911 season 9, episode 16 showed just how well the team works together when it comes to helping one of their own. After a fire at an apartment building caused the higher-ups to investigate the 118, how did Buck and the team handle a crisis involving Chimney’s job as captain?
The team had been called to an apartment complex multiple times, for things such as electrical issues and tenants smelling smoke. However, the team couldn’t find anything until finally, the complex ignited in flames. After dealing with an angry mob, the team was questioned by a panel to determine what went wrong.
The 118 faces a review board after multiple calls to the same building led to disaster
One of the firefighters, Sam, who had been assigned to replace Buck temporarily, made things worse by stating that Chimney punched the building manager at one point. This did not actually happen; the only thing Chimney did was pin the guy against the wall when the guy pushed Ravi down the stairs.
The rest of the team had Chimney’s back, but the review board seemed determined to blame Chimney for what happened and questioned his leadership. This was due to the issues that had stemmed over the season, from Eddie jumping off a bridge during a rescue to Hen’s health crisis and to Buck’s recent addiction.
Once Buck found out about what happened, he worked with Ravi, Eddie, and Hen to determine what actually happened. They went to dispatch to work with Maddie and figure out why people were making so many calls to 911. Then Harry and May joined in, using their dad’s architect connections to get the original plans for the building.
They were able to use the map to determine where all of the calls had originated. They all coalesced in one section on the southeast corner of the building, and there was an air vent down that entire side. Eddie told them he didn’t find anything in the basement until May pointed out a room they hadn’t seen. It was actually a concrete wall but was hiding a separate room.
The team finds out the shocking reason why the fire started
When the four firefighters went back to the building, they were shocked to find an entire group of migrants trapped in that section of the basement. One little boy was even ill with a possible infection. It turned out that they had been brought to the building by Roman, the building manager, and had been locked in with no way out. They had been trying to call for help before one man, Esteban, used fire to get attention. Unfortunately, during the actual inspections, the 118 did; they could not hear them calling for help.
They were brought to the hospital, where the detective who worked with Athena in the prior episode appeared. He couldn’t do much to help them because the evidence against the building manager had been destroyed in the fire. However, Hen reminded him that the migrants could help give them information on how they arrived, and he could find a way to help them.
However, the detective left and made a suspicious phone call, making us wonder if he has nefarious intentions himself. This looks like a case that is going to continue on for another episode or two, maybe into the finale.
This was an incredible episode of 911 that had inklings of early episodes of the show. It allowed the team to work together to help one of their own while also investigating a fire that ended with a surprising twist. Plus, the episode also showed the team coming together and ending with Buck having his job back while Chimney got to keep his role as Captain. This is the quintessential part of 911 fans love the most, and we hope to see more episodes like this in season 10!
Even though Sam had made a mistake that could have cost Chimney everything, he did go back to correct his error in his testimony. This allowed Chimney to keep his job, although when the team said goodbye, it was clear Buck was ready to see his replacement leave. At least we know Buck is still not fond of being replaced, but we’re glad he is back in uniform where he belongs.
It’s hard to believe there are only two episodes left after this season, but so far, they have been ending the season with some amazing episodes. 911 will return with new episodes on Thursday, April 30. Until then, you can catch up on the entire season on Hulu.