S02.E10: Merry Ex-Mas

[Drogo]

The first responders face personal and professional challenges.

[Zoe]

Who didn't see that coming?

Anyone?

Bueller?

[Hannah Lee]

Yeah it was sort of telegraphed.  If you didn't see it coming in the first meeting, when Chimney 'lost' his wallet, that sent up roman candles and streamers.

Not looking forward to that storyline playing out.

[SimoneS]

Great episode! I loved all the rescues and the personal stories. I squeed when Althea said "yes" to Bobby's proposal! I am trying not to wonder how he could afford that ring and how she can afford that house. Maybe they both inherited money.

Christopher just gets more adorable with every episode. That kid is a gem and the show was lucky to find and cast him. The reunion with his mother was just so sweet. 

I have to admit that I teared up with Buck when the Marine was reunited with his daughter and wife. As for Buck, I can't believe that I used to have no use for him. Now I think that he is such a nice guy and good friend. 

I knew the guy was Maddie's abusive husband. Not surprised that he is targeting Chimney. I just hope that he and Maddie aren't hurt too badly and that the ex- gets his, a beat down before being locked up or getting killed will do. The story is only predictable because it happens in real life and is dismissed, but women are in the most physical danger when they leave. And not only do these sick violent men kill them, they kill their friends, family, co-workers, and law enforcement. 

Edited November 27, 2018 by SimoneS

[Empress1]

9 minutes ago, SimoneS said:

I knew the guy was Maddie's abusive husband.

Played by Jennifer Love Hewitt's real-life husband, if I'm not mistaken.

I feel like my emotions are raw lately, and I 100% cried when the Marine was reunited with his family. I was with Buck, "I know I'm gonna cry." The little girl singing "I'll Be Home for Christmas" was a little on the nose but I don't care, I cried. I welled up again when Athena and Bobby got engaged (!) and Buck came over and congratulated them - something about him being happy for them made me well up. 

12 minutes ago, SimoneS said:

women are in the most physical danger when they leave.

There was just a story last week about a doctor killed at a hospital by her abusive former fiancé. She left, he showed up at her job and killed her and two other people. She'd called 911 to say she was afraid of him. It was inevitable that we'd meet Maddie's abusive husband; I think this storyline will last a while.

[mojoween]

Well slap my ass and call me Harry, I did NOT see that coming.  I thought he was a real Christmas good guy (I mean, last name Bailey) and just happened to show up when Chim needed something.  The fact that he was connected to Maddie never occurred to me.

Actually I spent the whole ep wondering how they were going to surprise me like the ad promised.  And they did!  

Every song they played is my favorite Christmas song ever, sung by the artist they used.  

I also cry at military homecoming videos and when that little girl gasped and her entire face lit up was when they got me.

I hope that old guy got his wallet back.

[SimoneS]

5 minutes ago, Empress1 said:

Played by Jennifer Love Hewitt's real-life husband, if I'm not mistaken.

I didn't know that was her real-life husband. He seems younger than her.

 

6 minutes ago, Empress1 said:

I feel like my emotions are raw lately, and I 100% cried when the Marine was reunited with his family. I was with Buck, "I know I'm gonna cry." The little girl singing "I'll Be Home for Christmas" was a little on the nose but I don't care, I cried. I welled up again when Athena and Bobby got engaged (!) and Buck came over and congratulated them - something about him being happy for them made me well up. 

Good to know that I am not the only sappy person tonight. :)

 

10 minutes ago, Empress1 said:

There was just a story last week about a doctor killed at a hospital by her abusive former fiancé. She left, he showed up at her job and killed her and two other people. She'd called 911 to say she was afraid of him. It was inevitable that we'd meet Maddie's abusive husband; I think this storyline will last a while.

Yep, that was in Chicago. Just a day or so before or after, a former judge in Cleveland, Ohio, stabbed his estranged wife to death in front of their daughters. All these influential people wrote letters in support of him so he had gotten a few months in prison for beating her so badly that he broke bones in her face and she needed reconstructive surgery. He even got a job with the city after he got out of prison. Women's lives don't have a lot of meaning when it comes to violence from their intimate partners. It will be difficult to watch, but I am glad the show is doing this story.

[SuzieQ]

29 minutes ago, SimoneS said:

Great episode! I loved all the rescues and the personal stories. I squeed when Althea said "yes" to Bobby's proposal! I am trying not to wonder how he could afford that ring and how she can afford that house. Maybe they both inherited money.

Christopher just gets more adorable with every episode. That kid is a gem and the show was lucky to find and cast him. The reunion with his mother was just so sweet. 

I have to admit that I teared up with Buck when the Marine was reunited with his daughter and wife. As for Buck, I can't believe that I used to have no use for him. Now I think that he is such a nice guy and good friend. 

