9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 7 ‘Hotshots’ Review: A Breather Before the Storm

9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 7, “Hotshots,” strikes the right balance of lightheartedness while still offering glimpses into ongoing character arcs. It's a respite from the often heavy and intense storylines that 9-1-1 is known for, giving viewers a breather before the looming mid-season finale brings all the drama and stakes back to the forefront. While the episode doesn’t necessarily stand out as one of the season’s most electrifying hours, it is a refreshing change of pace that successfully dives into the emotional aftermath of some personal relationships while continuing to build tension for the future.

At the heart of “Hotshots” is Buck (Oliver Stark), whose heartbreak from his breakup with Tommy is still very much in play. It’s the aftermath of the breakup that really drives this episode’s emotional core, and Buck’s internal struggle to cope with the sudden end of his relationship is handled with both humor and honesty. We’ve all been there—the post-breakup confusion, the longing to fix things, and the temptation to reach out to someone who’s already made it clear that it’s over.

What works particularly well here is how the episode handles Buck’s emotions. It’s not the typical soap opera-style pining you often see in shows like this. Rather, it’s a nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with rejection and confusion, trying to come to terms with how things went wrong. In one of the episode’s standout moments, Eddie (Ryan Guzman) physically takes Buck’s phone from him, stopping him from texting Tommy, because everyone around him knows this is a crucial moment where Buck has to let go—something that’s easier said than done.

What makes this storyline more than just a standard “heartbroken character” arc is the way the 118 steps in to support him. Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) offers gentle but firm advice, reminding Buck that sometimes the best thing you can do after a breakup is to accept it and move on. Eddie’s more blunt approach may be hard to swallow for Buck in the moment, but it’s clear that the team is rallying around him. The supportive group dynamic works well in this context. The whole team, while not without their own baggage, serves as a stabilizing force for Buck—and in a way, 9-1-1 reminds us that friendship and family are as important as romantic relationships when it comes to healing.

One of the more contentious aspects of the episode is the continued rehabilitation of Vincent Gerrard, a character who has made a jarring transformation from a bigoted, misogynistic fire captain to a grumpy but well-meaning mentor figure. 9-1-1 seems to want us to accept this as a straightforward redemption arc, but it feels glossed over, especially when you consider how much of Gerrard’s earlier behavior was blatantly toxic toward Chimney (Kenneth Choi) and Hen (Aisha Hinds).

The show seems to be asking viewers to forget the very real issues of racism and misogyny that Gerrard perpetuated—issues that were deeply problematic, not just for the characters but in terms of real-world implications. While it’s not to say people can’t change and grow, the episode doesn’t give enough weight to the very real harm Gerrard caused. A deeper conversation about his past actions, maybe even a moment of reckoning or reflection, would have made his redemption arc more meaningful. Instead, we are left with a character who is now, as if by magic, just a “grumpy old man” trying to do better. This lack of acknowledgment feels like a missed opportunity, particularly given the climate in which the show is airing.

In a show that has dealt with themes of systemic injustice and personal growth, it's disappointing that Gerrard’s past behavior gets hand-waved away. The fact that the show doesn’t even make a passing reference to his previous actions—and, by extension, the show’s lack of real acknowledgment for the harm caused by these behaviors—feels problematic in the context of the world we live in.

On a more positive note, Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) is given a moment to shine as a moral compass for the team. One of the best moments in “Hotshots” comes when Bobby calls out Brad Torrance (guest star) for his condescending attitude toward a waitress. Bobby isn’t afraid to stand up to Torrance, even when doing so could jeopardize his position.

Bobby’s strength of character here is a refreshing contrast to Torrance’s entitled behavior. In a world where power imbalances and elitism often go unchecked, Bobby’s willingness to defend others—even in situations where it might not benefit him directly—is a testament to his integrity. It’s a much-needed reminder that respect for others, no matter their position in life, should always come first. While Bobby might be in a tricky spot with Torrance, it’s clear that his moral compass won’t let him stand idly by while someone else is treated unfairly.

This is a particularly timely message, as the world at large continues to grapple with issues of power dynamics and respect. It’s a small but powerful moment in the episode, and one that underscores the importance of standing up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Athena (Angela Bassett) continues to evolve this season, and “Hotshots” highlights another layer of her growth as a police officer. Athena is no longer just the dedicated cop who solves cases—she is now also a force for accountability within the police system. This is evident when she confronts a young recruit who, during a conversation about the reasons he wants to become a cop, reveals a troubling desire for power rather than justice.

Athena’s response to this moment is telling—she doesn’t let the recruit’s attitude slide. She stays on it, questioning his motivations and making it clear that the badge is about responsibility, not control. While this moment is small, it signals a shift in Athena’s character. She no longer simply follows the rules; she actively works to make sure those around her understand the weight of the badge and the importance of the role they play in society.

This evolution in Athena’s character is a subtle but significant one. It signals a broader commitment to confronting issues within the police force and ensuring that her colleagues don’t become part of the very system they’re meant to serve and protect. This ongoing theme of accountability is important, especially as the show continues to reflect on the complexities of law enforcement in today’s world.

Overall, 9-1-1 Season 8, Episode 7, “Hotshots,” may not be the most intense or groundbreaking episode of the season, but it serves an important purpose. It provides a much-needed break from the heavy drama of the past few weeks, offering some comedic relief, emotional growth, and small moments of clarity for several key characters. However, beneath the lighthearted exterior, the show sets up some serious tension for the future, particularly with characters like Brad Torrance and Gerrard.

As we look ahead to the mid-season finale, this episode feels like the calm before the storm. While it’s fun to enjoy a more carefree episode, it’s clear that the emotional stakes are only going to rise from here. And when that storm hits, the 118 will need all the strength, integrity, and teamwork they’ve built up in episodes like this to face the challenges ahead.

“Hotshots” is an enjoyable, character-driven episode that offers both moments of levity and a deeper look at the complexities of personal growth, ethics, and responsibility. It’s not perfect, and it certainly doesn’t solve all the show’s ongoing issues, but it does manage to be both entertaining and meaningful, setting the stage for what’s to come.