9-1-1 Season 10 Episode 4 “Imposter Syndrome” is all about the disservice we do to ourselves and others when we don’t believe in ourselves, ask for help, or admit that we were wrong. And in this one, Buck was wrong; he apologized, and then he and Eddie made up faster than expected. Unfortunately, he just had to get arrested to understand that.
This episode also made me desperately want some fun episodes. Because that whole kitchen and coffee scene was funny. But it was also grounded in a bunch of angst. And after the volcano, this man pretending to be an imposter, and Maddie having her own doubts about her abilities, they need something light.
MORE: Need a refresher of last week’s episode? Read our review of 9-1-1 Season 10 Episode 3 “Streets of Fire.”
That Buddie Divorce Was Over Quick
Since AO3 is down, I guess we’re going to get our Buddie goodness from the actual show because what in the fanfiction was that? The last time we had a good Buddie argument like that was during Buck’s kidnapping, where everybody thought that they were married after that diner fight. But this fight with the crew there was even better, because it means everyone is aware of their dynamics, the tension that comes with them arguing, and bets on it like something straight out of a fanfiction. The way they act is the norm.
If anything, their fight told me that Buck and Eddie feel comfortable being their most real self around each other. And if that means being a little bitchy with each other, that’s just what it is. That’s honesty while knowing that the other person is still going to have your back no matter what. You’re just going through a rough patch right now. And that’s what they were going through this entire episode. What I didn’t expect was for Buck to apologize and for Buck and Eddie to make up so quickly. But I’m glad they did.
In an intimate moment at the end of “Imposter Syndrome,” we saw Buck and Eddie’s connection once again being presented in a manner that shows that they are each other’s person. I know that there was a Buck and Maddie scene that was cut from 10×04. And he can go to her when need be. But the choices being made on 9-1-1 are sending a clear message that when either of them is in need or having a tough time, they are each other’s person.
Here’s hoping that Buck actually listens to Eddie and doesn’t let his doubts (and imposter syndrome) overwhelm him. Also therapy. Buck, you need it to work on that self-doubt, care for Theo in the way he deserves, plus Eddie didn’t deserve to be talked like that last episode.
MORE: 9-1-1 Giving us Buddie Divorce Era (Again) is a Good Thing
What If I Said it Wasn’t Buck’s Fault Completely?
As much as I believe that Buck is doing a disservice to Theo’s current life by not properly parenting him, I don’t think we can solely blame him for everything that’s happening with Theo. The Theo that we see in “Imposter Syndrome” is a child that doesn’t have any rules, boundaries, or ways to get his energy out. And it begs the question: what were Connor and Kameron doing with you?
Theo is 4 years old, and by the time that his parents brought him to Buck, it was to ask for help with the implication that there was something wrong with him due to Buck’s DNA. And even when Theo was in that house with his parents, he was running around with no one actively doing anything. So yes, Buck has fault in the current state of what is happening, but Theo has no grounding or ways to process his emotions. And that started with Connor and Kameron.
Believing all of this doesn’t mean that Buck is innocent or that Theo didn’t regress from whatever progress his parents made in the first place. All these things are true. Buck is trying to be Theo’s friend when he needs to be his parent. And Theo has gone through insurmountable pain in his young life. I’m just tired of people acting like it’s black and white or that Buck deserved to get arrested. He didn’t. He’s a new parent. And everyone deserves a little grace here.
MORE: Is Eddie Gay? We’ve discussed it before!
Remember How Maddie Just Stopped a Volcano
I’m having a little bit of trouble understanding how 9-1-1 went from Maddie stopping a volcano from totally destroying LA to her doubting her abilities? The whiplash is real. Because Maddie is skilled, confident, and qualified. But it took one white guy with delusions of grandeur born from an illness that he didn’t know he had to shake her confidence. Narrative-wise, it doesn’t make sense.
I do think that Maddie has been through a lot. And maybe she wants to take a well-deserved break. But it just doesn’t make sense to have her act like the opening emergency didn’t happen. She’s one of the fiercest characters on the show. And if they wanted to give Maddie a break, they could’ve found another way that felt more realistic.
I will say that I love that 9-1-1 continues giving women like Maddie and Athena these continuously evolving storylines where they are the heroes. This is a positive, especially because Hollywood likes to act like anyone over 40 can’t have prominent roles in film or TV. They can. Now let’s add Hen to the mix, because when was the last time she got a juicy storyline?
Additional Notes About 10×04:
- That was Shawn. Not Jerry. Not Kevin.
- Also… he really got away with doing all that to so many people like nothing…
- So proud of May. She’s trying. She’s messing up. But most importantly, she’s a Grant.
- Eddie try not to look pretty challenge.
- Truly, every episode.
- The basketball player trying to relive his glory days. Who really wants to go back to high school? Not I!
- Athena looking good too.
- Per usual.
- I need more moments like the one in the truck. Hijinx stuff.
- Poor Ravi stuck in between.
- But also poor Harry! He’s just trying his best, and this is probably his first Buddie divorce, right?
9-1-1 airs new episodes every Thursday at 8/7c on ABC.
