Even though the idea of a four-part opener was something we were concerned about, the final episode of the space emergency for 911 season 9 was incredible. It showed more of Athena’s backstory while also delving into her grief. Let’s finish our moonwalk to space and dive into the episode “Reentry.”
By this point in the emergency, Athena, Hen, and the rest of the crew have less than an hour until they are in danger of being hit by more space debris. The only way they can get home is via a capsule that doesn’t have enough room for everyone on board. While Lewis prepares the capsule to fit as many of them as possible, someone else has to go out to repair damage caused by the debris so they can use the capsule.
The astronaut who was repairing the outside of the station had died, and when Athena learns that he left children behind, she decides to go out there and do the fix herself. In her grief, Athena is not thinking clearly and is focusing on wanting to be with Bobby rather than going home. She wants to make sure Hen makes it back to her kids.
Athena's grief is front and center on this episode of 911
While this is a move that many may find selfish, Athena’s words show just how wrapped up in her grief she is. At this point, she has buried herself in it to the point that any other option than being with Bobby is not preferable. Hen reminds Athena that Bobby isn’t in space and that she also lost him. She’s trying to remind Athena that she is not alone in her grief.
Athena does go out to make the repair, but at one point, a space rock almost causes a collision as she is pushed back against the station, causing a tear in the lining of her suit where oxygen is flowing.
Just as Athena is losing airflow, she imagines having a conversation with her younger self, played by Pepi Sonuga. This was an incredible scene that showcased how grief can weigh you down, but even when that happens, finding the moments in between that make you see the things that make life worth it are enough to keep going.
Thankfully, Athena comes to just enough to grab onto the robot arm that Hen activated to make sure she got back to the station safely. By this time, the capsule was ready and Lewis elected to stay behind, allowing Athena, Hen, Tricia, Parker, and the ISS’s captain to travel home safely.
Back on Earth, the team, their families, and kids were relieved to have Hen and Athena back home. We got to see that Tricia dumped Tripp and began dating Parker, while Lewis coached his team from the space station. The show also gave us a glimpse at Lori and Cal from the subway emergency, hinting that we could possibly see them again given the actions Chimney took in amputating her leg.
Harry has a surprise for his mom on 911
While Hen and Karen shared a beautiful reunion at home with the kids, Athena had a nice conversation with her kids. The experience in space made her realize she hadn’t been the best mom to them and she apologized, also recognizing they had to grieve on their own. After a warm reunion, Athena told Harry that they would have to discuss his future, as he had dropped out of high school.
However, Harry stunned her by admitting he decided to apply to the Fire Academy to be a firefighter. Athena didn’t look too thrilled, and we have to admit that we’re curious about how he will approach this, given that he dropped out of high school. He does have the option to get a G.E.D., so this may be how they do this.
In addition to Harry, we’re also curious what May will be up to once she finishes college. Will she decide to become a first responder as well? Or will she go back to the call center and work with Maddie Han (Jennifer Love Hewitt)? However, as their storylines progress further into the season, we are looking forward to seeing Harry and May become more integrated with the 118 and everyone around them.
The episode also showed us flashbacks to an emergency Athena faced in her career, where she lost her partner after a bank robbery. The flashbacks not only showed the audience how she began to move forward almost eight years after losing her fiancè Emmett, but also her first meeting with her future husband, Michael. Despite knowing what happened in the end, we have to admit that seeing how Michael charmed the young Athena was super cute.
Hopefully, we will somehow see Michael in the present, although if we do, it might be a recast. However, Athena could use more people who love her in her corner, and Michael was always a good friend to her, even after their divorce.
The next episode of 911 will be a belated episode surrounding Dia de Los Muertos and other spooky events. We’re looking forward to seeing where everyone is now in their lives, now that the emergency has passed!
911 airs Thursdays on ABC at 8/7c.
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