I knew the guy was Maddie's abusive husband. Not surprised that he is targeting Chimney. I just hope that he and Maddie aren't hurt too badly and that the ex- gets his, a beat down before being locked up or getting killed will do. The story is only predictable because it happens in real life and is dismissed, but women are in the most physical danger when they leave. And not only do these sick violent men kill them, they kill their friends, family, co-workers, and law enforcement. 

Yes to all of this up until the last paragraph!  I bawled like a baby when the Marine and his family were reunited.  Actually I started tearing up when I knew they were going to give him a ride.

Was I the only one who didn't see that coming with Maddie's husband??  This was such a feel good episode and Doug said his name was Jason Bailey  I thought?  So I'm thinking he's some magical descendant of George Bailey from It's a Wonderful Life.  Wow, was I wrong, lol!

[AmandaPanda]

I thought they were going to go full soap opera with the ex-husband holding Maddie and Chim hostage. I figured it out about 30 seconds after meeting him that he was Maddie's ex-husband.

I cried at the military homecoming and at Christopher being reunited with his mom. I was so irritated at crying because seriously, what a manipulative way to exert emotions from your audience. 

[Empress1]

6 minutes ago, SimoneS said:

I didn't know that was her real-life husband. He seems younger than her.

He's a year older. He's 40, she's 39, according to the inter-webs. He reminds me of the actor who plays Kevin on This is Us.

2 minutes ago, AmandaPanda said:

I thought they were going to go full soap opera with the ex-husband holding Maddie and Chim hostage.

I bet $5 that happens in sweeps and the team has to help them.

They better give Bobby and Athena a wedding, I know that! Doesn't even have to be a big wedding - let Hen officiate at the fire house or something, with her kids and ex there.

[Moose135]

16 minutes ago, mojoween said:

Well slap my ass and call me Harry, I did NOT see that coming.  I thought he was a real Christmas good guy (I mean, last name Bailey) and just happened to show up when Chim needed something.  The fact that he was connected to Maddie never occurred to me.

 

12 minutes ago, SuzieQ said:

his was such a feel good episode and Doug said his name was Jason Bailey  I thought?  So I'm thinking he's some magical descendant of George Bailey from It's a Wonderful Life.  Wow, was I wrong, lol!

I assumed her ex- would show up, but I didn't think it was going to be the Christmas Elf!  I got the same "It's a Wonderful Life" vibe from the Bailey name too.

I liked the story line with the Marine, but I thought they would have gotten him there quicker if they tossed him into a police car.  I don't think I'm a fan of the Bobby and Athena engagement thing.

Edited November 27, 2018 by Moose135

[Irlandesa]

17 minutes ago, mojoween said:

I thought he was a real Christmas good guy (I mean, last name Bailey) and just happened to show up when Chim needed something.

His last name was Bailey.  But he was also quoting Alan Rickman's character in Die Hard who, for a bit, ---spoilers for Die Hard?

Spoiler

tried to fool McClane by trying to convince him he was one of the hostages.

I knew it from the moment we saw him but that reinforced my instincts.  I might have been more surprised if they hadn't titled this episode Merry Ex-Mas.  I figured a few exes would have big roles. 

[tvgoddess]

19 minutes ago, mojoween said:

Well slap my ass and call me Harry, I did NOT see that coming.  I thought he was a real Christmas good guy (I mean, last name Bailey) and just happened to show up when Chim needed something.  The fact that he was connected to Maddie never occurred to me.

I know, I thought he was a It's A Wonderful Life guy too because sometimes this show is just really too saccharine. That being said, I loved the Marine story, and I didn't care that I teared up.

And I liked the shout out to Die Hard being a Christmas movie. Anyone saying anything else is just wrong.

I'm so thrilled that Athena said yes. Definitely didn't predict that, I was sure she was going to be cynical and say it was too soon. Eddie and his wife bore me. I would much rather watch Buck and Eddie.

Good Christmas songs used, even though I'm already sick of them. I kind of hate this holiday. Bah humbug.

[Moose135]

6 minutes ago, tvgoddess said:

I would much rather watch Buck and Eddie.

I loved it when they took Christopher to see Santa, and the woman told Buck "You two have an adorable son" and Buck just went with it and thanked her.

With the guy in the box, they used an Eva Air airplane - they are a Taiwan based airline (which wouldn't be carrying domestic cargo from LA to another US city), who retired their passenger 747s a year ago.  I've seen photos of a few stored in Victorville, California, so I assume they went out there to film those scenes.  What annoyed me about that story was the comment when they were in the engine headed to the airport, and one of the guys says "The cargo hold isn't pressurized or heated."  Yes, the cargo hold is pressurized, and while they usually don't turn the heat way up, they are heated.  I know, it's a TV show, but get it right, dammit!

[NJRadioGuy]

Loved, loved LOVED this episode. Especially the Marine and his daughter. And yes, every one of the pieces of music used was on point, too. I didn't see the twist coming because I was thinking "Bailey" and the whole Capra influence. 

