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In a way, “First Responders” could be seen as a minor “Josh Begins,” as we learn why he joined the 9-1-1 responders.
| Episode Name | First Responders |
| Directed By | Tasha Smith |
| Written By | Kristen Reidel, Nadia Abass-Madden |
| Aired (Fox) | 5/3/2021 |
This content contains pertinent spoilers. Also, images and text may contain affiliate links, which, if a purchase is made, we’ll earn money or products from the company.
Recap
2006 Was A Different Time – Josh, Sue
In 2006, Josh was a freelance stenographer making due, going from job to job, until there was a fire at an assignment, and he was trapped. However, with Sue’s help, he made it out alive, and for that, he has been forever grateful.
From Freelance To FullTime – Josh, Sue
In fact, it appears he tracked down Sue, and after talking for a while, she offered him a job, and while Josh wasn’t fond of the chairs that were offered, considering his listening and typing skills, becoming a member of the call center was considered a good fit.
More Than A Mentor – May, Michael, Athena, Sue, Josh
What triggers this trip down memory lane is that Sue gets hit by a car. To make a long story short, she saw a young woman who was kidnapped, tried to stop the kidnapper, and thus paid for it by getting hit by his car and left with a multitude of injuries. And while she recovered, Josh took over in her stead and ran the call center, while checking on her whenever he could. After all, with them being together for more than 15 years, she has transcended being a co-worker or mentor at this point. So her well-being affects him deeply.
Hence why he is overjoyed that not only she survives and is able to return back to work, but also that the kidnapper is caught and the girl is okay.
Which is the good news Athena needed as well since May wants to move out. Now, everyone from Michael to Hen thought she would be opposed to it, especially with Athena knowing what she knows. But, with her keeping in mind her relationship with her mother, Beatrice, and not wanting to duplicate that with May, she decides to present May with options rather than shut her down. Thus, Athena finds a way to become a voice of support, even with conditions, than a voice that produces doubt in May’s head.
Collected Quote(s) & .Gifs
Commentary/ Review
Highlights
Athena Giving May Options Rather Than Shut Her Down
Like Michael and Hen, we know Athena to be someone who is usually overprotective to the point of overstepping. Hence her arresting a teenager for a minor offense. But there is a point when being protective is no longer a means of affection but instead stifling, if not considered controlling. This is not something Athena wanted for with May raised up, not dragged up, Athena knows her daughter can take care of herself. However, a mother’s work is never done, and with Beatrice in the back of Athena’s mind, and their still healing relationship, Athena doesn’t want to wait decades to get back on May’s good side.
Rather, she is preparing May for her next chapter. Which, when you think of it, is rather genius. For one, it shows support in May seeking freedom, but knowing May doesn’t fully understand the logistics and what she needs to look out for, it allows Athena some sense of calm by inserting herself as part of the process. Which, since she has been letting go the reins a bit, allows her and May to have an evolving relationship.
Mind you, with Athena being a Black woman, with some old school ways, this does not mean she and May will become best friends. However, it will allow May to have the “Adult Daughter” prefix versus the kid in her house title. A designation I’m sure May will be quite proud to have.
Getting To Know Josh and Sue Better
While we have increasingly gotten to know Josh, Sue has been a bit of a mystery. For example, were you aware she was married to someone? If this was mentioned, I surely forgot since Sue didn’t seem to ever leave work. Yet, in this episode, we learned, or were introduced finally, to her husband, got to learn about her through Buck noting she has worked in the call center since 1984, and even see her before she was the boss of the unit.
This, to me, is quite the gift and makes me hope that for more reoccurring characters, like Karen or Ana, we can get to know them better.
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