Thrilling Ride Ahead, Imperfections Ensue

The 118 Team Is Too Scattered To Make an Impact in the ‘9-1-1’ Season 8 Premiere

One thing that becomes really obvious in this premiere is that, in many ways, the episode lacks the type of levity and joy that’s become so closely associated with 9-1-1. Sure, we’ve had some very dark episodes, but season openers tend to be partly a reunion between the audience and the show as well as a tabula rasa moment, as is typical in television procedurals. But, in picking up where Season 7 left off, it’s revealed the 118 have been suffering a grueling three months under the command of Captain Gerrard. It’s still unclear how this man, who was openly racist and sexist (to the point of harassment) toward the people working for him, got this job. It’s a pretty glaring plot hole, considering how egregious Gerrard was in the past.

It’s definitely too early to judge the entire season of 9-1-1 based on its premiere, and this show has historically thrown some pretty wild twists at its audience. Still, at least in the realm of season disasters, Season 8’s premiere falters in comparison to previous openers, as the show is clearly stumbling and recovering from its truncated season. However, it hasn’t lost its heart, and the storylines it’s picking up are still intriguing enough to keep us coming back for more.

New episodes of 9-1-1 Season 8 air on ABC on Thursdays and stream on Hulu the next day in the U.S.

Watch on Hulu

FAQs:

* Why does Captain Gerrard get to be the captain of the 118?
* Why do the 118 team members have to suffer under Gerrard’s command for three months?
* Can we get a season without bees, please?

Conclusion:
While the bees in the premiere were definitely the type of ridiculousness that makes 9-1-1 so entertaining, the overall tone of the episode lacked the usual levity and joy that’s become so closely associated with the show. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen if the 118 team can regain their footing and make a real impact in the world.