You haven’t seen a show like this one.
When you think of a traditional procedural, you might picture a case of the week that is handled by experts who almost always know more than they should. While that format has a place in fiction, it isn’t quite representative of what actually goes on in real police and fire departments all over the world. Luckily, the creative team over at Fox has a solution to this pressing entertainment problem by the name of 9-1-1.
The Ensemble Cast Is Excellent From Top To Bottom.
Most of the time, Angela Bassett’s Sgt. Grant does her own thing. It’s nice when she has to work with the rest of the team!
Much like other shows in the genre, 9-1-1 is an ensemble piece that focuses on a wide variety of characters in L.A.’s law enforcement, fire, and rescue community. You might think that the sheer number of people would drag down the show, but it is structured in a balanced way. Virtually every major character is given just enough time to be likable, interesting, and heroic.
Of course, there are a few standout performances that deserve your attention. Angela Bassett and Ryan Guzman do a good job as Sgt. Athena Grant and Eddie Diaz, respectively. While their jobs are different, their interesting (and somewhat awkward) home lives add a lot of emotion to the show. When they go into the field, they have a lot to lose, which ups the tension quite significantly.
On a slightly happier note, Peter Krause, Oliver Stark, and Kenneth Choi seem to be having a blast as Bobby Nash, Evan Buckley, and Howie Han. These three men expertly balance the dramatic and comedic aspects of the show in a sensible way. I can’t detail their arcs without spoiling some good jokes and intriguing moments, so I won’t. All you have to know is that they sell their storylines with ease!
The Format Is Quite Unusual.
NOPE!
As I pointed out at the beginning, most procedurals have a weekly case, a band of people from one department, and a closed-off ending that is perfect for syndication. 9-1-1 isn’t like that at all, which allows it to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
For starters, the procedural side of the show typically consists of a random set of short stories. This format places little emphasis on the victims, but it’s a good reflection what our first responders actually go through. For instance, Bobby Nash’s team doesn’t typically stick with a single patient for a long time. While that may be an issue to some, it makes sense because the rest of the city needs their help.
Of course, some of the short stories are serialized, which gives the cast a chance to tackle larger crises. Some viewers might get whiplash from a multi-episode arc, but the possibility of disaster can raise dramatic tension without being cheap.
There Are Risks.
Lesser writers could have botched Jennifer Love Hewitt’s introduction.
9-1-1 does a better job than most shows. With that said, there is a bit of risk because it’s driven by its cast. If the writers have to deal with a sudden change, they may introduce a character that the audience doesn’t like. Naturally, this new addition may compel angry online discussions or force people to fast forward through all of their appearances in a given episode.
However, that hasn’t happened yet. As long as the writers keep their wits about them, they should be fine.
Conclusion.
Innovation is a good thing.
9-1-1 is a supremely entertaining show that is more than worth your time. The characters are interesting, the stories are quite random, and there’s just enough of a balance to keep the fun going. And best of all, it’s a good tribute to what our first responders have to deal with on a daily basis.
Go watch it!
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