Viewers had to wait two weeks for this episode of 9-1-1, but the wait was well worth it. “The Taking of Dispatch 9-1-1” was an extremely intense hour but absolutely amazing. I couldn’t take my eyes off the tv.
“The Taking of Dispatch 9-1-1” starts right where we left off: with gunman entering the 9-1-1 call center. We’re reminded that Maddie was on the phone with Chimney when the hostage begins, and she tells him she loves him.
Chim takes Maddie’s hint and realizes something’s wrong so he alerts Buck. I love that Buck and Chim worked together during this episode to save Maddie. This season has mostly focused on Eddie and Buck’s friendship (which is great, don’t get me wrong), but it was nice seeing Chim and Buck for a change.
After the gunmen start monitoring the 9-1-1 calls, it’s revealed that the gunmen are part of a group trying to steal paintings from the museum and need the downtown area clear. After Athena is dispatched to a call, she realizes something’s wrong, too. She joins Chim and Buck and drives down to the 9-1-1 call center. Side note: Buck speeding past Athena, and her catching him and making him get in her car was great. Much needed comic relief.
I loved that the women were the ones who took charge during this situation. Yes, Chim knew something was wrong, but Athena put herself in danger entering the 9-1-1 call center. And Maddie’s boss came up with the idea to call out the 77 code to get her attention.
Maddie and the other 9-1-1 operators try to survive while Athena gets SWAT and other rescue teams involved. After a failed attempt to try to pull the fire alarm, one of the operators fakes an allergic reaction. Maddie gets the EpiPen and stabs one of the gunmen. The call center is able to take control, and this nightmare is finally over.
I thought all of the actors were wonderful in this episode, but Jennifer Love Hewitt gave an especially great performance. I could see how much Maddie wanted to create a plan and save everyone, but she was also scared and didn’t want anyone she cared about to get hurt.
At the end of the episode we learn the driver, Tiffany, was the brains behind the entire operation. That was a nice twist. It’s also revealed that Jake, the security officer, was in on it, too, and he didn’t die at the beginning of the episode like we believed. Tiffany fell in love with Jake, and the two were planning on escaping together. Their plan almost worked. If only Tiffany thought about turning off the GPS tracker on Jake’s phone.
This was a different episode of 9-1-1 than we’re used to, and while it’s nice to mix things up every once and a while, I hope next week’s episode is a little less intense. The viewers need a break.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think about “The Taking of Dispatch 9-1-1”? Share with us in the comments below!
9-1-1 airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.
