Feel the heat at Station 19

WHILE everyone is feeling loved up this Valentine’s Day, I’ve been feeling rather strongly about Station 19.

This second spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy (the first was Private Practice, which lasted all of six seasons) has been entertaining. Although it is set in the world of firefighters, it still dovetails with our favourite characters from the medical sphere.

My reaction to this show, which will appeal to fans of Dick Wolf ’s Chicago Fire, surprised me.

More so, after expressing sheer disinterest with the latest instalment of Grey’s Anatomy over its unbearably pedestrian story arcs.

Jaina Lee Ortiz, who fans will remember as the seriously foxy Detective Annalise Villa in the crime drama Rosewood, is the lead.

Cast as Andrea “Andy” Herrera, she’s as feisty as her previous cop character. She plays the daughter of Captain Pruitt Herrera and has had to prove herself in a testosterone-charged environment.

Of course, she had to work harder to ensure there couldn’t be any accusations of nepotism, given her pedigree.

Season two sees her cross paths with a new captain – Robert Sullivan (played by Boris Kodjoe). He rules the firehouse with a firm hand and goes by the book. He cuts no one slack and isn’t afraid to make an example of someone who steps out of line.

The personal lives of the firefighters often spill over into their professional environments. Some are looking for love, others are looking to move on and there are those who are just trying to survive and make the best of trying circumstances.

Hats off to the writers for welletched characters who ensure there is enough tension to propel the drama to a fitting climax at the end of each episode.

Also, it’s great to see Ben Warren (Jason George) in action as a firefighter.

Ellen Pompeo, who plays Meredith Grey in the original series, has renewed her contract for season 16. That deal makes her a producer on Grey’s Anatomy and a co-executive producer on Station 19.

In the meantime, you should check out the latest season of Luther with Idris Elba reprising his role as DCI John Luther.

The actor exudes hotness, even in a trenchcoat.

His character is more focused and retains his doggedness when it comes to finding perpetrators or gruesome crimes he has to solve.

This four episode season sees him juggle several cases while training a female newbie on the team.

Luther is gritty, compelling and wonderfully written. Of course, Elba bolsters the appeal.

Station 19 airs on M-net (Dstv channel 101) on Tuesdays at 7pm. Luther airs on BBC First (Dstv channel 119) on Sundays at 8pm.