When Station 19 receives a call from concerned neighbors regarding a resident in their apartment building, the team heads out to investigate. When they arrive to evaluate the scene, they're shocked by what they find inside. In an effort to create a solid working relationship between the fire and police departments, Ryan takes an unlikely member of the team on a ride-along.
In 2018, it has become very difficult to keep up with every television show out there. It's even more difficult to provide adequate coverage on this site about the episodes that air every week. Not every show can get full coverage because of my busy and hectic viewing schedule. As such, some reviews will now be condensed to give only some summary thoughts. But it also affords a space for me to jot down my thoughts on the various episodes. And so, here are my thoughts on this week's episode of ABC's Station 19.
"Home to Hold Onto" was written by Anupam Nigam and directed by Tessa Blake
Andy and Jack were competing to be the new captain of Station 19 last season. Neither of them ultimately got the job. Sullivan is the one who now carries that responsibility. He brings a completely new sensibility to the station as well. He is just as capable at the job as anyone else vying for the position. But he's much more stoic and hard-to-read as well. Moreover, Andy and Jack have been lost since Sullivan's arrival. They believed their lives were heading in one direction. And then, everything changed because of the high-rise fire. That was the moment that cemented their current states. Neither of them have the job they desperately wanted. And now, they are realizing that Pruitt and the Fire Chief were probably right not to recommend either of them for the job. Andy is uncertain in her life because she just now has a sense of independence. She is pulling away from her father hoping to continue counting on her friendships. But she's also realizing that this stability she yearns for won't be as easy as she was expecting. She can't just expect everyone to blindly agree with her no matter the situation. She can't demand that of Maya on or off the job. Their friendship is evolving this season and it's unclear what form it will take as this story moves forward. They are living together. And yet, there is uncertain tension as well. Meanwhile, Jack spends the hour on a ride-along with Ryan. They are two characters who were in competition against each other as well last season. They were both vying for Andy's heart. They both wanted to be in a relationship with her. And now, romance is the furthest thing from her mind. As such, they are spinning as well and seeing just how petty all of it was too. They don't get along. And yet, they walk away with new respect for each other. It's also significant and compelling to listen to Ryan talk about the differences between how firefighters and police officers are perceived by the world. Jack is validated as a hero and Ryan typically has to deal with the worst of humanity. But they both still rise to the occasion when the situation calls for it. Right now, it seems like Ryan is in a good headspace. He's the one who makes a crucial decision that saves a family. Jack is just watching it all happen. His future is uncertain as well because he doesn't know what he's aspiring for. His life changed after the high-rise fire that he wasn't expecting to get out of alive. He doesn't quite know what to do with it just yet. That stands in contrast to Travis who is hoping to restore the friendship he has always known with Vic. And finally, the only person who seems to be thriving under Sullivan's leadership of the station is Maya. He is pushing her to apply for lieutenant. He is encouraging her to add her voice to the conversation. When the station responds to a perilous situation, she's the one who ultimately makes the right call in the heat of the moment. Sure, she doesn't get the miraculous save. But she was able to keep a cool head and make the best decision that ensured the safety of everyone involved. She should be encouraged to apply for more responsibilities. It also just seems like that is being set up to drive a wedge between Andy and Maya because their friendship may ultimately depend on Andy being the one giving the orders and believing she is always right.
