9-1-1: Revelations from “Chimney Begins” [Recap]

The rest of the crew got a week off as 9-1-1 focused on Chimney this week, in a bottle episode reflecting on his life while he bleeds out on the ground after being attacked by Maddie’s crazy ex. If you were hoping for some relief from last week’s cliff-hanger ending, I’ve got bad news for you. This episode is all about the past, and we’ll just have to keep waiting to see whether Chimney survives and what’s happening to Maddie. Let’s talk about what we did learn this week.

Photo by Jack Zeman / FOX.

How He Became a Paramedic

We knew that Chimney wasn’t always the hero we know, but it was interesting to see a little of what he was before. If only that Snuggie dream had worked out, he’d be rich. But, we wouldn’t have the Chimney we know and love. Like Hen, he had an experience that helped him find his calling in life. It was kind of fun to see his first ride out, as disgusting as it was, and it was very nice to see him come into his own on the crew

The Rough Parts

Chimney’s dad is kind of a turd, and it looks like after the death of Chimney’s mother, his father found a new family to focus on. Fortunately, Chimney was lucky to find family and a loving home elsewhere, but losing his best friend and brother late was a devastating blow. It also makes him question what he’s doing in that profession.

It doesn’t help that, like Hen, he dealt with some serious B.S. when he first arrived at the station. I feel like the show sidestepped the racism here, which was disappointing. But, as rough as things were, there was someone to take him in and give him sage advice when he needed it, and maybe that’s what keeps him sane and lets him go out and help others. He does eventually start to find his place with the rest of the firefighters, but it takes a heroic rescue to get there.

Photo by Jack Zeman / FOX.

Chimney’s one of my favorite characters on 9-1-1, so I’m holding my breath to find out how things go with him. I doubt they’ll kill him off, and I’ll very VERY disappointed if they do. They were dropping some ominous hints in the previews for this week, but it was comforting to see that the funeral wasn’t one of the people we know and love.

9-1-1 airs Mondays at 9/8c on Fox.