Am I a bad person for wishing that when the EMT found the missing body part in the restaurant, she should have cheerily said "Jenna...boop. Got you nose?"

I was just about to post about the Eva Air airplane as well. When I saw that I was thinking it was going to be even further mis-directed than MKE. But why didn't his cellphone show up on Maddie's E911 map display? That call would have ended much quicker, and more believably, since bringing back a guy who's been in asystole for that long doesn't usually end up well. Chock it up to a Christmas miracle, I guess. 

The story line of Maddie's ex will indeed be difficult to watch, and I fear will play out over too many weeks, but after the last few episodes of this show I think the writers have the chops to get it right. I hope they do, at least. It's a story that definitely needs to be told. I could even see the writers killing Maddie to drive the real issue home to viewers.

Quote

And I liked the shout out to Die Hard being a Christmas movie. Anyone saying anything else is just wrong.

100% correct. Yippie-ki-yay....

Edited November 27, 2018 by NJRadioGuy

[Rap541]

1 hour ago, Hannah Lee said:

Yeah it was sort of telegraphed.  If you didn't see it coming in the first meeting, when Chimney 'lost' his wallet, that sent up roman candles and streamers.

I will admit I was going in a totally different direction with "John Bailey" up until the end - I thought it was the traditional "Santa/Jesus/Mystical Helper" who no one but the person being helped ever sees who sets the whole business right. 

I loved it.

I also loved Bobby and Athena or "Captain Manpain and Madame Laveau" as I mentally call them just blowing their relationship up. 

2 minutes ago, NJRadioGuy said:

And I liked the shout out to Die Hard being a Christmas movie. Anyone saying anything else is just wrong.

Reminded me of my dad and how he'd laugh and point at the tv when the ten seconds of Christmas music in that film occurred and insist "ITS A CHRISTMAS MOVIE!!!"

[AnimeMania]

1 hour ago, Moose135 said:

2 hours ago, tvgoddess said:

I would much rather watch Buck and Eddie.

I loved it when they took Christopher to see Santa, and the woman told Buck "You two have an adorable son" and Buck just went with it and thanked her.

With the guy in the box, they used an Eva Air airplane - they are a Taiwan based airline (which wouldn't be carrying domestic cargo from LA to another US city), who retired their passenger 747s a year ago.  I've seen photos of a few stored in Victorville, California, so I assume they went out there to film those scenes.  What annoyed me about that story was the comment when they were in the engine headed to the airport, and one of the guys says "The cargo hold isn't pressurized or heated."  Yes, the cargo hold is pressurized, and while they usually don't turn the heat way up, they are heated.  I know, it's a TV show, but get it right, dammit!

I was going to write on all this, Christopher should have asked Santa for Buck to be his mother. Santa's Elves have the wisdom.

Saw Athena's house and said no way could they afford to live there.

If the guy in the cardboard box suffocated, he deserved to, he didn't have a key to poke a few holes in the box or cut through the tape. For all I know he stopped breathing from choking on the packing peanuts because he missed his lunch break. Next time tell him to turn the GPS on, on his phone. Major fail all around.

I hope Buck walks out of his room and smashes Maddie's Ex in the face but not before a little torture porn of Maddie and Chim.

[calibabe]

59 minutes ago, AnimeMania said:

 

Saw Athena's house and said no way could they afford to live there.

 

I guess you all don’t know the kind of $$& that a captain at the LAFD and a sgt in the LAPD bring in..regular pay + OT. They could more than afford to have that house which Athena probably got in the divorce by her ex since he was the one that wanted to divorce. Most likely it would be the type of agreement that until the youngest child turns 18 or graduates from either high school or college. Bobby is pulling in probably $150k per yr or more with OT and Athena are pulling is pulling in close to $100K. I know because my son is with LACoFD and isn’t even close to being a captain and between his regular pay plus OT he is close to the high 5 low six figure point and he’s been on the job 6 yrs now. 

[SimoneS]

6 hours ago, Moose135 said:

I loved it when they took Christopher to see Santa, and the woman told Buck "You two have an adorable son" and Buck just went with it and thanked her.

I liked that too. For once, we didn't have to suffer through the denial comedic response. Buck was just cool.

[Empress1]

4 hours ago, calibabe said:

I guess you all don’t know the kind of $$& that a captain at the LAFD and a sgt in the LAPD bring in..regular pay + OT. They could more than afford to have that house which Athena probably got in the divorce by her ex since he was the one that wanted to divorce. Most likely it would be the type of agreement that until the youngest child turns 18 or graduates from either high school or college. Bobby is pulling in probably $150k per yr or more with OT and Athena are pulling is pulling in close to $100K. I know because my son is with LACoFD and isn’t even close to being a captain and between his regular pay plus OT he is close to the high 5 low six figure point and he’s been on the job 6 yrs now. 

