There's a time for everything, and after a two-week break, Station 19 returns with a twist in its latest episode, “With So Little to Be Sure Of.” Primarily driven by flashbacks, the episode highlights the changing seasons, showing viewers moments in their favorite characters' lives from over the past couple of years. The scenes, while from the past, are relevant to many of their current circumstances and ongoing arcs of Season 7, and add additional emotional context for everyone. Directed by Station 19's Boris Kodjoe (Robert “Sully” Sullivan) - marking his network directorial debut -, and written by Rochelle Zimmerman, this episode addresses several important subjects: veterans and lack of access to resources, homelessness and society's treatment of it, as well as depictions of mental health and its impact on our first responders. This episode threads together all of these themes through the lens of one person's story, someone we've never met but who we learn is very important to everyone at 19.
"With So Little to Be Sure Of" delivers many long-awaited moments for our characters, most notably with Vic’s story. However, it initially left viewers scrambling during the first half of the episode to determine when each flashback occurs in the series, which took away a bit from its message. However, with a helpful breakdown of timelines from Station 19's writer, Emily Culver and an additional rewatch, the episode makes much more sense. It ends up being a great watch that viewers will continue to enjoy with each revisit.
Something You’re Willing to Fight For…
"With So Little to Be Sure Of" throws us right into the aftermath of Vic's disruptive (but effective) outburst during Mayor Osman's press broadcast after Station 19's call at the Space Needle in "My Way." The press conference where Osman touts the work and rescue of the Seattle Fire Department while failing to give proper credit to the program that helped: Crisis One. The program that he just so happens to want to cut funding from.
At the station, Vic and Travis are back for their next shift, and she continues to shut down his attempts to ask if she's okay. Andy interrupts to let Vic know there's no word yet on her job. However, she and Chief Ross are doing everything they can to ensure she keeps it. Vic did humiliate Osman, so his ego - as many male egos would be - is bruised. So why not take it out on the woman who was brave enough to stand up and call him out?
The good news is that Ross isn't afraid to go toe-to-toe with the Mayor. We see Ross at Seattle City Hall fighting for Vic and Crisis One, reminding Osman that Crisis One is personal because it embraces the community—it's something worth fighting for. But so too is the firefighter behind its success, who is just as essential to keep on board.
Now, for the flashbacks:
Last Spring: The episode's first foray into flashbacks takes us to a time between 5x11 and 5x18, where our characters meet the person who helps thread the episode together. As the date-stamp appears, "Last Spring," we're introduced to two new people, Morris and Arlo, who stop by the station for medical help. Morris, a 74-year-old Vietnam veteran, and Arlo, a "kid" who served two tours in Afghanistan, are endearing characters that we can't help but enjoy while they're on screen.
Despite their age difference, it's clear that they share a close bond which has been enhanced by their shared circumstances. Their story highlights the lack of support veterans of all ages receive. While being treated by Sullivan and Jack, we get a glimpse of who these two men are and what their initial impact on 19 is. Throughout this flashback to Spring, we see Morris and Arlo become more integrated into the station by attending community spaghetti nights and bonding with the entire team over dirty limericks. So, it's no surprise that Station 19 team members begin to support them beyond the regular call of duty.
This support is first seen when Sullivan attempts to find VA housing for the two men and encounters all the red tape that comes with it. It's a brief scene, but it’s a powerful and necessary discussion on the issue of unhoused veterans. Sullivan, a veteran himself, asks Maya, "How are we not taking care of our people?" Not only does it shine a light on the lack of support veterans get, but it also sets up a surprising moment for Maya to open up about her own close dealings with homelessness regarding her brother Mason. It's a small hint about her family's past and a story arc that the show will revisit in the next episode.
Shortly before the change of seasons, Morris rushes Arlo to the clinic at the station as he was behaving erratically. After an evaluation, it’s confirmed that Arlo has been rationing his insulin, fearing that he wouldn't be able to find more. This highlights yet another failure in protecting our communities: how lifesaving drugs are held back from people who genuinely need them, often because they are too expensive. The team quickly rushes Arlo to the hospital, but unfortunately, it's too late, and he dies en route. The team relays the news to Vic, who stayed with Morris to help calm him down. It’s her who has to deliver the heartbreaking news.
Last Summer: Secret summer romances fill the air as we revisit "Last Summer," focusing on Sullivan and Ross. Set between the end of Season 5 and the beginning of Season 6, we learn of Sullivan's dedication to tackling the red tape surrounding VA housing and, specifically, benefits for Morris. His attempts show the challenges veterans encounter, exposing the absurdity of the bureaucratic process they must navigate to learn about - and even take part in - their own benefits. It shouldn't be this hard. As Ross and Sullivan, both veterans, discuss the harsh realities faced by Morris and others, it’s not lost on them or the viewer that this reality could easily have been theirs. Luckily, they found the fire department. Aside from the big-picture importance of the moment, it also offers insight into their relationship during its "secret" phase. Past seasons primarily focused on the couple’s drama, arguments, and tension, so it’s nice to see a softer side of their dynamic.
