This week’s 9-1-1 had a little of everything. Bobby and Athena returned home from their “vacation”, Buck and Edide both dealt with some personal issues, and Maddie saved the life of a young girl in an emotional call. Keep reading for our thoughts of “Animal Instincts”!
Absolutely!
Let’s start with some of the lighter events in this episode. Buck has decided to say yes to everything to help make his life more exciting. He thinks this will help him find what he’s looking for. This is definitely a case of “be cafeful what you wish for.” Because his old friend comes to town, and him and his wife ask Buck to be a sperm donor for them.
This probably wasn’t what Buck was expecting when he decided to say “absolutely” to everything. But ultimately, he decides to say yes to his friend because he knows he’ll be helping them. And we know that Buck is just a good guy. But we really hope he doesn’t regret this. Being a sperm donor doesn’t mean he’s going to be a dad. And we hope he realizes that.
Also, the conversation between Buck and Hen was gold. It was hilarious, but also very helpful. These two haven’t had a ton of scenes with just the two of them, but we approve.

Christopher’s Growing Up
We love seeing Chris in “Animal Instincts”. And we love Eddie and Chris’s relationship. Although this week the two weren’t getting along so well. Chris started lying to Eddie which is out of character for him, and Eddie has to punish him. After more arguments, we figure out that Chris is upset because Eddie doesn’t let him do things by himself.
We know it must be hard to Eddie to realize Chris is growing up and to know when to step back. Most parents go through this at some point. Chris is growing up, and Eddie needs to figure out how to still be a good parent while not smothering him.
We’ve probably said this before, but we really appreciate how the show focuses on Eddie being a hands-on father. It’s not something we see in a lot of other shows.
Maddie’s Heartbreaking Call
Everyone that’s watched this show knows Maddie’s history with her abusive ex-husband. So it was heartbreaking when she heard little girl begging for someone to save her and her mom from her dad. Jennifer Love Hewitt was wonderful in this scene and we could feel every emotion Maddie was feeling in that moment.
Luckily Maddie was able to help and between Maddie and the police, the dad was arrested before he could abduct the girl, and it looks like the mom is going to live. But man. It was intense there for a few minutes. We can’t imagine what that girl went through.
It took us back to what Maddie went through, and we’re so glad she was able to escape her abusive relationship. She’s now using her skills to help others and save their lives.

Other Thoughts:
- Maybe the park ranger should think about when is an appropriate time to ask someone out. Doing it after someone’s brother almost dies? Not an appropriate time.
- We’re glad that Chim and Buck are okay after Chim was basically kidnapped. Why did Buck decide that riding a bicycle would be the best way to help this situation?
- It was nice to have Bobby back at the 118, and it was even better when Athena surprised him by coming home early.
- So is Hen going back to to med school and still be a paramedic? Even though that’s not what Karen wants? We’ll see.
What did you think of “Animal Instincts”? Leave a comment and let us know!
9-1-1 airs Mondays at 8/7c on Fox.