9-1-1: Lone Star Season 4 Episode 13, “Open,” backtracks in a big way and features way more of the Owen Show than anyone asked for. While Grace (Sierra McClain) was set up to be the feature of this episode, her story is immediately taken over by Owen (Rob Lowe) with disastrous results. These are the kind of episodes that make 9-1-1: Lone Star a weaker series overall. Rather than maintaining focus on literally anyone else, Owen always steals the spotlight for himself.
It seems important to begin with the fact that Sierra McLain could have carried this episode all on her own. There is a lot to unpack. There could have been an in-depth exploration of Grace’s relationship with her father. With her parents looking after Grace’s daughter, there are plenty of storylines that could have been explored. The question could have been posed whether or not Grace’s mistrust in her father is justified and whether he has made any meaningful change in his life.
Grace is such a spectacular character on her own. It’s a testament to McLain’s immeasurable talent that she is able to convey such meaningful emotion in such short scenes. Her authenticity shines through every moment she is on-screen. Like the rest of this show’s ensemble, however, she’s rarely given sufficient time to showcase how truly special this character is. Whether she’s doing her job or off the clock, this show can never have enough Grace Ryder.
Obviously, family medical emergencies either bring families together like never before or rip them apart. Grace’s father having a heart attack could have been a chance for the family to explore their own dynamics. Of course, the rest of Team McLain just ties everything together. The fact that this episode doesn’t focus exclusively on Sierra, China, and Lauryn is frankly a travesty. These three combine to show what power they have collectively. Everyone deserved more of them.
Unfortunately, 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 4 Episode 13, “Open,” immediately focuses on Owen, to the detriment of any other story that might be interesting to explore. This side story that Kendra (Michaela McManus) is actually in an “open” relationship makes no sense. It also is part of a continued wider trend in media to showcase polyamory as a joke and something that involves two people in a relationship lying to each other.
Arguably, the worst part about this storyline is that it sets up a future where this series is compelled to showcase Owen even more. Presumably, he’ll be all over getting Kendra acquitted of any charges. This show could never have Owen doing his actual job, being a fire captain and fighting, you know, fires. Instead, he is once again going to become entangled in the story of a woman with whom he will likely never interact again. If history is anything to go by Kendra probably actually did kill her husband.
9-1-1: Lone Star is back to old patterns, and it is disappointing to say the least. Particularly this far into the season, it’s difficult to accept that the focus will remain on Owen when so many other characters have stories that need telling. There’s an upcoming wedding and more than one budding romance. This show could give us these stories. Instead, perhaps viewers should accept that Owen will always remain the star of this show, even when he shouldn’t be.
9-1-1: Lone Star airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Fox.