Expectations for 9-1-1: Nashville are high, but the franchise’s second spinoff will be taking big swings to set itself apart. From the rollout of 9-1-1: Nashville’s talented cast to the fiery first trailer, promo for the upcoming series premiere has been abundant but not too detailed. Every new quote, picture, or social media post, however, gives away something new.
We already know the music scene in 9-1-1: Nashville will add a unique layer to the Tennessee-based installment, and one of the main firefighters (Hailey Kilgore’s Taylor) has been described as an incredible singer. Furthermore, the setting of 9-1-1: Nashville itself will offer fresh scenery and iconic locations. Yet, the biggest change lies within 9-1-1: Nashville’s ensemble of main characters.
Jessica Capshaw’s Blythe Is Not A First-Responder In 9-1-1: Nashville
While the bulk of the main cast are members of 9-1-1: Nashville’s Station 113— Don (Chris O’Donnell), Ryan (Michael Provost), Blue (Hunter McVey), Roxie (Juani Feliz), and Taylor— Jessica Capshaw’s Blythe is only related by literal relation. Aside from being Don’s wife and Ryan’s mother, Blythe has no ties to emergency-response work, unlike the leading ladies to come before her.
In both 9-1-1 and its first spinoff, 9-1-1: Lone Star, every woman who was billed as a main character was a first-responder in some sense. From firefighting (Hen and Marjan) to paramedic work (Nancy and Tommy) to dispatch operations (Maddie, Abby, and Grace) to policework (Athena), every female main character in the franchise has been directly involved in the action.
Furthermore, practically every major character in the 9-1-1 franchise either started or later became a first-responder. The notable exceptions were loved ones like Athena’s first husband, but Blythe is set to be a fully realized character of her own. How 9-1-1: Nashville will incorporate Blythe is still unclear, but she certainly marks a turning point for the franchise.
Why 9-1-1: Nashville Can Get Away With A Non-First-Responder Lead
That said, 9-1-1: Nashville’s bold choices wouldn’t work for every franchise title. Based on first looks and early comments from the showrunner, it’s obvious there will be a risky tonal change in 9-1-1: Nashville that will make it feel different from the flagship series, for better or worse. Consequently, departing from the typical 9-1-1 formula offers room for franchise firsts.
From the fire tornado in the trailer to the prevailing fan theory that Blue and Ryan are half-brothers, 9-1-1: Nashville will seemingly be much soapier than its predecessors. As such, there will be storylines not directly linked to first-responders or statewide emergencies. Despite being removed from the action, it’s possible Blythe will have some of 9-1-1: Nashville’s most interesting arcs.
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