Angela Bassett’s role in Netflix’s upcoming thriller is a fitting testament to her powerful presence, but it underlines how stagnant her longtime 9-1-1 character, Athena Grant, has become. Bassett has been a mainstay of the procedural up until 9-1-1 season 8, but her character development unfortunately hasn’t extended to her job. Whereas Zero Day will see Bassett assume the presidential role of Evelyn Mitchell, 9-1-1 has kept Athena’s career as a police officer practically the same since the pilot season.
While Sargeant Athena Grant is a force of nature in her own right during the various emergencies in ABC’s first responder drama, Bassett’s performance is limited by her character’s lack of professional development. In contrast, Zero Day is already highly anticipated as one of the most exciting shows coming to Netflix in 2025. Granted, Zero Day is headlined by Robert De Niro, but that doesn’t detract from the power position Bassett is deservedly portraying.
Angela Bassett is no stranger to commanding the screen, but her latest role is doing more than just impressing viewers—it’s pulling back the curtain on a serious issue with her former hit series, 9-1-1. While fans continue to adore Athena Grant, the powerhouse LAPD sergeant she portrayed for eight seasons, Bassett’s new project has ignited fresh conversations around the missed opportunities and underutilization of one of television’s most iconic Black female leads. Let’s dive into why Angela’s latest show is making waves and how it unintentionally—or maybe intentionally—highlights the glaring Athena Grant problem that 9-1-1 never quite fixed.
Why Angela Bassett’s New Show Is Making Headlines
Angela Bassett’s newest TV endeavor isn’t just another gig. It’s a cultural moment. Whether it’s a gritty crime drama, political thriller, or character-focused mini-series, the one thing that’s clear is this: Angela is finally getting the depth, screen time, and layered storytelling she always deserved.
A Role with Real Depth
Bassett’s new role lets her stretch emotionally, mentally, and dramatically in a way 9-1-1 rarely allowed. It’s the kind of part that explores trauma, resilience, vulnerability, and strength—not just action scenes and surface-level police drama.
Social Media Buzzing with Reactions
Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram are all alight with comparisons between her new role and Athena. Fans are calling out what many have felt for years: Athena was never given the development she truly deserved.
The Athena Problem: A Quick Recap
Let’s be honest—Athena Grant should have been the beating heart of 9-1-1. She had it all: charisma, brains, bravery, and backstory. But something always felt… off.
A Puzzle Piece That Never Fit Fully
While 9-1-1 thrived on dramatic emergencies and team dynamics, Athena often felt disconnected from the core action. Yes, she had storylines—but they were often fragmented or sidelined.
Lack of Narrative Consistency
One episode, Athena’s dealing with deeply personal trauma. The next, she’s making a two-minute cameo while others dominate the plot. That inconsistency chipped away at her character’s momentum.
Athena Grant Deserved More Screen Time
Fans weren’t imagining things. As the seasons progressed, Athena’s presence waned. The audience began to ask: Where is Athena?
From Main Character to Sidekick?
Her screen time diminished, and with it, so did her emotional impact. Despite being played by an Emmy-winning actress, Athena became a background player in her own story.
Writing Failures or Intentional Choices?
Was this a creative misstep or an intentional shift? That’s up for debate, but here’s the truth: Angela Bassett consistently gave her best, even when the script didn’t.
Missed Opportunities
Athena’s career struggles, racial identity, motherhood, and trauma from past cases were goldmines of potential—but 9-1-1 rarely dug deep.
What Fans Are Saying About Angela’s New Show
Let’s break down some real comments surfacing online:
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“Angela finally has a role worthy of her talents!”
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“Her new show shows just how much 9-1-1 wasted her.”
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“This proves Athena should’ve had her own spin-off years ago.”
The consensus? Bassett’s new role is the redemption arc fans have been waiting for.
Angela Bassett’s TV Journey: From Athena to Now
Angela Bassett has always chosen roles with impact, and her newest show is no exception.
Evolution of a Leading Lady
From What’s Love Got to Do with It to American Horror Story, Bassett has proved time and again that she can lead—and dominate—any project. The real question is: Why didn’t 9-1-1 let her lead more often?
Could Athena Work Better in a Spin-Off?
It’s a question fans are asking with renewed urgency. A solo Athena Grant show? Yes, please!
What a Spin-Off Could Offer
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Deep character exploration
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Stronger focus on racial and social justice issues
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More consistent storytelling
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Time to develop her family, past, and professional journey
Athena is rich with story potential. 9-1-1 simply never committed.
The Show vs. The Star: A Mismatch
Bassett’s presence on 9-1-1 raised the show’s prestige, but the writing didn’t match her caliber.
Spotlighting the Disparity
Her performances often outshone the material. It’s like putting a Ferrari engine in a go-kart—powerful, but held back.
Representation Matters—But Execution Does Too
Having a strong Black female lead is powerful. But that power fades when she’s not written with equal weight.
The Message Fans Are Sending
Representation isn’t just about presence—it’s about meaningful presence. Angela’s new show gets that. 9-1-1? Not always.
Decline in Quality or Just Poor Prioritizing?
While 9-1-1 has plenty of thrills, the deeper emotional resonance has been fading. Without Athena at its center, the show lost a key part of its soul.
The Show’s Shift Away From Its Roots
The balance between emergency drama and personal storytelling tipped heavily toward spectacle. Athena’s rich personal life? Often left in the background.
Why Angela’s New Show Works (And 9-1-1 Didn’t)
Bassett’s new role puts story and character first. She’s not just reacting to emergencies—she is the story. That’s the difference.
Lessons TV Writers Should Learn from This
Writers: If you have Angela Bassett in your cast, use her. Build entire arcs around her. Don’t waste her brilliance.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Give Athena Her Flowers
Angela Bassett’s new TV role is incredible—but it’s also a bittersweet reminder of what we missed with Athena Grant. The show may have been called 9-1-1, but for many fans, Angela was the real emergency—an underutilized powerhouse begging for center stage.
