9-1-1: Lone Star Season 4 Episode 5, “Human Resources,” finally features some of the ensemble. Even if some of the stories infuriate fans, it can’t be denied that it’s just nice to see members of this cast. Beggars can’t be choosers and literally any amount of screen time for this crew is better than nothing.
HR Comes for Marjan
The fact that Austin Fire HR is always attuned to whatever Owen (Rob Lowe) is doing makes so much sense. The man is a walking HR violation. Viewers have seen him assault those he’s supposed to be rescuing and apply these fisticuffs to fellow professionals. This is why it’s so surprising that Marjan (Natacha Karam) is the subject of HR’s wrath.
This entire storyline provides the opportunity to delve into Marjan as a character. She may be a badass, but she’s still a deeply flawed human being. The way in which she is able to self-reflect on her words and actions is aspirational. This doesn’t mean she isn’t able to stand up for herself, however. If anything, staying true to her values makes her calling out grifters and swindlers when she sees them that much more believable.
Queen Grace Reigns Supreme
9-1-1: Lone Star Season 4 Episode 5, “Human Resources,” features Grace (Sierra McClain) at her best. It’s always thrilling to see Grace out of her cubicle and in the field. These situations just solidify what an icon of a character Grace is. On a deeper level, this story with the little boy being a frequent caller highlights an important point. So many families are struggling, and social services is often far too overwhelmed to treat these cases with nuance. It’s too bad Grace can’t be everywhere at one time.
This story is also a venue to give fans more of Grace and Tommy’s (Gina Torres) friendship. Any time these two are in action together is a good time. These two are who you want to answer when there’s any kind of medical emergency. They clearly love and respect one another so much. They are a reminder of what friendship is supposed to be.
Finally, a Fire
It may sound strange, but it’s kind of nice to the 126 actually responding to a single fire. This show sometimes goes completely off the rails, either continuing to focus on the Owen Show or putting Tarlos in danger. Having the team fight a fire compels them to come together and show how strong they are as a team. It’s not that fires are fun, it’s just that this is a show about firefighters. It would be nice to see them doing more of the actual job.
9-1-1: Lone Star gives fans a tiny glimpse of the ensemble that makes this show fun to watch. While this might be goodbye to Marjan for now, it would probably be a mistake to think she’s gone for good. There will always be a place for her at the 126. If the show can manage to tell stories like this rather than on Owen’s anger issues the season still has hope.
9-1-1: Lone Star airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Fox.