Also, Athena is 50. I assume her ex is supposed to be around the same age. They didn't buy the place yesterday; presumably they've had it for a while and it's worth more now than it was when they bought it. And we don't even know where in LA it is - neighborhood prices vary greatly. They've never said they live in Beverly Hills. There's no reason to assume Athena can't afford to live there.

Edited November 27, 2018 by Empress1

[llewis823]

7 hours ago, NJRadioGuy said:

Quote

And I liked the shout out to Die Hard being a Christmas movie. Anyone saying anything else is just wrong.

100% correct. Yippie-ki-yay....

Count me in on this one too! 

And did I hear correctly?  They won't be back with new episodes until MARCH????? Fall break is one thing, but maybe this is because the writers are also the writers for American Horror Story and their seasons are that far apart. 

[Efzee]

51 minutes ago, Empress1 said:

Also, Athena is 50. I assume her ex is supposed to be around the same age. They didn't buy the place yesterday; presumably they've had it for a while and it's worth more now than it was when they bought it. And we don't even know where in LA it is - neighborhood prices vary greatly. They've never said they live in Beverly Hills. There's no reason to assume Athena can't afford to live there.

And do we even know what her ex-husband did for a living? 

 

Figured Bobby could easily afford that giant ring since he's been living in a spartan apartment since his family died. Might have even gotten a huge payout from the fire, assuming he never came forward about being the cause of it (which it's heavily implied he didn't).

[Lady Calypso]

So...I'll admit I saw an article about "spoiler casting" with a picture of JLH on TVLine before I started watching the episode, so I figured out it was Maddie's ex right away, though I didn't know that is her real life husband. I will say that I expected him to show up either in this finale or near the end of the season, so it's not a total shock. Pair him with Chimney, Maddie's new boyfriend, and it was kind of obvious now that I really think about it. 

With Maddie's ex Doug showing up, I assume he'll cause trouble not just with Maddie/Chimney, but I'd suspect Buck will be thrown in the mix as well. Buck's going to lose it when that reveal happens, and I can't say that I blame him if he tries to kill the guy. I'm sure Chimney would back him up. Also, with Bobby "I killed 150 people and still have a job" Nash, Buck or Chimney killing Doug would be fairly tame. 

Eddie and his wife is alright but I'm not really feeling them. I'm here for Christopher scenes, as it turns out. That kid is a treasure. I'd be down with the wife disappearing and us getting just Eddie/Christopher. I don't know why the Eddie and his wife stuff bugs me so much, but it does. It's not like Eddie's a saint and his wife is worse than him. I just can't really be bothered with her in general.

Oh, Buck, I cry at soldier family reunion videos as well! They get me every single time, and I was right with Buck when the Marine was reunited with his family. 

Athena and Bobby are engaged. I didn't see that coming, but I guess it could work.  

[Rap541]

3 minutes ago, Lady Calypso said:

Eddie/Christopher. I don't know why the Eddie and his wife stuff bugs me so much, but it does. It's not like Eddie's a saint and his wife is worse than him. I just can't really be bothered with her in general.

Eddie and his wife bug because the whole thing reeks of forced contrivance. He abandons the family for the Army because he can't hack the idea of the son with disabilities. She leaves the family because she can't hack the son with disabilities BUT she adores the son, and he adores the son and everyone can tell that they're going to get back together so why are we even bothering?

Wait - the one way this doesn't end happily if if the wife breaks the little boy's heart by leaving, no doubt right after telling him that she will always be there for him. 

[Ohwell]

I'm not happy about the Bobby and Athena engagement.  Bobby's ass needs to be in prison for what he did.  When he gets out, then he's entitled to live his life in peace and happiness. 

I have the same shirt that Hen wore last night.  I hate it but I just can't seem to give it up, lol.

[Lady Calypso]

21 minutes ago, Rap541 said:

Eddie and his wife bug because the whole thing reeks of forced contrivance. He abandons the family for the Army because he can't hack the idea of the son with disabilities. She leaves the family because she can't hack the son with disabilities BUT she adores the son, and he adores the son and everyone can tell that they're going to get back together so why are we even bothering?

Wait - the one way this doesn't end happily if if the wife breaks the little boy's heart by leaving, no doubt right after telling him that she will always be there for him. 

True. This actually makes sense as to why I don't care. The two were already pre-written to be together from her very first episode. 

Another way they could go is outright killing the wife off. That would be equally as devastating and we haven't had a death on this show in relation to a main character...at least in terms of a supporting character dying. Since I can't remember the wife's name and actually don't feel the need to look it up, I'm thinking that I wouldn't care too much if she died. Which, you know, would suck for Christopher and for Eddie but I'd rather see Eddie continue to be a single dad. That was an actually interesting plot for me.

