9-1-1: Lone Star rallied with their fifteenth episode of the season, “Down to Clown”. After another uneven season, this episode landed squarely in the upper-mid tier of what we’ve seen so far. As always, there was far too much Owen (Rob Lowe). However, even his story had some interesting elements this week. Viewers with coulrophobia, or fear of clowns, should proceed with caution.

This episode saw the return of Dave (Dominic Burgess), the bumbling dispatcher who is somehow still lovable. This time, he is prevailing on Grace (Sierra McClain) and Judd’s (Jim Parrack) hospitality. It was equally hilarious and infuriating, seeing Dave impose on the Ryder’s home life. He’s clearly a good guy, even though at least slightly misguided. He provided the perfect amount of comic relief for this episode. 

This story also provided the venue for some quality Grace and Tommy (Gina Torres) content. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; this series doesn’t show these two nearly enough. They clearly have each other’s best interests at heart. They’re also unafraid to be completely honest with each other. We should all be so lucky to have a true friendship like these two have. 

Tarlos fans finally got some happiness in a season that has been determined to make these two suffer. T.K. (Ronen Rubinstein) and Carlos (Rafael Silva) continue to be incredibly adorable. The extent of their conflict this week involved a tiny lizard, who was itself incredibly cute. It was nice to see these two so clearly in love, just living their lives and enjoying the moment. They deserve as much after everything they’ve been through together. 

If there was anything to complain about this episode, it was that there wasn’t enough time spent on other characters. It’s been said before, and it’s worth repeating that this show has such an incredibly stacked lineup of characters, any one of whom could take the spotlight on any episode. With season 3 drawing to a close, hopefully at least some will get a chance to shine. 

Finally, Owen’s backstory wasn’t nearly as insufferable as it could have been. It was cathartic almost, seeing Owen in therapy and actually being called out for not processing whatever internal issues he has. The fact that he’s estranged from his father is no doubt the beginning of exploring these issues further. Hopefully, even though the focus will be on Owen, the melodrama will be toned down and he can get a decent backstory explaining his character. 

This was a perfectly solid episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star. After a season with wild stakes, uneven storytelling, and odd character choices. This episode represented a return to focus on what makes this show enjoyable to watch. Not all choices were perfect, but it mostly came together in the end. As long as there are no stalkers who are also strange women in the middle of the woods, the show can only get better. 

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