9-1-1: Lone Star Review: Texas Proud (Season 1 Episode 3)

With its latest installment, 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 1 Episode 3, “Texas Proud,” the show continues to tell the important and meaningful stories. 

I know we are only three episodes in on Lone Star‘s freshman season, but man am I feeling like I’ve known and loved this show for many years. At times it is hard to believe it is even in the same realm as its predecessor 9-1-1 — all because the characters are more relatable by telling stories that can mean multiple things based on who is receiving it.

What really stands out is when a story respects other views. With three stellar episodes doing just that the fear that this show will falter in any way still looms behind us, but it’s not a strong fear.

This is not to say “Texas Proud” isn’t without its flaws. There are moments that have us on the edge of our seats and then others where we either groan or beg for them to end.

From the beginning, this show has utilized the typical Texas tropes for the benefit of really laying it on thick where we are at. However, in the first two episodes, these tropes barely surface and are easily forgettable.

Unfortunately, with “Texas Proud” the cliche Texas images are there in full swing and somewhat take away from what could be a strong, meaningful moment. 

The whole steak-eating contest emergency could be jaw-dropping and insanely fascinating instead of the actual snoozefest that it is. By the time the paramedics arrive on the scene and also make a comment about the 6 lb steaks, we just want the moment to pass. 

I can’t even begrudge the corn silo rescue for how tired of Texas tropes we are because it’s so daring and ingenious. Plus, it gives us a glimpse into who Judd is as a leader — which is something the whole world needs, but more on that later.

It’s clear from the title alone that this episode is all about finding pride in yourself or where you’re from. However, it feels like Lone Star could find better ways to lay on the Texas pride without re-inforcing age-old cliches that really limit the scope of who Texans are. 

Initially, Judd is portrayed as being a walking Texas cliche, and to be honest, he still very much is. However, this episode makes strides toward giving him the depth and complexity all well-written characters deserve.

If there is something this show excels at, it is the character-driven nature of storytelling and the attention to detail about each individual. No one character is above the others — the ensemble nature is what elevates each morsel of information we receive.

This format is why we don’t feel preached at or “informed” whenever they tackle subjects such as their LGBTQIA+ narrative or even the cancer angle. We feel a part of these moments and by extension a part of the conversations.

When Marjan talks about her faith and how she chooses to wear her hijab in honor of those who came before her, we feel like we are standing there with her in the firehouse. The way the scene is written is just so laid back and natural that all we hear are words, not statements. 

It is Paul who really touches on the full message of this episode when he comforts Marjan in her moment of weakness. His words are directed at her specifically but, they carry over into any kind of situation.

Paul: Do not let them shame you for feeling proud.

If we are holding the honesty stick, all of these characters have something to feel proud of in their lives. For some, it’s their faith and their sense of being while others it’s their ability to survive and keep going.

Judd has so much to be proud of on “Texas Proud.” In three short episodes, we have watched this character go from being an angry sole survivor to leading a team of men in the corn silo call. 

That is huge and a true testament to Captain Strand’s personal leadership. It’s one thing to say how great of a leader he is, but another thing entirely to witness just how far-reaching his influence goes.

Owen believes in and trusts Judd when it seems as though no one else does. He puts all his faith in Judd during what could’ve been a deadly call further cementing his authority over the decisions he has made for the house.

Of course, this rubs TK the wrong way, but ultimately TK is really just projecting his own hurt and pain onto the first available person — Judd. Luckily for the whole team, TK has Carlos on his side and in his corner.

Carlos sees TK for all that he is and still manages to enjoy spending time with him. This is exactly what TK needs — a support system outside of his own family. 

And Carlos is the type of friend who will tell you he supports you while also telling you to get your act together. In short, everyone needs a Carlos.

With all that TK is going through and the pain he is still very much feeling, he needs someone who is going to call him out while also working with him to get the best help available.

While these guys definitely make sense romantically, I’d rather see Carlos jump on the friendship train first before reapproaching the idea further down the road. It’s like TK said, he has a lot of baggage that he still hasn’t unpacked.

TK: I guess I just wanted to feel something.

The mental health of first responders isn’t touched upon much in the news let alone TV so it’d be great if 9-1-1: Lone Star could break the mold with that.

Exploring TK’s issues — which clearly stem further than just his messy breakup and relapse — will be the correct move for this character. It makes him even more relatable than he already is and will work wonders to pull apart his already cocky nature. 

His vulnerability with Carlos at the police station is a step in the right direction but, I want to see him take more pride in who he is by allowing himself to be vulnerable and open around others.

Coupling him against Carlos’ nature will definitely bring that vulnerability out of him more often than not, all of which is going to be great to see.

As Michelle pointed out to Carlos, he needs to take his own advice and find his own sense of pride. In this way, TK and Carlos are there to help each other. 

TK’s assertive nature can do nothing but help Carlos when it comes down to being more present and more assertive in the moment. 

One of the things 9-1-1 does — that can win or it can lose — is to devote whole episodes to the development of just one character. That is the biggest reason why Lone Star has such a powerful voice — we learn as we go along instead of information dumping us once or twice a season.

As mentioned before, the initial imagery for Judd isn’t quite what he truly is so over time the show expands on him and changes our minds and hearts along the way.

We get that same treatment with Michelle’s sisters’ ex-boyfriend. All this time we’ve been made to suspect he’s a murderer or at least an abuser. 

Little by little, we are given a sneak peek into the part of him that isn’t tainted by Michelle’s narrative. Even better is Michelle’s parallel journey with us where she sees him unbiased and real.

That’s not to say he can’t still be guilty, but at least now we know a more complete picture of who he is as a person.

As this season progresses, I expect we will probably peel back more and more of those layers on all of these characters. Nothing spells the death of a show faster than two-dimensional characters. Luckily, Lone Star is not one of those shows.

What did you think of this episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Catch up with our review of 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 1 Episode 2, “Yee Haw” right here.

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9-1-1: Lone Star airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.

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