[DearEvette]

Aw, man, I loved this episode.  I am such a cynic that I was sure the package guy was dead.  And then he wasn't I was so relieved.  And then when we met the marine on the bus I was like "welp, he gon' die."  and then he wasn't and I wanted to cry with Buck.  I like that this was a fairly lighthearted ep and nobody died.  I should have known when the first guy went up on his roof and got run over by a blow up Santa and was just happy people were taking pictures that it was gonna be more lighthearted.

Bobby and Athena were good this episode.  I enjoyed Hen's side eye/ exasperated interruption when they started to project their own relationship issues at the unfortunate nose incident call.  Then she stepped in and set everyone straight. I would have never thought -- given how we met them and how Michael blew up their marriage -- that Athena and Michael would be friendship goals!  He's like the Yen to Hen's Yang for Athena in the BFF support department.  And my goodness, Buck look so shiny and new when he showed up at Athena's house.  Boy cleans up nice.

I immediately suspected that guy was Maddie's ex.  He was projecting too much creep factor for him to just be a generic good samaritan guy at Christmas.  I hope they don't drag it out too long.  I knew he was gonna show, I just hate domestic violence plots.  I hope his only significance is that he is a plot catalyst to get Maggie and Chim together and that he dies in a stupid way.

I don't like the route they are going with Eddie and his wife.  Maybe because I just can't warm to the actress?  It feels like they initially wanted to keep  her an unsympathetic character who abandoned her kid.  But then changed their minds and decided to soften her by trying to spread some blame onto Eddie hence the "we were both bad" etc. etc.  Not feeling it. 

Not back til March.  Boo!

Edited November 27, 2018 by DearEvette

[Empress1]

1 hour ago, Lady Calypso said:

Eddie and his wife is alright but I'm not really feeling them. I'm here for Christopher scenes, as it turns out. That kid is a treasure. I'd be down with the wife disappearing and us getting just Eddie/Christopher. I don't know why the Eddie and his wife stuff bugs me so much, but it does. It's not like Eddie's a saint and his wife is worse than him. I just can't really be bothered with her in general.

I'm with you. I don't care about Eddie and his wife and their relationship (the actress is pretty meh, there's no there there for me), but Christopher is adorable. 

[Rap541]

1 hour ago, Ohwell said:

Bobby's ass needs to be in prison for what he did.  When he gets out, then he's entitled to live his life in peace and happiness. 

Morally I agree, but "I was drunk and accidently started a fire that killed my family and a bunch of other people" isn't really intentional murder. He'd get involuntary manslaughter and possibly probation if people were sympathetic and they probably would be. 

Mind you, the whole "Bobby used to work in a big city fire dept and was a raging alcoholic who burned down an entire building killing 150+ people including his own wife and kids" feels like a life event that should have gotten a lot of investigation when it occurred so how Bobby wasn't arrested at the time is quite the mystery. 

1 hour ago, DearEvette said:

It feels like they initially wanted to keep  her an unsympathetic character who abandoned her kid.  But then changed their minds and decided to soften her by trying to spread some blame onto Eddie hence the "we were both bad" etc. etc.  Not feeling it. 

Same. I actually rather like the idea of Eddie being a closeted homosexual and the wife left him because of it but didn't out him to his family because they're so traditional. With the budding friendship with Buck... the idea of two guys realizing they're in love would be *fabulous*. And instead we're getting this. 

 

1 hour ago, DearEvette said:

I immediately suspected that guy was Maddie's ex.  He was projecting too much creep factor for him to just be a generic good samaritan guy at Christmas.  I hope they don't drag it out too long.  I knew he was gonna show, I just hate domestic violence plots.  I hope his only significance is that he is a plot catalyst to get Maggie and Chim together and that he dies in a stupid way.

I didn't! I totally thought he was the traditional supernatural Santa figure who mends Chimney and Maggie's relationship. I might be alone in liking Jennifer Hewitt and I wish they'd actually explain more about the character's backstory.

[sempervivum]

This is Grinch-like, but couldn't they have found a little girl who could actually SING? That kid was terrible. I don't expect Ariana Grande-level vocals, but she could have at least been in tune.

How come Buck doesn't know about Maddie's terrible Christmas? You'd think even he could figure the holiday situation would be fraught for her, and not sign on to Chimney's holly jolly crap.

[Racj82]

Wow, so many people didn't see the ex twist coming. I will admit that people not catching it is what is shocking to me. 

It was just super telegraphed. I don't even watch tv looking for twists. It was just in plain view. 

Great episode though. I've said it before but I just enjoy spending time with these people. Never thought I would say that about a Ryan Murphy current production.

[Blackbird999999lol]

19 minutes ago, sempervivum said:

This is Grinch-like, but couldn't they have found a little girl who could actually SING? That kid was terrible. I don't expect Ariana Grande-level vocals, but she could have at least been in tune.

How come Buck doesn't know about Maddie's terrible Christmas? You'd think even he could figure the holiday situation would be fraught for her, and not sign on to Chimney's holly jolly crap.

