I’m Not Here, This Isn’t Happening (2x12: Chimney Begins)

The Buddie System

Welcome to the Chimney Farewell Tour, where all of his worst memories flash inside his mind!

This week Han, Cil, and Rachel open up the floo and slide right into Season 2 Episode 12 of 9-1-1, “Chimney Begins.” Take a trip with us into Chimney’s brain to relive some of his most defining moments in becoming a firefighter paramedic — from finding his calling at karaoke night to overcoming adversity at Gerrard’s 118 and discovering a passion for being a helper and a healer.

We learn about Chimney’s upbringing, most notably his non-traditional family in the Lees and the brotherly love between him and Kevin. Discover the parallels between Kevin and Buck, their instinct to throw themselves into danger without a second thought and the similarities in how Chimney gives them both the little brother treatment.

Chimney’s father is our latest member inducted into the “Bio-Parents Have No Rights” Club. We discuss Mr. Han’s complete neglect and disinterest in his firstborn son, giving Chimney a lifelong inferiority complex, and its far-reaching effects on how he tries to present himself to friends and family.

We explore our neurodivergent Chimney headcanon which explains his inability to hold down a job, superior pattern recognition, and calm under pressure. Chimney believes he’s finally where he’s meant to be, but finds himself relegated to “man behind” on every shift, keeping him from earning his stripes as a probationary firefighter which exacerbates Chimney’s feeling of not belonging until Eli takes him under his wing.

The emotional crux of this episode centers around the aftermath of Chimney essentially losing his brother, shaping the man we’ve come to know, and how he handles traumatic experiences (like the one he’s currently bleeding out from).

Tune in to see Chimney turn his life into folklore as he fights to survive the Horrors™️for the life he’s built and the future that’s just within reach.

📔 Articles Mentioned:

📰 9-1-1‘s Kenneth Choi Breaks Down Those Emotional Chimney Reveals, Gets Real About His Uncertain Fate, TV Line

📰 ‘9-1-1’: Kenneth Choi on Chimney’s Origin Story – and Why Horrible Things Keep Happening to Him, The Wrap

📰 ‘9-1-1’ and ‘The Resident’ Renewed for Third Seasons at Fox, Variety

📰 ‘9-1-1’ & ‘The Resident’ Renewed For Season 3 By Fox, Deadline

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The Buddie System is a Nerdvergent Media production.

Music by DIV!NITY

Chapters

(00:00:00) Intro & Welcome to Dispatch

(00:05:53) General Thoughts

(00:14:35) Jaws of Life - Deep Dive

(00:22:45) Red String Corner

(00:25:58) Needle Drop - Music & Lyric Analysis

(00:33:33) Flashover - Themes

(00:38:50) Who’s Cookin’? - It’s Just Chimney!

(00:44:56) Chimney and Buck’s Neglectful Parents

(00:46:55) ADHD Chimney Headcanons

(00:51:20) Chimney’s True Family - The Lees

(00:57:10) Big & Lil Bros - Chimney’s Relationships with Kevin & Buck

(01:00:50) Chimney’s Arrival at the 118

(01:08:11) Do-Over Parents - The “Bio-Parents Have No Rights” Club

(01:18:24) Chimney’s Spidey Senses Are Tingling - ADHD

(01:23:49) Grief & Loss of Kevin

(01:30:41) Hospital Limbo Montage

(01:40:05) Where’s The Fire? - Scene Dissection: Chimney & Eli Chats

(01:48:20) Slowburn - Bi Buck & Buddie Watch

(01:55:21) Take a Buddie With You & Outro