- Director
- Paris Barclay
- Writer
- Krista Vernoff
- Rating
- TV-14
- Running Time
- 44 minutes
- Airs
- Thursdays 8pm
- Channel
- CTV, ABC
Overall Score
Rating Summary
For our review of the last episode of Station 19, click here.
It’s odd for a show to return as part of a crossover event, but Station 19 decided to do that. Following the brutal cliffhanger of Grey’s Anatomy where a car plunged into Joe’s Bar leaving the fate of many main characters up in the air, it is up to the first responders to get on the scene and see the aftermath. They race to the scene where the people are trapped with in a collapsing building with a leaking car. What could possibly go wrong? Here’s what happened in “I Know This Bar.”
What is good about this premiere episode is that it uses the overused trope of flashbacks to actually tell enough of its own story rather than being just an additional hour for the Grey’s crossover event. The characters get their moments making for a great return to a series that has been missing for far too long. However, it isn’t the Station 19 that we’ve come to expect from the past two seasons.
In this third season, instantly we can see a change in pacing, style and atmosphere. Although the season two finale and season three premiere have the same director, there is definitely a creative shift in this show’s vision. Rather than wider-framed melodramatic shots, the show immerses the audience right in the action with closer, tighter framing and candid cinematography. This brings a heightened tension and realism to the show that when looking back on the previous seasons, it was severely lacking.
The story of the episode itself is more or less a means to an end to complete the Grey’s Anatomy storyline, but it feels grounded and stretches these firefighters to their limits with the lives of friends and family hanging in the balance. We learn about Andy’s growing love for Sullivan, the progress of Bailey’s pregnancy from Ben’s perspective and the eventual downfall of Maya and Jack’s relationship. In 44 minutes, the premiere puts us through the hardships of three different situations while never breaking the tension of the disaster at Joe’s Bar. Hopefully this new format can stand on its own throughout the remainder of the season.
Captain’s Log
- Will Andy and Sullivan get back together?
- Will Victoria and Jackson last?
- Who survives the crash at Joe’s Bar?
What did you think of “I Know This Bar”? Was it a good premiere? Let me know in the comments below!
If you liked this, check out my YouTube channel The Film Fanatic, my other reviews and my website!
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook.