IMO that little girl has a beautiful voice.

Ariana Grande otoh sounds like a screaming banshee.

JLH is ruining another show with her personal life. Truly shocking. it's not like fans warned the network/showrunners about her months ago. She ruined the entire 10th season of Criminal Minds with her kid. I wonder if she tried to ruin CM too with her "husband" but they told her to go f herself.

She has the nerve to pull this sh!t again. Hundreds of people lost their jobs when that failed lifetime show got cancelled because of her & her husband. She's truly a sociopath with no empathy and no remorse. 

[rhys]

1 hour ago, Rap541 said:

 

Mind you, the whole "Bobby used to work in a big city fire dept and was a raging alcoholic who burned down an entire building killing 150+ people including his own wife and kids" feels like a life event that should have gotten a lot of investigation when it occurred so how Bobby wasn't arrested at the time is quite the mystery. 

 

Oh my gosh yes! I've never understood this backstory. Bobby killed so many people in a fire but still gets a firefighters job? I'm baffled.

1 hour ago, sempervivum said:

This is Grinch-like, but couldn't they have found a little girl who could actually SING? That kid was terrible. I don't expect Ariana Grande-level vocals, but she could have at least been in tune.

 

I didn't think the girl was singing. I thought it was poor lip syncing. Still got me in the feels.

[llewis823]

34 minutes ago, Blackbird999999lol said:

1 hour ago, sempervivum said:

This is Grinch-like, but couldn't they have found a little girl who could actually SING? That kid was terrible. I don't expect Ariana Grande-level vocals, but she could have at least been in tune.

How come Buck doesn't know about Maddie's terrible Christmas? You'd think even he could figure the holiday situation would be fraught for her, and not sign on to Chimney's holly jolly crap.

IMO that little girl has a beautiful voice.

Ariana Grande otoh sounds like a screaming banshee.

 I thought the same thing about the little girl being off-key. If she had stayed on key, I think she'd have sounded better. But compared to Ariana Grande...she was fabulous.

37 minutes ago, Blackbird999999lol said:

he has the nerve to pull this sh!t again. Hundreds of people lost their jobs when that failed lifetime show got cancelled because of her & her husband. She's truly a sociopath with no empathy and no remorse. 

What happened?

[DearEvette]

1 hour ago, Blackbird999999lol said:

JLH is ruining another show with her personal life. Truly shocking. it's not like fans warned the network/showrunners about her months ago. She ruined the entire 10th season of Criminal Minds with her kid. I wonder if she tried to ruin CM too with her "husband" but they told her to go f herself.

She has the nerve to pull this sh!t again. Hundreds of people lost their jobs when that failed lifetime show got cancelled because of her & her husband. She's truly a sociopath with no empathy and no remorse. 

Good God!  I admit I have never given JLH a second thought.  She isn't one of those actresses I love so I'll make sure to watch everything they are in.  Nor is she one of those actresses I hate so much that I automatically recoil when I hear her name.  She is just 'eh, whatever'  to me.  So anything about her personal life would have just sailed over my head.  I will say I am liking her in this and actually like her better in the role as the 9-1-1 operator than Connie Britton.

2 hours ago, sempervivum said:

How come Buck doesn't know about Maddie's terrible Christmas? You'd think even he could figure the holiday situation would be fraught for her, and not sign on to Chimney's holly jolly crap.

I got the impression -- maybe it was mentioned previously(?) -- that Maddie hadn't stayed in touch with Buck  and had been estranged from her family for a few years?  If so that would be right in line with the pathology domestic abusers and their victims.  Abusers tend to isolate victims from possible support systems and victims often don't notice the isolation because it happens gradually and they are often too ashamed of their circumstances to reach out.

Edited November 27, 2018 by DearEvette

[Ohwell]

2 hours ago, Rap541 said:

Morally I agree, but "I was drunk and accidently started a fire that killed my family and a bunch of other people" isn't really intentional murder. He'd get involuntary manslaughter and possibly probation if people were sympathetic and they probably would be. 

I suppose it would have been possible that he would have done a few years for involuntary manslaughter, or even probation with community service, but for the writers to just drop the story and let him live happily ever after just boggles my mind.  Sure, he "feels bad" and he saves lives (which is his job), but he should have been made to face the consequences of his actions just like any other criminal.  

I was so afraid that the soldier would wind up dying and would be on the phone to say goodbye to his daughter before he took his last breath.  Like everyone else, I did get teary eyed when he was reunited with his family. 

[Empress1]

36 minutes ago, DearEvette said:

I got the impression -- maybe it was mentioned previously(?) -- that Maddie hadn't stayed in touch with Buck  and had been estranged from her family for a few years?  If so that would be right in line with the pathology domestic abusers and their victims.  Abusers tend to isolate victims from possible support systems and victims often don't notice the isolation because it happens gradually and they are often too ashamed of their circumstances to reach out.

