9-1-1: Lone Star Season 4 Episode 12, “Swipe Left,” is quite possibly the best episode of the season so far. Marjan (Natacha Karam) is back on Center stage, and it’s what she deserves. By continuing to not focus on Owen (Rob Lowe), the show is allowing itself to be all it can be. The series is always right to focus on Marjan. As the heart of the 126, she deserves so much more screen-time than she gets.
The nods to the recent past are perfectly timed. It’s hard to imagine anyone else deserving to drive right into…well, into that. As expected, Marjan is the epitome of grace, but also makes sure that justice is served. It is so in character for Marjan to want to right a wrong without causing undo embarrassment to people who probably deserve it.
9-1-1: Lone Star Season 4 Episode 12, “Swipe Left,” is a reminder that Marjan just recently survived what could have been a deadly attack. Too often, shows like this completely blow over this kind of trauma. Clearly, Marjan is still working through things, physically and mentally. It makes sense that she needs time to re-integrate into the 126 and take the necessary steps to become the amazing firefighter she’s always been.
After the storyline with Marjan’s financé, there’s really been no further exploration of possible romances for her. It’s long past time for this to be redressed. Her physiotherapist Joe (John Clarence Stewart) makes an interesting candidate. Sure there will be logistical issues seeing as Marjan was just his patient. However, there’s a lot of potential that can be explored in the final episodes of the season. The fact that he’s Muslim with an anglicized name kind of comes out of nowhere, but these are early days in this potential relationship.
All of the other potential romantic partners featured on this episode are varying levels of disasters waiting to happen. It’s a bleak but accurate look at the current dating market for anyone who isn’t twenty years old. It’s also incredibly endearing to see the 126 rally around Marjan and support her in finding true love. The increasing level of chaos that each potential partner brings is a testament to how even someone as phenomenal as Marjan has little hope in the modern dating pool.
The comedic timing on this episode is near perfect. With so many hilarious dating stories to make fun of, it isn’t exactly a surprise. Owen (Rob Lowe) might take the cake with his disappointment in Marjan’s animal-rescuing beau. This is further proof that Owen remains a terrible judge of character. The fact that Owen is allowed to be mocked is a credit to the series, which often takes this character far too seriously.
9-1-1: Lone Star proves again that it recognizes what makes this show fun. The continued focus on the Members of the 126 outside of Owen is the right choice. Characters like Marjan need to be given an opportunity to grow. Each character deserves this opportunity. More mocking of Owen and more stories featuring this ensemble are definitely the right way to go.
9-1-1: Lone Star airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Fox.