Athena has continually engaged in crises well above her pay grade, like piloting an airplane for an emergency landing, saving a sinking cruise ship with her husband Bobby Nash (Peter Krause), and taking over a murder investigation well out of her jurisdiction while visiting her mother in Florida. Although she constantly puts her life on the line, Athena’s work in 9-1-1 is always thankless. While Bobby and the rest of the 118 received medals to commemorate their cruise ship rescue, Athena’s role was completely overlooked. Ultimately, the issue lies not in Athena’s actions but in her job title.
Athena’s purgatorial stint as a police sergeant feels increasingly improbable… Though she’s deserved more praise for years, 9-1-1 season 8 highlighted Athena’s promotion problem after she injured her leg while pursuing a criminal on foot. Athena— and, by extension, Bassett— has outgrown her role as a patrol cop both mentally and physically. Bassett has a confidence and sophistication about her that demands a higher authority, which is clearly demonstrated by her Zero Day character. The actor as the president does not feel like a stretch in the slightest— rather, Athena’s purgatorial stint as a police sergeant feels increasingly improbable in comparison.
Why 9-1-1 Needs To Finally Give Athena The Recognition She Deserves Athena has often been the solution to conflicts in 9-1-1, but she herself rarely gets credit. Her stories have been sidelined for a while now, which is why Athena and Bobby still have an unresolved housing problem in 9-1-1 season 8. In the time it’s taken for the 118 to get a new captain, regain their old captain, entrap a corrupt congresswoman, and guest star on a “Hotshots” episode, Athena has had nothing change for her. She’s been involved in storylines, but her role has never wavered. To properly utilize Bassett’s unmatched talent, Athena needs something new.
A Tale of Two Roles
Angela Bassett is a name that commands respect. From iconic film roles to her consistent brilliance on the small screen, Bassett’s gravitas is undeniable. So when Zero Day, Netflix’s high-stakes political thriller, cast her in a powerful and authoritative role, fans weren’t surprised—but they were curious. Why is Bassett being elevated in one show, while her character, Athena Grant, seems underused in 9-1-1, despite being one of its most compelling figures?
Let’s break it all down—TV politics, representation, character development, and how Zero Day may be telling 9-1-1 writers what fans have been shouting for years.
The Rise of Angela Bassett in Zero Day
Bassett’s Role in Zero Day—A True Power Move
In Zero Day, Angela Bassett plays a high-ranking U.S. government official navigating a deadly cyberattack and a potential coup. She’s sharp, strategic, and commands every scene. It’s a role that mirrors her real-life presence—strong, no-nonsense, and dripping with elegance.
Why This Role Matters
Bassett’s Zero Day character isn’t just high-profile—it’s central to the narrative. She isn’t playing second fiddle; she’s leading the orchestra. That kind of authority on screen reflects a conscious choice by writers and producers to give Bassett her due.
Athena Grant Deserves Better in 9-1-1
From Star to Support—The Regression of Athena
Athena Grant, LAPD sergeant and a core member of the 9-1-1 cast, started off as a badass—bold, brave, and nuanced. But as seasons have progressed, her storylines have taken a backseat. While she occasionally gets solo arcs, they rarely shape the season’s core narrative.
Missed Opportunities by 9-1-1 Writers
Let’s be real: Athena could carry her own spin-off. Yet, time and time again, the show sidelines her character, giving more airtime to newer additions or less impactful subplots. The fans see it. The internet sees it. And Zero Day only makes it more obvious.
Comparing the Two Performances
Leadership and Screen Presence
In Zero Day, Bassett’s authority is emphasized. Every word she speaks carries weight. Compare that to 9-1-1, where her dialogue has become more reactionary—responding to crises rather than shaping them.
Emotional Range and Narrative Depth
Both roles give Bassett emotional room to shine, but Zero Day seems more willing to let her explore political, moral, and psychological complexities—meanwhile, Athena is often stuck reacting to trauma rather than driving meaningful development.
Representation in Modern Television
The Double Standard in Female Leadership Roles
Why do shows like Zero Day elevate women like Bassett to commanding roles while others pull back? It’s not just a question of writing—it’s about intention. One show uses Bassett’s star power to deepen narrative complexity, the other squanders it.
Black Women Deserve Central Narratives
Angela Bassett isn’t just a phenomenal actress—she’s a Black woman in a space that historically sidelines women like her. Athena’s lack of promotion on 9-1-1 reflects a broader issue of Black women not being allowed to ascend, even in fictional settings.
Industry Insight—Behind the Camera
Bassett’s Executive Producer Role in 9-1-1
Here’s a twist: Bassett is an executive producer on 9-1-1. While that title suggests creative power, it doesn’t always mean control over character arcs. Still, it makes the underuse of Athena even more puzzling.
Creative Limitations or Network Politics?
Is Athena’s stagnation a result of writing room dynamics? Network decisions? Audience testing? Whatever the reason, the outcome is the same: a beloved character being underused while her actress flourishes elsewhere.
What Zero Day Gets Right
Prioritizing Character Depth Over Tropes
Zero Day doesn’t fall into the trap of making strong Black women one-dimensional. Bassett’s character is layered—vulnerable yet powerful, calculating yet compassionate. That kind of depth makes her compelling and real.
Writing with Purpose
In Zero Day, every scene with Bassett builds toward something. Her decisions impact the world around her, giving her narrative gravity—something Athena desperately needs more of in 9-1-1.
Fan Reactions Speak Volumes
Social Media Is Buzzing
Scroll through X (formerly Twitter) or Reddit, and you’ll find plenty of chatter. Fans love Bassett in Zero Day but are frustrated by Athena’s sidelining in 9-1-1. Memes, think pieces, and open letters—people are talking, and they’re not happy.
Viewer Loyalty and Expectations
Fans have been with Athena since day one. They expect her to grow, evolve, and lead. Watching her take a backseat feels like a betrayal of that loyalty.
What 9-1-1 Can Learn from Zero Day
Give Athena a Season-Long Arc
Instead of sporadic appearances or trauma-based storylines, 9-1-1 should give Athena a full arc—one that showcases her leadership, intelligence, and emotional depth.
Let Her Lead the Team
Athena doesn’t need to play support to the firehouse crew. Let her solve major cases, lead multi-agency operations, and show off her expertise.
Conclusion—The Time for Change Is Now
Angela Bassett is showing the world, once again, what happens when she’s given the spotlight. Zero Day lets her thrive—and fans are loving it. Meanwhile, 9-1-1 is wasting a golden opportunity by keeping Athena Grant on the sidelines. It’s not too late to fix that. The audience is ready. The talent is there. All it takes is intention—and a pen in the right writer’s hand.
