'Station 19' Season 3 Episode 2 Review: This heartbreaking tale is about the aftermath of gun violence
Contains spoilers for 'Station 19' Season 3 Episode 2 — 'Indoor Fireworks'
The gun is loud. The voices, louder. But it is the silence that is the loudest. Addressing gun violence and shootings in America, 'Station 19' paints a glum picture of how it has taken a toll on little boys and girls across the country. The episode makes a marvelous attempt at bringing the plight to light in this hour of need.
It all begins with a new day for the Seattle Fire Department. The new Seattle fire chief is introduced to Station 19 and leaves the crew skeptical after his visit. He is a former cop but there must be a reason why everyone thinks he looks like a sex offender at first glance.
A new chief, Sullivan and Pruitt's confrontation
There is a little awkwardness when the chief asks about Andrea 'Andy' Herrera (Jaina Lee Ortiz) and Captain Robert Sullivan (Boris Kodjoe) covers it up by saying she is on sick leave. Remember how, in the last episode, Sullivan forced her to take a week off after their spat? Well, guess Sullivan will get what he wants because the chief tells him he is on top of his list for the impending promotion: "You are at top of my list, Sullivan. Prove me right. I like being right."
What's more, Pruitt Herrera (Miguel Sandoval) finally sides with Andy and confronts Sullivan about why his daughter is on leave. When Sullivan tries to explain nothing happened, he warns him: "Whatever is between you, ends now!"
Ben's flashbacks
Later, the firefighters are called to a department store fire caused by exploding fireworks, which triggers painful memories from Ben Warren's (Jason George) past and inspires him to pursue a new endeavor. He remembers how he went with his friends to steal a car and go rash driving. His flashbacks are excruciating and it is quite a shock to find out how his friend Danny was on life support for years. His backstory peels all the layers of his character and it makes sense why he keeps changing jobs and even wants to name his baby Danny.
Travis and the boy: Who calls the shots?
Meanwhile, Travis Montgomery (Jay Hayden) finds a little boy hidden inside as he is scared someone will pull out a gun and start shooting. Travis helps him calm down and inspires him to be brave. Impressed with his caliber, the boy tells him, "You should be an officer," to which he Travis replies with all his passion, "No, I love my job!" What's more, Pruitt Herrera (Miguel Sandoval) finally sides with Andy and confronts Sullivan. He warns him: "Whatever is between you, ends now!"
Maya and Jack: Break-up to a new hook-up
Meanwhile, Maya Bishop (Danielle Savre) and Jack Gibson (Grey Damon) talk about her sudden decision to call off the affair. "We dated for months," Jack complains. Maya reminds him of how it was just about sex. She advocates for herself and her career and it is indeed a delight to see her power shining through. Well, it is hardly a surprise when Jack becomes more intertwined with an acquaintance and even hooks up with her, despite her being married.
Andy and Ryan's heart-to-heart
Andy is sleeping at home when her old friend Ryan Tanner (Alberto Frezza) comes back from San Diego to visit her. The two find a woman yelling for help in the next apartment. There is blood spilled as she breaks a wine glass. The neighbor neither had life insurance, not could she afford to get an ambulance, so Andy had Ryan call her father. Meanwhile, her toddlers look out for their mother.
Towards the end of the episode, as Andy and Ryan have a heart-to-heart, little boy Milo comes to them with a real gun in his hand. The two scream out loud for him not to shoot, but he still pulls the trigger. While Andy reaches out for Milo, Ryan is hurt in the backdrop. Turns out, the bullet hit his leg. Will Ryan live to see another day? The excruciating aftermath of gun violence is the crux of the episode and it will make your heart sink.
Directed by Paris Barclay and written by Kiley Donovan, the new 'Station 19' episode makes its way through complex relationship troubles to highlight prominent social issues and leaves viewers on a major cliffhanger.
Only time will tell what happens to Ryan as the next episode that airs on February 6.
