challenge becomes insurmountable when water, typically used to extinguish fires, is flammable itself. But Maddie’s swift thinking saves the day. Unfortunately, trouble brews anew when Athena confronts another dispute involving Graeme. This time, he’s accused of stealing the girlfriend of a jock’s underwear, which Graeme strongly refutes.

In another phrase, we could say: Athena appears to be distancing herself from the predicament, urging Graeme to contact his family prior to returning to her police cruiser. However, just as she’s about to leave, the entire structure crumbles around them. This dramatic scene sets up the climax for season 8, leaving Graeme’s survival uncertain, along with the unfinished business of Athena, Howard, Buck, Hen, and Eddie. It underscores how unpredictable 9-1-1 can be, offering a distressing episode one week only to recover the following week.

9-1-1 season 8 airs Thursdays at 8 PM ET on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.

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2025-05-09 08:45

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