9-1-1: Lone Star Review: Friends Like These (Season 1 Episode 6)

Half-way through the season, Captain Strand finally gets a worthy antagonist on 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 1 Episode 6, “Friends Like These.” It’s been a point of contention from the first episode, that all these changes Strand is making aren’t having any pushback from anyone.

It’s a stimulating addition to an already great character analysis each week. The character of Billy (played by guest star Billy Burke) is the perfect foil to Strand’s level of confidence and optimism.

Where Owen is always positive all the time — sometimes a bit naively, Billy is a harsher, realist type of leader. To be honest, if we can get the two men on the same page by the end of this season, many great things can be in store for both their houses as well as the Austin Fire Department as a whole. 

Right now, Billy is able to come in and knock Strand down a few pegs which — for character development — is exactly what the Captain needs. Billy is going to help move Captain Strand along and either break down the confidence this man has in excess or build it up even more.

The fact that these two men don’t exactly hate each other gives their dynamic a more complex formula. Based on both of their positions, it could easily fall into the category of complete enemies. 

Instead, Billy is a bit in awe of his fellow Captain, all the while showing concern for his ability to actually perform his duties. Yes, he wants the 126, but there is still a sense that he admires Strand for all the progress he is making, even if he doesn’t outright agree with most of it.

While it’s obvious that as 9-1-1: Lone Star‘s main protagonist Strand will probably pass the endurance test, I’m kind of hoping he doesn’t pass it initially. That opens the door for another level of drama and discord for the Billy/Strand saga.

To really bring all that they can to these characters, Lone Star needs to ensure the conflict continues to get stronger and more heated before it gets better. The best way to do that is to have Captain Strand show a bit of weakness and possibly lose a few of his convictions in regard to his abilities.

That’s not to say it isn’t captivating as hell to see Strand stand his ground and up the ante with his boss, all while not taking any of Billy’s comments to heart. Normally, this is the moment where viewers decide which side of the equation they wish to be on. 

However, with Billy and Strand, it’s hard to decide because they both make really good points. Billy isn’t there to maliciously take away the 126; he wants it fair and square. 

Judd also makes an enlightened comment when he approaches Strand about it all. He reminds Strand that without him there at the helm, this “new” 126 he’s created will fall apart.

They say that the sign of a good leader is those he is leading, which Judd isn’t contending. What he means by this is Billy will come in and change up the team again and their newly formed family will cease to exist.

It’s sad to think about, because this family really steps it up on “Friends Like These” for Mateo and his exam.

To sit down and have meals together as a “family” is one thing, but this episode shows that the guys and gal at 126 are all about looking out for one of their own. Mateo is in need of some help studying for his written exams and the team doesn’t disappoint.

One thing Lone Star does really well with this storyline is that it flows throughout the whole episode and actually expands into more than just throwing facts around to test his knowledge and retention. There is one scene, in particular, that really stands out, the one where Marjan and Mateo are discussing what is at stake with his exam results.

She tries to be helpful by telling him to think about it in as simple a term as everyone dies. She means well by telling him that everything happens for a reason and if it doesn’t work out this time, there will be other opportunities — don’t sweat the small stuff.

Mateo’s response to her — with tears streaming down his face — is the most poignant scene of this episode, and maybe even the whole season. He reminds her that he is at risk of deportation if he doesn’t pass this and keep his job.

Exams are hard enough when the stakes are the fate of your job, but add on the stress of it determining your immigration status — forget it. Mateo is shown to be a very strong and formidable character at this moment.

We can find ourselves rooting for him because we understand his stress and his fears; they are now our stress and fears. That is the mark of a beautiful marriage of writing and acting when a scene can seamlessly seep into our own experiences.

Watching Mateo walk out of that exam room to find his whole house waiting with bated breath for him brings on the waterworks for even the coldest of hearts. We all want to feel a part of something, and Mateo’s exam conclusion allows us to feel and live in that even if it’s only a moment in time. 

Other Musings:

• Peanut the dog steals the whole show with his unwavering faith and love for his owner.
• How is that ride-share driver still alive? Her car is pretty far under that semi. 
• The two friends on the dock are idiots. You don’t ever throw ashes, you dump them.

 

What did you think of this episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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

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