In the 9-1-1 season 8 finale, before he and Christopher left for Texas, Eddie lent a hand to his old team during a building collapse. This made it feel like the team was back together again after the death of Bobby. After feeling this sense of belonging, Eddie decided to stay in LA. As much as I wanted this all season, I can't help but feel like Eddie did not learn his lesson. Once again, there was no communication with his son, which would put him right back to where he was at the beginning of the season.
Eddie Wanted To Be A Better Father, But Left Chris Out Of The Conversation
The 118 Is Family, But So Is Christopher
It took Eddie awhile to figure out that the distance between him and his son was not helping like it initially was supposed to. This was why he made the hard decision to leave the 118, and Buck, behind. He needed to pursue the relationship before it was lost forever. As noble as this was, Eddie didn't ask Christopher if that was what he wanted. Chris spent the majority of the season ignoring his father when he called or kept the conversation short. Christopher needed time and space to heal, and he wasn't given that.
In order to cheer up Buck, Eddie flew Christopher to visit. This visit resulted in the two of them staying in Los Angeles. This was another instance where we didn't see Christopher being consulted. Eddie did this to make himself and Buck feel like things were back to normal. Although he did not seem happy in Texas either, it is still something that needed to be discussed first. Eddie felt like he belonged at the 118, so that is where they ended up. If Eddie doesn't start talking to Christopher about these things, nothing is going to change between them.
Eddie’s Personal Growth Has Been Slow, But It Feels Like He Hasn’t Even Been Given A Chance
Being Back In LA Means Eddie Will Be Back To His Old Ways
As devastating as it was watching Eddie leave his firefighter family behind, it is much harder to watch him lose all the progress he has made this season. The separation allowed for a chance for him to build a new relationship with his son without the distraction of work and Buck. Now that he is back at the 118 so quickly, it feels as if the half of the season he spent away wasn't even worth it. Eddie and Christopher's relationship was the core of his story this year, and it just came to a rushed ending. Eddie damaged it so much that it deserved more than an off-screen conversation about moving back.
In 9-1-1 season 9, it would be nice to see Eddie continuing to work toward a better relationship with his son and learning how to be more honest with him. Although the ending of season 8 felt rushed, this would at least give some justice to the work that Eddie has been doing. Unfortunately, this will likely not be the case. Since Eddie spent so long away, we will most likely see him working to repair the damage his leaving caused to Buck as they both navigate life without Bobby. It will be like Eddie's didn't grow at all.
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