FOX's 9-1-1 - Episode 3.13 "Pinned"
The 118 responds to accidents at a bowling alley and a home renovation. Bobby and Michael take Harry camping while Chimney and Maddie rush into action when their romantic dinner date takes a wild-turn.
In 2019, the television industry aired 532 scripted shows across numerous outlets. The way people consume content now is different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, it's less necessary to provide ample coverage of each episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site provides shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of FOX's 9-1-1.
"Pinned" was written by Nadia Abass-Madden & Juan Carlos Coto and directed by John J. Gray
Chimney and Maddie have gone through so much - both as a couple and as individuals. As such, it can be hard to remember that some big and crucial moments haven't happened yet in their relationship. Hen notes that they have been dating for almost a year. Chimney knows the precise details a little better. However, he feels pressure to profess his love to Maddie. Him getting the confidence to do so leaves her a little uncertain because she doesn't know what is going to happen when he cryptically calls her to go on this date. Nothing bad is going to happen. The audience has that clarity. She doesn't. She may fear the unknown because of her own past and what has just happened with Josh. Now, that is a valid fear as well based on how the episode ends with the 911 call center being taken hostage by the same criminals who assaulted Josh. That's perilous. Hopefully, Chimney will understand the message Maddie tries to pass along to him. She can't say the words "I love you" to him. She absolutely feels that way. She will show it in her actions. However, those words lost their value and meaning through her marriage with her abusive ex-husband. It was a coping mechanism that allowed her to build up the fantasy of what this relationship could have been. Those words were essentially weaponized against her. They don't necessarily have to be that way. Chimney wants this loving relationship to blossom and grow. He wants Maddie to move in with him. They are spending so much time together already. That conversation gets sidelined a little bit because they run into action the moment an accident occurs at the revolving restaurant. On the surface, that seems like an interesting gimmick that can prop up the prices of an establishment. However, it also means people have to be very aware of their surroundings when they try to leave the table. It can actually be quite dangerous. That may increase the liability for this hotel restaurant. They may only have to make up for it by giving Chimney and Maddie a free night in one of the suites. That is a reward they graciously accept. They have the skills to make a difference and save this woman before her injuries grow too severe. It shows them as kindred spirits who can still surprise and arouse each other. It's a plot that allows them to see the other in new ways even though they thought they knew everyone about each other already. That is exciting. It allows this to be a winning romance. As such, there is hope that Chimney won't be blinded by the glow the following morning when Maddie needs him to send in help for her and her colleagues. That's very tenuous and may further showcase how the stories need the characters to fundamentally suffer all the time. There is already quite a lot of effective melodrama coming out of Michael having cancer. The family doesn't understand the decisions he has been making about his health and taking a step back from their lives. He wants to be there for as long as he can. He wants to continue building happy memories and seeing his children grow up. However, he is holding them at an arm's distance as well by trying to mask the symptoms he is feeling. Bobby joins this camping trip with Michael and Harry as a precaution. It ultimately becomes an offering to ensure that Michael's memory will live on no matter what happens in the future. Again, Michael may be preparing for that as a certainty at this point. He claims that he hasn't stop fighting. But there are elements of him not understanding the world around him and how his loved ones are coping with all of this. The entire family can act that way too. Athena doesn't believe her career is the same as Michael's prognosis. She thinks it's very unlikely that she'll die in the line of duty. That is always a possibility though. The same goes to Bobby whenever he heads into a dangerous fire or situation. The future isn't guaranteed for anyone. Some may have prolonged moments of suffering and uncertainty. And yet, that can't stop people from living their lives and welcoming the joy that comes from celebrating. The family just hasn't quite come to terms with that yet. They feel that is giving up when in actuality it's just enjoying each other and embracing what these dynamics can be for as long as they exist. That's the hopeful goal in the end.
