911 – Pilot
Overview: It takes a team of people to help answer the famous question, “911, what’s your emergency?” Detective Athena Grant works as a member of the police force, handling cases that require her sharp mind and expertise, while also trying to juggle her own family drama. Bobby Nash and his team of firefighters help execute the daring rescues that often come along with these life-threatening situations. Meanwhile, Abby Clark spends her days taking and fielding emergency calls at the 911 call center, but constantly desires to know what happens after she sends help.
Air date: 01/03/2018
Directed by: Bradley Buecker
Guest Stars: Mariette Hartley as Patricia Clark, Corinne Massiah as May Grant, Marcanthonee Jon Reis as Harry Grant, Gavin Stenhouse as Priest, John Marshall Jones as Dave Morrisey, Rachel Breitag as Tatiana, Vahe Bejan as Father, Flavia Watson as Grovyheels.
This episode starts out with a bang. Well, actually what you were seeing in the previews advertising this new series is what actually happens in this episode. From a jumper, to a snake, to a baby in a pipe. All of those things keep the first responders on their toes. The writing is great from the sense of keeping the pace moving. When one part of the story ended, another took off. In between the calls, they take a few moments to develop characters. The character development is well done and does not dominate the episode. They let us learn about the characters as we go instead of setting the characters up. The characters are well cast. Connie Britton as Abby Clark is amazing. You know how I know this was an excellent episode. About halfway through I kept saying to myself I hope it is not over about every few minutes. Then when it did end, I wanted more. Not in a week but immediately. They seem to have hit on a great combination of acting, writing, directing with this one.
Overall it was a great start to the series. Now it will need to live up to those expectations. They got a lot of things right with timing in this one, so I hope this is just the beginning.