After a brief hiatus, 9-1-1 returned with a new episode, and we have to say, we really enjoyed “Mixed Feelings”. Buck’s story about being a math genius after his near death experience was entertaining as was watching Maddie and Chim try to figure out what her pretend neighbor was up to. We also got closure about Hen and Karen’s son spending time with his father. We review.
Blue House, Pink Mailbox
At the beginning of the episode, one of Maddie’s neighbors suddenly drops by to drop off muffins. She’s Carol, or “Blue house, pink mailbox”, as Maddie describes her to Chim. At first Maddie just thinks she’s lonely, but we quickly learn that she’s more than lonely and strange, she’s creepy. And she’s not really Carol. After getting Bobby and Athena involved, they discover that “Carol” used to live in the neighborhood and was running a coupon scam. She forged coupons and sold them online. She had the money orders sent to Maddie and Chem’s house because she originally thought it was abandoned.
This was a new one for us. We didn’t realize there was such a thing as a coupon forger, but we shouldn’t be surprised. Some people will do anything to make money. And it looks like “Carol”, or Rhonda, will be spending more time in prison.We did like that Athena and Bobby got to spend some time with Maddie and Chem. These four don’t usually hang out together. Can we have more of this?
Buck – Math Savant?
Buck was living his best life this week with his new math skills. He impressed everyone, including us, with how much he knew and how he could solve so many equations in his head. Eddie takes advantage of this and takes Buck to some sort of interdepartment poker game. Buck racks up the winnings, but it turns out the winnings are steaks, not money. Buck cracked us up by saying the winnings were “Low Steaks.” Ha. Ha. The chief told Eddie to leave his “human calculator” at home next time. So it looks like not everyone was as enthused by Buck’s new talent as we were.
“Mixed Feelings” had a lot of entertaining stories but we think the poker game was the best part of the episode. We love anything that showcases Buck and Eddie’s friendship. And we’re not sorry about it.
Parenthood
While Buck and Eddie were having fun this week, Hen and Karen definitely were not. They discover Denny’s been secretly meeting his father and they’re not happy. We don’t blame them. What Denny did was dangerous. Yes, this man is his biological father, but Denny didn’t know if he was a good perosn or not. He was basically a stranger.
We’re glad that Denny’s father survived the accident because that would have been really traumatic for a child. He’s already been through so much. But why didn’t his dad tell Hen and Karen? He’s the adult here. As soon as Denny contacted him, he should have reached out to Hen and Karen to tell them what was going on. We’re so relieved that Hen and Karen know the truth now. They can help Denny develop a safe and healthy relationship with his father. And at least Denny’s father seems like he does care and he’s sorry for his actions.
Besides, Hen and Karen, other parents weren’t having a great week, either. One girl decided she had enough of her mom hovering and wanted to do something without her. A haircut seems pretty tame especially since she told the stylist she just wanted a trim. But he freaked her out by putting a flame near her which caused a fire and set the sprinkler system on fire. Apparently the poor girl is allergic to water. We felt awful for her. And for the mom who pretty much blamed herself for the accident.
Our final thought? Fire shouldn’t be anywhere near hair. Stick to scissors. Thanks.
9-1-1 airs Mondays at 8/7c on Fox.