Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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While we do get to see Daniel, Buck’s older brother, this is a filler episode for the most part.
| Aired (FOX) | March 13, 2023 |
| Director(s) | Juan Turner, Joaquin Sedillo |
| Writer(s) | Lyndsey Beaulieu |
| Newly Noted Characters | |
| Daniel | Aaron Staton |
| Previously Noted Characters | |
| Buck | Oliver Stark |
| Chim | Kenneth Choi |
| Myung | Jennie Baek |
| Maddie | Jennifer Love Hewitt |
| Philip | Gregory Harrison |
| Margaret | Dee Wallace |
| Sang | David Young Lee |
Recap
This content contains pertinent spoilers. Also, images and text in this post may contain affiliate links which, if a purchase is made from those sites, we may earn money or products from the company.
It’s A Wonderful Life – Buck, Daniel
While in a coma, partly due to respiratory failure, Buck lives in an alternate world. One in which his older brother, Daniel, is alive, Maddie never left her abusive ex, Buck is a teacher, and his effect on the 118 doesn’t exist. It’s a strange world he finds himself trapped in, and it ultimately seems his length of time there partly dealt with his guilt about his older brother not being alive, paired with not being sure if his way of life, the thrill-seeking Buckley, was worth it.
Yet, after seeing his effect on Chim’s life, Bobby and others? He comes to love and accept who he is and fights his way back to life.
You Aren’t Getting Rid Of Us That Easily – Buck, Chim, Myung, Maddie, Philip, Margaret, Sang
With Buck awakened from his coma, Maddie and his parents are naturally happy and ready to celebrate. Chim is prepping a potluck from all the food the family was given, and while doing so, Myung speaks to him about the food and has a bit of small talk before talking about Sang. She makes it clear that pride caused a divide on Sang’s side. His marriage and business failed, and he failed to convince his son to return to Korea. Over time, it led to a wound and regret, and there is hope they can repair their broken relationship.
Which may not be hope in vain as Chim decides to offer his father and step-parent the opportunity to stay longer, which they accept. As for Buck’s parents? Well, the criticism they didn’t give Maddie and Chim about their home they give to Buck. Be it his lack of furniture or questioning how he is expected to rest, as the doctor ordered? This all leads to Margaret committing to buying him furniture so guests can sleep over or when Philip is there, he and Buck can comfortably watch a football game.
Things To Note
Question(s) Left Unanswered
- How deep is Buck’s guilt about his brother being dead while he is alive?
What Could Happen Next
- We’re likely to dive deep into Bobby’s obsession about getting justice for his friend, and Buck having to save him from himself.
Review
On The Fence
This Mostly Was Filler
Buck’s coma dream felt like a waste of an episode. I understand it is a reminder of how big of an influence Buck is on the 118 and “9-1-1” as a show, but it didn’t give us anything we didn’t know. Based on Margaret and Philip’s last visit, it was clear that Buck has issues regarding his older brother’s passing. So, putting him in the flesh was supposed to do what? Is there going to be a new storyline featuring Margaret and Philip talking about him?
In my mind, considering Chim is finally extending an olive branch toward his father, this whole Buck thing just feels like they intentionally stole Chim’s thunder, no pun intended.
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