There also seems to be a sizable age difference between them (I'm not sure if they're playing their actual ages but I can't imagine JLH is playing someone in her 20s), so he may have been too young to know what was going on in her marriage. I can't quite recall but it sounded to me like when we first met her and she was telling Buck about her abuse, it was the first he'd heard of it. I do remember a line from her when she said his relationship with Abby was the longest one he'd ever had; my impression of them was that they weren't close as kids (especially if they're 6 or more years apart) and are getting closer now.

[Efzee]

5 hours ago, Lady Calypso said:

Eddie and his wife is alright but I'm not really feeling them. I'm here for Christopher scenes, as it turns out. That kid is a treasure. I'd be down with the wife disappearing and us getting just Eddie/Christopher. I don't know why the Eddie and his wife stuff bugs me so much, but it does. It's not like Eddie's a saint and his wife is worse than him. I just can't really be bothered with her in general.

 

4 hours ago, DearEvette said:

I don't like the route they are going with Eddie and his wife.  Maybe because I just can't warm to the actress?  It feels like they initially wanted to keep  her an unsympathetic character who abandoned her kid.  But then changed their minds and decided to soften her by trying to spread some blame onto Eddie hence the "we were both bad" etc. etc.  Not feeling it. 

Same! Just should have kept the wife out of it, have Eddie be divorced and a single father.

3 hours ago, sempervivum said:

This is Grinch-like, but couldn't they have found a little girl who could actually SING? That kid was terrible. I don't expect Ariana Grande-level vocals, but she could have at least been in tune.

 

1 hour ago, rhys said:

I didn't think the girl was singing. I thought it was poor lip syncing. Still got me in the feels.

I'm probably tone deaf but was also under the impression it was poor lip syncing. You can tell when the camera zooms in just as she starts singing.

51 minutes ago, DearEvette said:

I got the impression -- maybe it was mentioned previously(?) -- that Maddie hadn't stayed in touch with Buck  and had been estranged from her family for a few years?  If so that would be right in line with the pathology domestic abusers and their victims.  Abusers tend to isolate victims from possible support systems and victims often don't notice the isolation because it happens gradually and they are often too ashamed of their circumstances to reach out.

Yes, their estrangement/lack of contact was mentioned when she was first introduced.

[SimoneS]

I can't believe the show is on hiatus until March! I will miss it like crazy!

[tennisgurl]

At first I thought that Bailey was some kind of Christmas angel type you see in Christmas episodes, but when he saw him in the video store, I figured that he was Maddies abusive ex husband. Looks like that plot is finally going to be rearing its ugly head. Its really sad to see how Maddie is building a life here in LA with new jobs, a new romance, and a new career, and her awful ex is going to show up and try to wreck everything. I just hope she comes out of it alright, I have armed to her a lot. JLH isnt an amazing actress or anything, but I think she is handling the plot well, and she always seems very competent when she is on her phone calls. Her telling the kid from Seattle to not answer the phone so people can hear it ringing was smart idea, and she generally seems to do well with people in intense situations. 

Loved the episode, and all of the Christmas plots hit me right in my Christmas loving hart. I dont care if it makes me sappy, I love holiday episodes, and all of the holiday musical choices were excellent throughout. And yes, I teared up a bit when the marine got back to his daughter in time to hear her song. I was afraid when the bus got hit he would die, and would only hear it on someones phone or something, but we got a happy ending! Right there with you, Buck. I also loved the opening sequence, which was basically a short, deconstructed version of all of those "middle aged suburban guy gets obsessed with "winning Christmas" and drags his family into his midlife crisis/pointless rivalry with some other idiot" movie that seems to show up every year. 

Bobby and Athena get engaged! I did not see that one coming at all! Good for them! I hope it works out, even if its definitely moving quickly. 

I dont really trust Eddies ex wife. It seems like the show planned on having her being a deadbeat parent, or maybe even abusive, in a parallel with Maddies ex, but have suddenly decided that she is actually a decent person who loves her kid, and Eddie had messed up too. I think they might have her skip town again, based on earlier drafts of the story. 

Speaking of, I love that Buck just went with it when the elf lady assumed that he and Eddie were a couple. Honestly, when I was looking at all three of them, I was thinking "They look like a super cute family" and elf lady agrees with me! Honestly, Eddie has WAY better chemistry with Buck than he does with his ex. 

[ShortyMac]

Can't believe this show won't come back until March! :(

[rove4]

37 minutes ago, tennisgurl said:

Speaking of, I love that Buck just went with it when the elf lady assumed that he and Eddie were a couple. Honestly, when I was looking at all three of them, I was thinking "They look like a super cute family" and elf lady agrees with me! Honestly, Eddie has WAY better chemistry with Buck than he does with his ex. 