Other parts that we see from “Last Summer” briefly include Beckett's time as Captain, one of Maya and Carina's IVF attempts, and Jack's disappearance. But it’s the central part of Morris’ story that really keeps the episode moving. Crisis One, led by Vic and Andy, is called to his encampment. The proximity of major construction near the site and the loud noises of the jackhammer trigger Morris into a PTSD episode. Vic is able to bring him back from it, but she realizes and admits that he’s only going to get worse as time goes on. The lack of support he has received since Arlo's death is significant and likely has exacerbated some of his triggers.
Last Fall: Knowing that these episodes fall between 6x01 and 6x05, when “Last Fall” flashes up on the screen, we can only brace ourselves for the rollercoaster ride of highs and lows that lies ahead for our characters and will surely end on a bitter note. But before the bitter, there must come the sweet, and witnessing the lasting impression Morris has on everyone at 19, truly feels sweet.
Morris has become an integral part of the 19 family’s lives, from lighthearted joking with Warren and Theo as they help him prepare for winter at the station to heartfelt conversations with Vic in the park. Morris has woven himself into their hearts and minds. His conversation with Vic feels the most impactful of all. She considers him a friend and tells him she sees him as intelligent and loyal. It's a reaffirmation of who he truly is outside of his identity as a veteran in need, which all of us sometimes take for granted. It reminds us that people in harsher circumstances often simply want one thing: to be seen as worthy of being for who they are—and Vic sees him.
Things continue to look up as we encounter the (somewhat unsettling) sight of Sullivan happily dancing in the beanery as he announces to the team that he finally got Morris an interview to be placed in VA housing. Everybody cheers! Unfortunately, as is the nature of rollercoasters, what goes up must come down. After the team celebrates a long-awaited win with the VA housing interview, Travis and Vic discover during a Crisis One call that the city has cleared out Morris' latest encampment. And with it, all his worldly belongings, including his documents and paperwork needed for his upcoming interview, are gone.
Last Winter: As winter sets in, ushering in endings and some new beginnings, the focus shifts back to Sullivan and Ross. Set between the end of Season 6 and the beginning of Season 7, we find the couple back in their hotel room, grappling with the repercussions of the city's destruction of Morris' encampment. The loss of his belongings, including crucial documents, complicates the task of restoring his life to his normal and muddles any quick hope for placing him in VA housing for the foreseeable future. In a moment of reflection, Ross suggests the unconventional idea of having Morris move in with them as a solution. She realizes that it's not a typical resolution and problems shouldn't always be addressed this way, but she's willing to consider it. This proposal catches Sullivan off guard, as he sees it as confirmation that she does envision a future for them—that’s not to say he didn't either, but it certainly is a turning point.
As the happy couple look ahead to their new future, Vic and Beckett pay a visit to Morris at his new encampment, bearing gifts to help him get resettled. While it's not a perfect answer, it's a starting point and it's what they can offer him. During their visit, Vic notices a photographer lingering nearby, who eventually approaches and asks if she can interview Vic about her charity work. Vic and Beckett decline, making it clear that they're not interested in publicity or using Morris' situation as a PR stunt. Their intention is simply to help their friend - nothing more, nothing less.
Today: We’re back in the present day, and Ross is continuing to have heated exchanges with Mayor Osman, emphasizing the importance of Crisis One and Vic's unique role in connecting with the community. Ross highlights Vic's efforts in teaching fellow firefighters these essential skills. However, Osman suggests that others can fill Vic's role once she's gone—an idea that Ross meets with disbelief. No one can do what Vic does. The Chief remains steadfast, recognizing Osman's empty promises, and refuses to entertain the notion of letting Vic go.
Ross is not known for pulling her punches, and she upholds that reputation when she confronts Osman about his inability to stand up to his money men, special interest groups, and cronies. She points out that he feels humiliated by Vic because she dared to do what he hasn't been able to do yet: stand up for herself and the community. She warns him not to fire or betray the people who are truly on his side. Remember, this is the same stand-up guy who was graciously losing to Travis, but because of his morals and ideas, Travis eventually ended up ending his own bid to support a guy he thought the city of Seattle could count on…
Back at the station, we find out the drugs that Warren's been taking are testosterone, which has him feeling like his 20-year-old version of himself in all the ways. If you can’t remember how reckless young Warren was, think back to early Grey's Anatomy. It’s setting him up for a potentially rather tricky situation. Add that he's lying to Bailey to the mix, and it's a recipe for disaster.
While Warren feels superhuman, Maya feels the complete opposite. She’s going through the egg retrieval process ahead of Carina’s IVF, and the many shots and hormones included are decidedly not fun. With an impressive "Maya Bishop" face, she stares down Warren as she explains the pain and awful feelings she's having: "I love that your boy shots make you feel incredible, while mine make me feel like a bloated chicken coop." Maya Bishop: The Comedian will never not be fantastic to see. And it points out just some of the many "joyful" differences men and women deal with when their bodies undergo hormonal changes. But before her rant can continue, the team are called out to Morris’ encampment. Vic rushes to see if she can swap with anyone so she can be on scene, but Andy points out that she’s on probation and can’t push limits right now. On site, we find a fire spreading throughout the encampment; as the team works to extinguish it, we hear them relay their containment status. But while they're working, they realize Morris isn't leaving his tent.
