The 126 is back on 9-1-1 Lone Star, Season 4 Episode 1, “The New Hotness,” and the chaos is already dialled up to the maximum. In many ways, this is a return to vintage 9-1-1 storytelling, for better or worse. This is certainly one way to bring the series back for the new season. With bizarre storytelling and strange character development, Lone Star is back in earnest.
The Owen Show Continues
Is it even 9-1-1: Lone Star if Owen (Rob Lowe) isn’t the centre of the universe? Unlikely, to be honest. Owen is back running his mouth and doing anything he can to avoid any actual firefighting. Nothing else should be expected of this character at this point. If he isn’t using his fist to solve his emotional problems, he’s causing chaos for everyone around him.
It seems like an odd choice to set up this particular story for the rest of the season. Owen’s going to infiltrate a racist biker gang, and become an informant for the FBI? If nothing else, this story is a venue to prove how perfect Judd (Jim Parrack) is, and how much everyone needs a friend like him in their lives.
Tarlos Drama From the Beginning
9-1-1 Lone Star, Season 4 Episode 1, “The New Hotness,” may have the distinction of creating the most bizarre resolution to a story, at least in recent memory. If you’re going to bring Liv Tyler back, even off-screen, there are so many ways to do that. It’s great to hear Michelle’s living her best life on a medical mission. Everything else about this story and big reveal feels so icky.
This entire story, that Carlos (Rafael Silva) has actually been married to Michelle’s sister this entire time, is gross. If this was meant to be a commentary on the inaccessibilty of healthcare in America, it falls flat. Instead, this just feels like another unnecessary obstacle for Carlos and T.K. (Ronen Rubinstein) to overcome. This adversity serves no purpose other than to see a gay couple constantly made to be miserable.
New Romance Alert
One aspect of the season premiere that actually works (or has the potential to work) is Tommy (Gina Torres) finding love. Her story ended in such a heartwarming way last season, as she came full-circle in her grief journey. Now, she’s ready for love. This pastor is cute, and a definite possibility. Rather than trying to make things weird by having her date her brother-in-law, this story is much more promising.
9-1-1: Lone Star is not inspiring a tonne of confidence in the season premiere. However, there are still choices to be made as the season gets underway. This could either be a season of Owen not fighting fires, or it could actually focus on the ensemble. T.K. and Carlos have also been through more than enough. It’s long past time that the show just lets them be happy.
9-1-1: Lone Star airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Fox.