**Spoilers Ahead**

With two episodes left in the fifth season, 9-1-1 manages to return to form yet again in ‘May Day’. This episode manages to be another example of what makes this series great when its at its best. Rather than getting bogged down in love triangles or strange character choices, this episode maintains its focus on the characters, their relationships, and what makes them families. Throw in some actual firefighting, and this episode manages to bring everything together into one enthralling package.

May (Corinne Massiah) takes center stage in this episode. It’s a shame we haven’t seen more of her this season. There have been potential storylines for her, none of which have necessarily been fully explored, nor given the spotlight. That changed in this episode. Viewers really got a chance to see how much May has grown, especially this season. It’s a moment of pride for anyone who’s been cheering for her. The storyline with May and Claudette (Vanessa Williams) hasn’t really gone anywhere until now, despite being teased as a major plot point. The ultimate conclusion here was devastating.

May and Bobby’s (Peter Krause) relationship was also centered here and it was so incredibly sweet. Although it’s been clear for some time that there’s a mutual love and respect, it was great to see Bobby leap into action to try to save another child from a fire. This time, however, there was a happy ending. The fact that May considers Bobby a father is so heart-touching and sweet. May deserves such a wonderful father. 

Eddie (Ryan Guzman) suited back up in this episode. Is this something we really needed? Who knows. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s become clear that there’s nowhere else for this character to go in this show. He’s been set up to be written off, and he should be. Although he and May had good back and forth, May as a character deserves far better than to be paired up with the likes of Eddie. This did give May another opportunity to shine so it certainly wasn’t all for naught. Clearly, both of these characters are still at a crossroads.

Another highlight of this episode was Chim (Kenneth Choi) and Albert (John Harlan Kim) teaming up as firefighters. These two are so lovable on their own and when they come together. Wherever Albert ends up, and whatever he chooses for his future, he’s fortunate to have such a supportive brother. He’s still a pretty amazing firefighter though. 

Something’s clearly going on with Jonah (Bryce Durfee). Hen (Aisha Hinds) clearly knew something was up from the beginning. This honestly seems like such a random plot twist after introducing this character. It’s sure to provide plenty of drama, though, as the season finale rapidly approaches. This also provided the opportunity for Karen (Tracie Thoms) to be super validating to Hen’s concerns, and giving them this moment of unity rather than showing them in conflict. 

While not absolutely everything about this episode worked (*cough*Buck-Lucy-Taylor*cough*), 9-1-1 proves that, in spite of some of choices made this season, the powers that be do still understand what makes this show so compelling to watch. The teamwork, character development and actual firefighting make for such an enjoyable watch. This is what the show misses too often. With two episodes left in the season, hopefully this is more of what viewers can expect.

9-1-1 airs Mondays at 8/7c on Fox.