**Spoilers Ahead**

9-1-1: Lone Star continues to baffle, and spend entirely too much time on Owen (Rob Lowe) at the expense of far more interesting characters. This episode also featured an attempt at a political storyline, which fell extremely flat. 

Beginning with the positive of this episode, Grace (Sierra McClain) was the star, as she always is. She remains and absolute gem. This episode, after essentially being pranked by a caller, Grace got to team up with Carlos (Rafael Silva) to solve the mystery. These two had such incredible chemistry, and this show should put them together more often.

Relatedly, it wouldn’t be a 9-1-1: Lone Star episode without Carlos being in danger, except not actually since statistics show that those with mental illnesses are at far more risk of being killed or harmed by police than the other way around. This episode was a very sad example of that. It was also an interesting commentary, and perhaps a not-so-subtle self aware reference that the police are woefully ill-equipped to actually solve most cases. Having Grace and Carlos take matters into their own hands was the right choice. 

As always, the worst part of this episode was Owen and this new love interest storyline. Seriously, he and this Catherine (Amy Acker) have absolutely no chemistry and this relationship needs to end before it gets a chance to get off the ground. This episode did, however, give some further insight into Owen’s political views, in spite of how progressive he presents himself. 

It was such an odd choice to make the man at the bar heckling Catherine the villain in that scenario. If Catherine really is an Ann Coulter 2.0, she never deserves to eat in public in peace. Having Owen step in to defend her after being asked not to was so incredibly on brand. In spite of how progressive Owen presents himself, he holds so incredibly dated views about gender and relationships, and is clearly willing to generally look the other way when the person he’s dating works for an incredibly harmful Governor.

Sadly, although this episode was billed as a crossover with 9-1-1, we were given an all-too-brief moment with Athena (Angela Bassett) in the closing moments. That being said, she made use of every second she was on-screen. Her appearance also led to one of this series’ greatest lines so far, with Grace reminding the suspect, “It was God’s plan, bitch”. Iconic. 

Sadly, in spite of some amazing moments this episode gave fans, the latest 9-1-1: Lone Star was another example of what’s wrong with this series. By maintaining almost exclusive focus on a character who is neither particularly relatable nor enjoyable to watch, the show ultimately suffers. I’ve said it so many times that I’ve lost count, but there are so many characters in this show with potential. The show should try handing them the spotlight, even for a little bit. The results may surprise and thrill us all.

9-1-1: Lone Star airs Mondays 9/8c on Fox.