Station 19 2x08 "Crash and Burn" Episode Review

Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please read with caution.

I have waited so long for this spin-off to make its return. I have counted the days, and watching the mid-season premiere made me realize how invested I’ve become in the characters. I care about Andy and Sullivan’s survival, Jack’s inability to sleep, Maya’s indecision regarding her transfer to Station 23 to become lieutenant, Vic and Ripley’s romance, Ryan’s decision to let his father escape the police, Travis’s want for another marriage, and Ben’s stupid, yet within his character’s logic, choice to quit being a firefighter to save his own marriage.

The majority of the episode focused on Andy and Sullivan’s dire situation. They can’t call for help, the patient is in critical condition, and Sullivan can’t feel his legs because he has a spinal injury.

Andy is the only person who can move around the aid car and venture / climb the cliff to lit the signal fire, but she has a bad concussion. I compared their heart-wrenching scenario to a “toned down” version of the Plane Crash episode. That’s right, Grey’s fans, you know what I’m talking about.

The four-month jump afterwards allowed us to skip past the immediate aftermath and instead explore how everyone is recovering. It also helps align us to the Grey’s Anatomy timeline because Ben and Miranda are present on both shows… so seeing him sad about their romance was weird because those who have seen Grey’s already knew they were getting back together.

I am looking forward to seeing how Andy handles her trauma, Sullivan’s recovery and walking with a cane… I really thought he was going to become paralyzed, but this works too because now Andy and Sullivan are bonded from their experience. This might lead to romance, but Andy and Ryan’s hookup might restart their relationship… We shall see where all of this leads in the second half.

Overall, a strong mid-season premiere and the time jump was an inevitable move to keep things nice and ordered. I am curious to see how Dean and Maya will help Jack during his therapy sessions. Maya took his place as lieutenant at Station 19, and Dean is still struggling to learn how to become a supportive friend.

Also, Captain Pruitt Herrera reclaiming his position and telling the team off for not caring to help Jack earlier was an amazing—if not raw—scene. Everyone does need to get their act together. Yes! I love Station 19!