Angela Bassett’s Best Character Is Joining A New Spinoff Series
Angela Basset is joining a new spin-off of a popular television series, and she is bringing one of her best characters with her.
When the popular procedural drama series 9-1-1 returns from its season five hiatus on Monday, it won’t just be reuniting with its Lone Star spin-off in back-to-back time slots. This time both shows will feature an appearance by Angela Bassett, who portrays Sergeant Athena Grant-Nash in the flagship series. The special crossover episode will be broadcast on Fox.
If you’re wondering what brings Angela Bassett’s character from Los Angeles to Austin – Fox has released a few details via Deadline. After Catherine (guest star Amy Acker) receives a package at the governor’s office that might contain a terrifying bio-hazard, in Lone Star episode “Prince Albert in a Can” – Owen and the 126 speed to the rescue. Then Athena arrives to help Austin’s first responders as a potential Anthrax attack threatens countless innocent lives. Meanwhile, Grace and Carlos team up to investigate a prank 9-1-1 call that turns deadly.
On 9-1-1, in an episode titled “Outside Looking In,” it’s business as usual as Athena (Angela Bassett) Bobby and the 118 race to save a family who finds their pick-up truck rigged with a pipe bomb. If the vehicle slows under to 55 miles an hour, the device will detonate. Meanwhile, Eddie has a difficult time adjusting to his new job. Buck makes an impulsive relationship decision. And Hen is reluctant to accept her new partner in Chimney’s absence.
Created for the Fox Broadcasting Company by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear, 9-1-1 follows the lives of Los Angeles police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and dispatchers. The series premiered in 2018 and stars Angela Bassett as LAPD patrol sergeant, Athena Grant-Nash who is also Bobby’s wife. She is joined by Peter Krause as LAFD Station 118 captain Bobby Nash, Oliver Stark as firefighter Evan “Buck” Buckley, and Aisha Hinds as firefighter and paramedic Henrietta “Hen” Wilson.
Over its five-season run, 9-1-1 has received and been nominated for various awards. It holds a 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes which described the first season as a little melodramatic. However, its redeeming quality is a top-tier cast, enthralling action, and a tiny bit of campiness that makes the show a brilliant guilty pleasure. Kenneth Choi, Rockmond Dunbar, Connie Britton, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ryan Guzman, Corinne Massiah, Marcanthonee Jon Reis, Gavin McHugh, and John Harlan Kim also join Angela Bassett in the cast.
Following the success of the Angela Bassett starrer, a spin-off called 9-1-1: Lone Star was announced in 2019. It premiered on January 19, 2020, after the NFC Championship game and continued the following night. In this show, the story follows the lives of first responders who work in Austin, Texas. Rob Lowe leads the cast as a firefighter captain from New York City named Owen Strand. He is joined by Ronen Rubinstein, Sierra McClain, Jim Parrack, Natacha Karam, Brian Michael Smith, Julian Works, and Rafael Silva. Liv Tyler, who had a lead role in the first season, did not return to the role due to concerns surrounding Covid-19. As such, Gina Torres was introduced in a regular role.
