When Station 19 gets called to a structure fire at a coffee processing plant, the team risks their lives to save Station 42's captain. Ripley and Vic consider a shocking option to save their relationship. Andy gets some surprising news about some of her fellow crew members. Pruitt takes on a new position.
In 2018, there were 495 scripted shows airing amongst the linear channels and streaming services. The way people are consuming content now is so different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, there is less necessity to provide ample coverage of each specific episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site is making the move to shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of ABC's Station 19.
"Friendly Fire" was written by Jim Campolongo and directed by DeMane Davis
This show wants the audience to believe that the status of any character at Station 19 could change at any moment in time. Ben is studying to join Medic One. Vic and Ripley are contemplating marriage in order to come out with their relationship. Pruitt gets a job working for a private ambulance company. It never wants the audience to feel all that safe and secure because the job these characters do isn't safe or secure. This episode starts with Andy taking a massive explosion head on. She doesn't deal with any significant consequences for that action. But it's also a tense way to get into an ad break and ensure that the audience keeps watching to see what happens next. The same can also be said about the ending with Ripley collapsing on the street. He is lucky to have Levi from Grey's Anatomy nearby to get medical attention right away. That's a little cheesy but it helps further prove the connections between the two shows. Plus, it's a valid reason for why he stands Vic up at the diner. Throughout this entire hour, they are realizing just how strong their feelings are. At first, it's ridiculous to suggest getting married in order to solve all of their problems without quitting their jobs. They don't want anything to change even though their relationship goes against the rules of the department. They are happy with everything going on in their lives. They have opened up to some people and they have all been respectful and happy for them. It's allowed Ripley and Sullivan to slowly ease back into friendship. Sure, it may not be as strong as Sullivan's current bond with Andy. The opening minutes also continue to tease that they could become intimate at any moment in time really. That feels like something that will happen at the end of the season. And yet, the show is getting very close to that point. In fact, it has actually done quite well with unexpected romantic pairings as of late. Vic and Ripley are getting stronger despite the uncertainty of his new health problems. When he runs into a dire situation to save a captain trapped inside, she is riddled with anxiety over whether or not he'll get out in time. The rush of adrenaline is enough for her to see marriage as something she may want with him now. That's exciting despite the twist that inevitably happens. Meanwhile, Andy finally learns about Maya and Jack sleeping together. She is angry about it not because she's jealous over her best friend seeing her ex but because of the lying. Sure, it may be overblown a little bit. But it's enough to create a new sense of tension between the friends that could divide the firehouse further. It means that Andy runs to Sullivan whenever she needs to vent. That too could create its own host of problems because the captain of Station 19 now knows that two of his lieutenants are in a physical relationship. He's fine with Vic and Ripley. He will probably be fine with Maya and Jack. It's just uncertain at the moment - just like Ben's future with Medic One and Dean's potential of a second date with the first girl he's liked whom his mother has suggested. There's a lot up in the air at the moment. That means this hour is mostly about the excitement and tension that comes from the circumstances of the emergency. Coffee grounds are exploding because of the fire. That's unique and creates a dire situation even though the audience should never fear about the safety of one of the main characters. Ripley is still just a recurring guest star after all. It sure would be devastating if he died though because of some complications from this fire.
