Los Angeles, CA – In a heart-pounding episode of the hit drama series ‘9-1-1’, veteran actress Angela Bassett delivered a performance for the ages as her character, Sergeant Athena Grant, miraculously landed a stricken passenger plane on a Los Angeles freeway.
The latest installment of the show’s thrilling “Bee-nado” storyline saw Athena take control of the aircraft after the pilots were incapacitated. She guided the plane to safety with the help of her husband, Bobby Nash (played by Peter Krause), a young video game enthusiast.
“What I love about being a part of ‘9-1-1’ is the ability to not only bring incredible television moments to viewers, but we as actors get to play, too,” Bassett told TheWrap in an email. “I enjoy filming those intense action scenes, especially with our younger cast members. It’s fun to see the experience through their eyes.”
In a made-for-TV climax, Athena lands the plane on the 110 freeway, bringing it to a complete stop right in front of Bobby, standing atop a fire truck. The heart-stopping sequence has viewers on the edge of their seats, and Bassett’s portrayal of Athena’s calm professionalism under pressure earns widespread praise.
“When you have a wonderful, trustworthy scene partner like Peter along for the ride, it’s always easy to perform with authenticity and vulnerability in that moment,” Bassett said. “I am grateful that our genuine care and love for one another as friends and colleagues show on screen.”
But the episode was more than just a thrilling action set piece. It also saw Athena confront her past as she escorted a prisoner with ties to the murder of her fiancé 30 years ago. Bassett’s character finally found closure through this emotional journey and moved forward with her life.
“This has been a long journey for Athena, and those who’ve watched the show over the years know that this has been a painful part of her life that has remained unresolved,” Bassett explained. “Athena has what I’ll call a ‘breakthrough’ in that she’s finally put this to rest and move on with Bobby and the rest of her life.”
For Bassett, portraying Athena has been a career-defining role that she relishes with every new challenge the character faces. “Getting to know Athena and presenting her to the world has been one of the highlights of my career,” she said. Wherever she decides to go next, I can’t wait to follow in her footsteps.”
With the ‘9-1-1’ team promising even more thrilling rescues and personal dramas, fans can rest assured that Bassett and her co-stars will be there to deliver performances that leave them on the edge of their seats.