Ep 9. Hen Begins

Hen Begins is the ninth episode of the second season of the drama series 9-1-1. The episode focuses on the backstory of the character, Hen, played by actress Aisha Hinds. Hen is a firefighter and paramedic who has been a part of the Los Angeles Fire Department for several years. In this episode, viewers will be taken back to her earlier years, where she was struggling with her identity and how she fit into society.

The episode opens up with Hen and Athena, played by Angela Bassett, in a car on their way to a call. Athena tries to engage Hen in conversation, but Hen doesn't seem interested. This leads Athena to ask Hen if there's something she wants to talk about. Hen hesitates at first, but then decides to open up to Athena about her past. The episode then takes viewers on a journey through Hen's younger years.

In flashbacks, viewers see a young Hen struggling with her identity, and how she fits into her family's expectations. She comes from a conservative family, and they do not approve of her sexuality. She constantly feels like she has to hide who she is, and she struggles with depression as a result. Hen's struggles eventually culminate in a suicide attempt, which lands her in the hospital. This becomes a turning point in her life.

Hen meets a woman named Karen while in the hospital, and the two quickly become friends. Karen is an activist and encourages Hen to be herself and not let anyone else dictate her life. This conversation marks a turning point for Hen, and she decides to take control of her own life. She starts going to college, where she discovers her passion for saving lives and helping others. Eventually, she joins the LAFD, where she becomes a respected and accomplished firefighter and paramedic.

Throughout the episode, Hen's present-day struggles with her wife, Karen, played by Tracie Thoms, are also explored. Karen is in the process of adopting a child, but Hen is hesitant about having children. She's afraid that her past struggles with depression will make her an unfit mother. Karen tries to convince her otherwise, but Hen is still unsure.

Hen's past struggles with her identity also come into play when the team is called to rescue a transgender woman who is trapped in her home. This is a deeply emotional scene, as Hen connects with the woman and offers her comfort.

The episode wraps up with Hen taking a big step towards overcoming her fears about parenthood. She ultimately decides to support Karen in the adoption process, even though she's still scared. Her growth as a character is highlighted throughout the episode, as viewers see her come to terms with her past struggles and move forward.

Overall, Hen Begins is a powerful and emotional episode that delves into the character's backstory and brings to light some important issues. The performances by the actors are strong, and the writing is thought-provoking. This episode is a must-watch for fans of the series who want to learn more about one of the show's most beloved characters.