Cut to a somber truck ride as the team returns to the station. It quickly becomes apparent that Morris didn't make it. The question of "how did he die" hangs in the air. As Andy calls for a Critical Incident Stress Debrief (CISD) for the team, we realize that debriefing will likely give us the answer. She initially sets out to call Diane (please, Diane, come back; the team needs you), but Vic insists, despite protests from Travis, that she is the one who should do it. She's qualified and trained. And she was close to Morris. She needs to do it.
It Can’t Just Be Me…
The team gathers for the Debriefing. Emotional Vic is gone, and professional Vic takes charge– a familiar pivot for her. She’ll push aside her pain and focus on helping others. But this can only hold for so long.
Vic emphasizes that the CISD provides a safe space for the entire team to discuss the challenges of their job. First responders encounter difficult situations daily, straining them mentally and physically. She stresses the importance of avoiding harmful coping mechanisms such as overexertion, drugs, and alcohol, as they impact their long-term effectiveness. The camera pans to four team members - Sullivan, Beckett, Maya, and Ben - each serving as living examples of harmful coping mechanisms’ damage. They’ve battled their own demons in the past, but most have emerged stronger yet.
Vic starts the discussion with four questions: What did we do right? What was supposed to happen? What actually happened? And, What do we wish we had done differently?
These questions guide the team through recounting the most recent call of a fire spreading through the encampment. Maya, Beckett, Warren, and Andy reflect on their actions: securing water, setting up hoses, efficiently triaging the injured, and minimizing exposure risks. When Vic asks Sullivan for input, he has none. Travis’ response, on the other hand, stands out. He admits that nothing went as planned. On site, they struggled to persuade Morris to leave his tent without his belongings. Tragically, it cost him his life.
Travis shares that he wishes Vic were there when asked what they would do differently. He believes she could’ve convinced Morris to leave his tent. More selfishly but equally as justified, he wishes Vic could’ve been there because the “garbage” moments and feelings don’t feel so impossible when he shares them with her, his best friend. Vic reminds Travis, though, that he isn't alone. She's here now, and he's surrounded by the only people who can understand his feelings and the only ones who can help each other through it. Andy gently reminds Vic that she has people who are there for her too. It's the first direct nod to any team member realizing Vic isn't okay. But it's short-lived because Vic brushes it off and reiterates that the team has each other - and her - for support and resources.
Even Beckett's call of, "And she did it again folks," and the round of applause for Vic's guidance falls flat when she jokes about how this program saved Morris' life. Except oh wait, it didn't. And the team is stunned. But it feels cathartic to see her release the pain she has inside and scream to the team to truly see her – the struggles, the burnout, the empathy fatigue that she's been experiencing for years. All of the freaking kudos to Barrett Doss, who has always been a standout in the series, but is particularly excellent in this moment. "It's not just me. It can't just be me," Vic implores. Doss hits the perfect note as Vic finally gets to explode. Vic’s been carrying a burden that has only gotten heavier with time, not that any of her team noticed. She’s always caring for others, an intimacy she’s adept at welcoming and navigating. But with her own feelings having gone ignored for so long, that casual intimacy shifted and devolved and has left detachment in its wake.
After a few tense moments, Travis finds Vic in the bunk and lays beside her. They talk about what had just happened, both the good and the bad. He shares that Vic's outburst was necessary and it proved to him that she’d be okay because she finally allowed herself to express her emotions. He compares her moment to the scene in movies when a newborn baby hasn't yet cried out and there's a moment of panic among everyone in the room. But when the baby starts crying, everyone sighs with relief because it means the baby will be okay. Travis' reassurance that he loves Vic and will always take care of her is one of the purest moments of love in the show. It's short but sweet, and it's great to see the pair of best friends bond after feeling disconnected for most of the season. We also see what we all knew to be true: that Vic will be okay.
In the final few scenes, the stories of Vic and Morris reach a hopeful conclusion. Vic discovers that Ross has saved her job and the Crisis One program. However, there are still concerns about the possible cost of it. Ross' conversation with Osman on disciplinary actions and consequences was not shown on screen, and he seems unlikely to let things go easily. Nonetheless, Morris' funeral, attended by all of 19, Jack, Theo, and Carina, marks the beginning of closure for everyone in this episode. With a proper military funeral, they say goodbye. Goodbye to the man who meant so much to the station, who gave everything he had to this country, who came to mean so much to the entire team in just a short window. And to a friend who will forever be imprinted on their hearts.
----------
Season 7, Episode 6 "With So Little to Be Sure Of"
Director: Boris Kodjoe
Writer: Rochelle Zimmerman
Original Airdate: May 2, 2024
Words: Mariana Weber (she/her)
Watch Season 7 of Station 19 on Thursdays at 10/9 central and the next day on Hulu or the ABC App.
----------
Read The Room is a volunteer-run magazine! Enjoyed reading our articles and content? Please consider supporting us on ko-fi to help us cover the cost of running the website!
----------