Despite the air of mystery and novelty surrounding the newest franchise title, 9-1-1: Nashville’s Station 113 will likely follow a few familiar trends. Though the first spinoff— Texas-based 9-1-1: Lone Star— had many quirks distinguishing it from the original series, its most iconic episode remains its crossover with LAFD station 118. Yet, 9-1-1: Nashville could remedy Lone Star's missed opportunity.
Anirudh Pisharody Grew Up In The South But Didn’t Appear In 9-1-1: Lone Star’s Crossover Episode
Ravi Wasn't Even Introduced Until Weeks Later
Like most of 9-1-1: Nashville’s cast of characters, actor Anirudh Pisharody (Ravi Panikkar) grew up in the South. Pisharody ironically grew up in Austin, Texas, the same setting as 9-1-1: Lone Star. Sadly, the spinoff’s major crossover barely preceded Ravi’s character introduction. The 118 leave for Texas in 9-1-1 season 4, episode 3, while Ravi first appears in episode 6.
Only three 118 firefighters appeared in 9-1-1: Lone Star's first crossover: Evan "Buck" Buckley (Oliver Stark), Eddie Diaz (Ryan Guzman), and Henrietta "Hen" Wilson (Aisha Hinds).
Ravi Is The Most Deserving 118 Member To Visit 9-1-1: Nashville
As the next title in the first-responder franchise, it would be a shock if 9-1-1: Nashville didn’t cross paths with the LAFD during its run. When characters from the flagship series travel south, however, Ravi deserves a spot on the team. Ravi’s role in 9-1-1 is finally expanding, making his presence in the crossover symbolic of his character’s growing importance.
9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Nashville premiere Thursday, October 9 on ABC.
Furthermore, Anirudh Pisharody could tap into his Southern roots and explore Ravi’s character within the unique confines of 9-1-1: Nashville. Texas and Tennessee are different states, but that could make an interesting crossover subplot— similar to 9-1-1: Lone Star’s Judd (Jim Parrack) teasing Eddie over their rival high schools. Alternatively, Ravi could easily connect to 9-1-1: Nashville’s ensemble.
