Ah, 'tis the season for Halloween themed goodies!

A classic Halloween episode is usually a little scary, a little goofy and a lot of fun. 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 7 was a little spooky and goofy a time or two, but more than anything it was full of heart. 

At times gutwrenching and always thought-provoking, this was the standout episode of the season. 

When things started with a man literally rising out a grave, it seemed like we were headed for a lighthearted hour. But things took a turn rather quickly with the news that Hen's estranged father was on life support. 

Getting the call that a man you haven't seen since you were a child is dying and you're the only one who can decide whether to keep him alive or not has to be absolutely crushing. No matter what Hen has felt her entire life, walking into that hospital room, there's no way you can't be affected by the gravity of the situation. 

Related: 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 5 Review - Awful People

It's not an easy decision to make, no matter how you try to slice it and weigh out the options. Hen is a paramedic and deals with life and death every single day, but it's not the same when it involves your father, even if you aren't a part of one another's lives. 

It hits Hen, and all of us, like a ton of bricks when she's forced to deal with putting down the police horse. The entire scene was just heartbreaking, from Buck's pleas to save the horse and the police officer's beautiful, final words. 

Things looked bleak, and that was the only option to save the horse from further pain, but it was too much at that moment for Hen to handle. I love that Bobby was there to step in. Just thinking about that scene again and writing about it brings tears to my eyes. 

So, I'm gonna forgive you Dad. And let you go.

Hen

• Permalink: So, I'm gonna forgive you Dad. And let you go.

Hen has been through the ringer this season, huh? She is a strong, literal badass, just like Buck said. 

Related: 9-1-1 Season 2 Episode 6 Review - Dosed

Elsewhere, we got introduced to Eddie's wife and some more background into the story of little Christopher's mama. 

I was expecting the story to be a little more complicated than it was, but it merely sounds like a woman overwhelmed who found it easier to be away than to deal with her problems.

There is a lot that wasn't shared, but it sounds like Eddie and Shannon grew apart, Shannon felt a lot of shame and guilt, and it was just easier for her to stay gone. 

Now the question becomes, is that a valid excuse to leave your husband and son behind for two years?

By episode's end, she and Eddie are making out and seemingly ready to give their love story another chance, but I think there's still a lot these two need to process. 

They both harbor resentments, and most assuredly they've grown and evolved over the years, so it's unrealistic to think they can just hop back into a marriage that has been dormant for so long. 

I can't help but wonder had Eddie never called her, would she have been trying to be in Christopher's life? It doesn't sound like she was trying to be. I want this story to turn out for the best, but I'm skeptical of Shannon and where this could go. 

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While Eddie and Shannon were rekindling, Buck was cutting the cord. It looks like all the talks of hope and ghosts got Buck to realize that his ship with Abby had long sailed and it was time to let it go. 

For Buck, his relationship with Abby will be the one he can always look back on fondly, as he grew so much during their union and for that, he can always be grateful. But this relationship has been over for a while, and he just needed a lot of time to accept that. 

I was harsh on this show for constantly bringing up Abby every week and having Buck be the only one not to realize what was going on, but it served a greater purpose as it continued Buck's character evolution.

Instead of having Abby drop him a voicemail or "Dear John" letter, it was Buck who finally found his voice and spoke to the way he was feeling. 

9-1-1 Season 1 Episode 1 Buck would have absolutely no idea who this guy is right now, but man are we lucky to know the man he's becoming. 

Loose Ends

• Athena's determination to discover the man behind the remains was endearing and showed such a tender side of her. Her determination allowed Alex's wife to feel just an ounce of closure and her reaction to the ring just kept the tears pooling in my eyes. 

• Eddie in a suit. Eddie in a Halloween costume. Eddie AND Christopher in their Halloween costumes. Wow, this show really had us crying and swooning for an hour. 

• Also swoon-worthy? Athena, Bobby, May, and Harry carving about 50 pumpkins. I love that Bobby has found his place within that beautiful family and that they've been so welcoming. 

• Of all the Halloween themed incidents, the bat one was terrifying! 

In a standout sophomore season, 9-1-11 continues to up the bar. This show has everything, and I love to hear what you guys think! So make sure you comment down below with all your thoughts. 

And please watch 9-1-1 online right now so you can join in the conversation!

Whitney Evans is a senior staff writer for TV Fanatic. She is a lover of all things TV. Follow her on X.