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.
Her Character Must Weather A Widespread Cyberattack. Bassett will team up with De Niro to combat the titular “Zero Day,” a cyberattack on the nation wherein the country itself is hacked, leading to train derailments, power outages, and full-blown hysteria on a national level. While De Niro will play former US President George Mullen, Bassett will pull rank as the current leader of the nation. Over the 6-episode miniseries, Angela Bassett’s President Mitchell will navigate a political conspiracy and technology-based terrorism — a dramatically more serious responsibility than she’s had in her years on 9-1-1.
Zero Day will offer a small 9-1-1 reunion as well, with Connie Britton listed in the supporting cast of the upcoming limited series. For context, Britton previously portrayed Abby Clark in 9-1-1 season 1, but she left in the first finale and permanently retired from the role after a brief cameo in 9-1-1 season 3. Ironically, despite being absent for one season, Abby seemed to change more in her short sabbatical than Athena has since 2018.
Queen Angela Bassett Takes Center Stage (Again)
Angela Bassett isn’t just a star—she’s a cultural force. With a career spanning decades and roles that define power and grace, her presence on screen is always magnetic. Recently, she’s grabbed headlines with a brand-new TV role that has fans buzzing. But while excitement swells for her fresh chapter, her long-running role as Athena Grant on 9-1-1 casts a much-needed shadow. Because let’s be honest—9-1-1 hasn’t exactly done Athena justice. Her new show is a powerful reminder of just how much potential 9-1-1 is wasting. Let’s unpack what’s going on.
Angela’s New TV Show: A Bold Shift in Spotlight
What’s This New Role About?
Angela Bassett’s latest role puts her back in the commanding position audiences crave—think political intrigue, emotional depth, and unapologetic power. Her portrayal is layered, and the writing gives her space to breathe as an actress.
And fans? They’re eating it up.
Why It Matters
When you compare her new role to her turn as Athena Grant in 9-1-1, the contrast is staggering. On one hand, she’s the heartbeat of a complex narrative. On the other, she’s often sidelined, reduced to brief arcs and reaction shots.
The Athena Grant Problem in 9-1-1
A Powerhouse Character with No Real Arc
From the very beginning, Athena was a standout. A fierce LAPD sergeant, a devoted mother, and a woman carrying her own history—Athena had it all. Or at least, she should have.
Instead, as seasons rolled on, Athena’s screen time dwindled, and her storylines became less dynamic.
Where Did It Go Wrong?
Fans began noticing:
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Disjointed Plotlines: Athena’s arcs often feel like afterthoughts.
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Lack of Growth: Despite her rich backstory, she’s rarely given transformative moments.
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Support Role Vibes: She’s frequently used to boost other characters’ arcs rather than having her own.
Angela’s Acting Is Never the Problem
Let’s be crystal clear—Angela Bassett brings her A-game every time. If she’s on screen for 30 seconds or 30 minutes, she owns the moment. The real issue? She’s not given enough space to do anything.
Her presence deserves plot-changing gravity—but 9-1-1 keeps her orbiting minor subplots.
What Her New Show Gets Right
Deep Character Focus
In this new series, Angela is front and center. Her character isn’t there to support someone else’s story—she is the story.
That shift alone highlights just how underutilized she’s been on 9-1-1.
Emotional and Political Complexity
Rather than leaning on trauma tropes or tired cop show clichés, the new show offers her multidimensional storytelling—something Athena desperately needs more of.
9-1-1 Has a Writing Problem—Not a Casting Problem
Let’s not forget—Angela Bassett isn’t just acting in 9-1-1, she’s also an executive producer. That tells you she’s invested. But even that hasn’t saved Athena’s character from becoming background noise.
Why? Because the writing keeps prioritizing other plotlines—fires, earthquakes, near-death experiences—over slow-burn character development.
Fans Have Noticed the Decline
Social Media Reactions
Twitter, Reddit, and fan forums are full of comments like:
“Why is Athena always cleaning up everyone else’s mess?”
“Angela deserves better storylines.”
“She used to carry the show, now she’s just there.”
Viewer Fatigue Is Real
Longtime viewers are frustrated. They want to see Athena front and center, not fading into the background.
Character Development vs. Action Set Pieces
Here’s a thought: maybe 9-1-1 is too focused on its disaster-of-the-week format. Athena, as a character, thrives on emotional depth—not constant explosions and collapsing buildings.
Her new role proves that slow-burn drama works if it’s done well.
Angela Bassett’s Value Is More Than Star Power
She’s Not Just a Name on a Poster
She brings prestige, emotion, and gravitas to every project. Her performance alone can elevate a mediocre script.
So when a show underuses her? It’s not just a missed opportunity—it’s creative malpractice.
How 9-1-1 Can Fix the Athena Problem
Give Her a Centered Arc
Athena needs a full-season storyline that isn’t just about someone she knows being in trouble. Give her a case, a moral dilemma, or a personal transformation.
Explore Her Past More Deeply
We’ve had glimpses into her backstory—now give us the full picture. There’s emotional gold in her history.
Let Her Lead More Than Just the LAPD
Athena is a natural leader. Use that. Put her in conflict with political powers, media scrutiny, or internal investigations.
Final Thoughts: Time to Respect Athena Grant
Angela Bassett’s new role is thrilling—but it also exposes how 9-1-1 has fumbled one of TV’s most compelling characters.
Athena Grant could be the emotional anchor of the series. She should be.
And if the writers don’t course-correct soon? Viewers might start following Angela wherever she goes next—and leave 9-1-1 behind.
Conclusion: Elevate Athena or Let Her Go
Angela Bassett deserves more than scraps. And Athena Grant deserves more than side plots. Her new show proves that audiences want smart, layered, Black women at the center of the story.
The question is: will 9-1-1 finally rise to that challenge?
