9-1-1: Lone Star Season 4 Episode 8, “Road Kill,” shines a much-needed spotlight on a beloved character. Marjan (Natacha Karam) has always been the heart and soul of the 126. She is rarely given sufficient screen time for viewers to fully appreciate how amazing she is. Even if it’s just on a single episode, it feels right that this character gets a chance to shine.
The fact that this episode continues the storyline about domestic violence is heartbreaking, but it’s ultimately the right choice. This is another opportunity to showcase just how dangerous abusive men are. They don’t only pose a threat to those they terrorize. This is treated with sensitivity and the gravitas it deserves. The entire story is a sobering reminder of how much everyone is in danger when abusers are allowed to walk free.
Marjan isn’t painted as a knight in shining armour. This is why the story on this episode works so well. She’s shown to be someone who just wants to help a person in need. She is the truest version of a hero, helping someone in their darkest hour. She may have needed to take some time to back away and figure out her purpose. It’s clear she’s found it. Marjan is the hero everyone needs in their corner.
This story could have amounted to little more than trauma porn. Instead, the story manages to maintain its focus on Marjan and on everything that makes her character endearing. Even though the show would not let anything happen to this character, the story keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. It is always clear that this is a very real danger, and that Marjan has to rely on herself and her instincts to survive.
9-1-1: Lone Star Season 4 Episode 8, “Road Kill,” delves into one of the most endearing tropes, a hero saving themselves. Watching Marjan embrace her inner child and face her fears makes the character even more loveable as if that’s possible. This journey feels like the right choice for this character. Again, not spending sufficient time with her, this episode is an exploration of where this character came from and how it informs her present.
Relatedly, the ending twist is a perfect way to cap this episode. The fact that Marjan was saving herself all along feels like her journey’s come full circle. Mouse has really grown into herself. She took a traumatic childhood experience and used it for good. The team is able to be around Marjan when she needs them most. They recognize how necessary she is to this team and how she always will be.
9-1-1: Lone Star continues its positive trajectory. It’s a shame that it has taken this long for the season to come around. Hopefully, as the series approaches its second half, more episodes will focus on members of the ensemble. It’s been said before, but it’s worth repeating that 9-1-1: Lone Star features so many dynamic characters. If viewers are lucky this episode is a preview of what is to come.
9-1-1: Lone Star airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Fox.