To be honest, I have never been more weary going into a premiere. Was excited for months and then certain interviews days before left me kind of taken aback. Regardless, this episode was entertaining, well paced and covered quite a bit of ground to set up what MAY really be a really great season in terms of character development. I am so invested in Eddie's story, and was really impressed by Ryan. LOVED seeing Christopher (Gavin). He makes any episode 1000x better. A little superstar. Also the moment with Bobby (Peter) was amazing work by both of them.
The emergencies were intense and interesting and well done (shout out to the stunt team). I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Hen and Buck together, they have excellent chemistry and I love them as an underrated duo - it's always nice to see them have each others back.
The elephant in the room obviously is the introduction of Lucy and her interactions with Buck. IF this is a set up for a long term love interest story line then... good luck? But also why? I am going to hope it's not (honestly would be the worst thing the show has done and there's been some real taylor kelly style misteps) and reserve judgement for now. I mean, the direct reference to Buck's own comment in "Buck Actually" about girls at the bar and margaritas really makes me want to believe this is a regression point for him which he will have to overcome...Whilst many had valid concerns that it felt like a huge out of character moment for Buck (and I agree, disloyalty isn't really his M. O.), it really depends on where the story heads. There probably was better ways to end the Buck and Taylor relationship that was doomed from the start, but I don't enjoy perfect characters and it does at least set up some good conflicts. I really hope the execution and journey is worth it.
It is, however, really hard to get on board with a new character when they are introduced like that. Also - the parallels to how Eddie was introduced/some of the choices in the episode feel WAY to on the nose for show runners who claim the audience is interpreting a relationship wrong?? (Pro tip: try not to gaslight an audience for deliberate writing). Paired with all the interviews pushing Lucy as a new character, in a season that should really be focusing on its existing characters since the first half of the season felt like a complete waste, it's all just very..Meh. 5 minutes of screen time and I'm already kind of over the character. Guess we will see! I have no real thoughts on Jonah yet because he doesn't feel like much more than a temporary plot device - definitely feel he was a bit shady though and curious as to where that goes (twists and turns were teased).