Angela Bassett’s Reluctant Return to the High Seas in Doctor Odyssey

Angela Bassett, the esteemed actress known for her powerful portrayals, recently opened up about her character Athena Grant’s unexpected appearance in the upcoming episode of Doctor Odyssey. Bassett, who plays the formidable Athena on 9-1-1, revealed that her character’s journey in Doctor Odyssey was not initially something she was excited about. Athena’s traumatic past, which included surviving a hijacked and explodes cruise ship, made Bassett hesitant to have her character set foot on another boat. "Duty, unfortunately," Bassett explained in an interview, emphasizing that Athena’s sense of responsibility, despite her reluctance, compelled her to join the Doctor Odyssey.

Angela Bassett’s Initial Hesitation and Creative Input

Bassett admitted that she was initially opposed to the idea of Athena boarding another cruise ship after her harrowing experience. "Athena would never get back on a boat again," she said, echoing her character’s deep-seated fear and anxiety. Bassett even objected to the original plan, which included her on-screen husband, Bobby (played by Peter Krause), joining her on the ship. She found the idea unrealistic and inconsistent with Athena’s character development. "I just can’t imagine what would get her back on board, other than to go on, turn around, and come right back off," she remarked, highlighting Athena’s lingering trauma.

A Compromise and a New Direction

After Bassett expressed her concerns, the writers reworked the storyline to make Athena’s return to the ship more believable. The revised plot no longer included Bobby, which Bassett felt was a better fit for her character. However, she humorously admitted that the new scenario "made it worse," suggesting that Athena’s experience on the ship would be even more intense and anxiety-provoking. The episode’s official synopsis revealed that Athena is called to the Odyssey by the FBI, who suspect that two passengers are targeting the ship’s vault. This mission forces Athena to confront her fears and step back into a setting that threatens to unravel her composure.

Athena’s Mission and Unexpected Allies

In the episode, Athena teams up with Max, played by Joshua Jackson, who becomes her "handsome assistant" during the show’s Casino Week. The dynamic between Athena and Max is expected to add a fresh layer to the story, blending tension with a hint of charm. Despite the challenges, Athena’s determination to fulfill her duty shines through, even as the ship becomes a setting for suspense and intrigue. The episode promises to delve into Athena’s resilience and her ability to rise above her past traumas, even in the face of new threats.

Cast Members Pitch Crossover Ideas

Before the episode aired, some of the cast members, including Joshua Jackson, Don Johnson, and Sean Teale, shared their thoughts on potential crossovers with other Ryan Murphy productions. Both Johnson and Teale expressed interest in a crossover with All’s Fair, a legal drama. Teale suggested how exciting it would be to see a legal show intersect with Doctor Odyssey, while Johnson thrive on the idea of blending law and luxury on the high seas.

A Hilarious and Creative Crossover Pitch

Joshua Jackson took the idea a step further by imagining a detailed storyline where a law firm’s company retreat on the Odyssey turns into a chaotic divorce drama. He joked that his character and Phillipa Soo’s Avery might tie the knot in a whirlwind romance, only to realize it’s a mistake and hire the law firm from All’s Fair to sort out the mess. Teale added to the humor by suggesting a divorce taking place on the ship, turning the luxury liner into a courtroom. These light-hearted pitches reveal the cast’s enthusiasm for exploring creative crossovers and expanding the Doctor Odyssey universe.

The episode, which aired on Thursday, March 20, marked a significant moment for Athena Grant and the Doctor Odyssey series, blending suspense, character growth, and a touch of humor. With the cast’s inventive ideas for future crossovers, it seems the show is poised to explore even more exciting directions, keeping fans eagerly anticipating what’s next.