I totally agree.  Buck just going with the flow about he and Eddie being mistaken for a couple was one of my favorite moments from the episode.  I'm disappointed that the writers have chosen to bring Eddie's wife back into the mix.  I would've much preferred to see the storyline progress with him struggling as a single dad and the station guys pitching in to help now and again.  Plus, the Eddie/Buck bromance was just getting started.

I haven't seen JLH in anything since Party of Five and she was just a kid then so I don't have any preconceived notions about her as an adult.  I'm really liking her in this role and I, too, prefer her over the Abby character from S1.  She's great with both Buck and Chimney.

So glad Athena said "yes" to Bobby!  Based on her initial facial reaction I really thought she was going to put on the brakes.  I know Bobby was responsible for a horrible tragedy but it WAS an accident and he'll carry the guilt of his own family for as long as he lives, no matter what other happiness he may find.  And his life is devoted now to saving everyone else he can.  Besides, tv shows have redeemed characters for a lot worse than accidentally causing the deaths of others.  Shoot, over on The 100 the heroes purposefully kill hundreds of others practically every season.

Edited November 27, 2018 by rove4
spelling

[starri]

I had no strong feelings about this until just now, but I would much rather Buck and Eddie be be Christopher's daddies than have the ex back in the picture.  Perhaps it's the actress, because I just haven't warmed up to her.

It kind of depresses me that I was immediately expecting some kind of gay panic after the elf lady told Buck how adorable the three of them were.

[mojito]

Quote

I can't believe the show is on hiatus until March! I will miss it like crazy!

Hell, I'm hoping that after all that time I will remember the characters and backstories.

[tennisgurl]

I would so totally watch an arc where Eddie realizes that his marriage failed because he was actually gay and in denile because he came from a traditional family, and he was kind of checked out from day one, and Buck realizes that part of the reason for his "bro" persona we first met and his constant womanizing was him not being able to deal with being bisexual, and they fall in love. That sounds freaking awesome. 

[TexasGal]

22 hours ago, SimoneS said:

I have to admit that I teared up with Buck when the Marine was reunited with his daughter and wife. As for Buck, I can't believe that I used to have no use for him. Now I think that he is such a nice guy and good friend. 

 

I would probably have cried anyway, but that song always always makes me cry so I didn’t make it past the first few notes before tearing up.

[hookedontv]

I just can’t get behind Athena and Bobby. I honestly don’t see much chemistry between the two of them. Angela Bassett is 60 (holy crap doesn’t she look GREAT?!) and Peter Krausse is 53. I can’t put my finger on why I don’t understand this couple, I don’t see the sizzle like others do. 

[Mystery]

On 11/26/2018 at 8:06 PM, tvgoddess said:

And I liked the shout out to Die Hard being a Christmas movie. Anyone saying anything else is just wrong.

We do a double feature with the *other* Christmas movie, Lethal Weapon. 

I was not surprised that it was JLH's husband, but the title of the episode had clued me in. 

[LalaH]

I absolutely LOVED Abby (and Connie) and her relationship with Buck, but I really think once Connie was cast (I heard there was another actress who left?) and they knew she was only doing 1 full season, they wrote Abby so she was there to give Buck his arc, and by her leaving him heartbroken and having him finally move on and be changed by her, the arc is completed. To bring her back now would make no sense, plot wise. She is clearly not interested in continuing a romantic relationship with him or even working as a first responder in LA anymore, so she is out of that world. I could see her coming back for some closure later (no sooner than end of 3rd season), but it can't be directly connected to Buck.... I wouldn't mind that at all.

I do feel that people judge Abby wrong and not really understanding that the character was supposed to be awkward and needy, bc of the circumstances she was in, but also connected with Buck in away that was special ... but it was never going to be end game for either one of them. That was clear from the start.

I am not a fan of JLH or the Ex Abuser story line, but i'll wait and see how they play it out.

Overall 911 is a good show.... a little too on the nose sometimes and the acting could be better (let's be honest... tho Aisha is pretty amazing!!!) ... and I do love the music too 

Also, I have a feeling they will kill off one of the main characters by end of 3rd season... anyone else with me on this or just me?

[LalaH]

14 hours ago, Lady Calypso said:

True. This actually makes sense as to why I don't care. The two were already pre-written to be together from her very first episode. 

Another way they could go is outright killing the wife off. That would be equally as devastating and we haven't had a death on this show in relation to a main character...at least in terms of a supporting character dying. Since I can't remember the wife's name and actually don't feel the need to look it up, I'm thinking that I wouldn't care too much if she died. Which, you know, would suck for Christopher and for Eddie but I'd rather see Eddie continue to be a single dad. That was an actually interesting plot for me.

I am waiting for a death of a supporting or even main character by the end of this season or mid 3rd season ... It should and probably will happen, seeing as who the showrunners are... Who else would you think it could be, besides Eddie's wife?