9-1-1: Lone Star: Top Moments from “Bum Steer” (Season 1 Episode 7)

Sometimes there are episodes that are so well executed that it becomes hard to focus entirely on one or two things. Such is the case on 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 1 Episode 7, “Bum Steer.”

Instead of laying waste to all of the important information presented on this episode for the sake of one element over another, I have compiled a list of the episode’s top moments. Nothing is a throwaway and everything matters.

Captain Strand and TK continue to bond

One of 9-1-1: Lone Star‘s biggest successes is the established bond between TK and Captain Strand. This father/son team can clearly weather any storm and the fitness test is no different.

These two are fun to watch because they have a language that is all their own that doesn’t need words. It’s easy to see just from the on-screen chemistry that Rob Lowe and Ronen Rubinstein respect each other as a father and son would. 

The deeper meaning in all of this is that while both may have their own separate yet equally harrowing struggles, they are able and willing to support one another. TK has enough on his plate dealing with his relapse and recovery, but he puts all that aside to ensure his father passes his endurance test and keeps his job.

While at the moment it seems all hope is lost for Captain Strand passing, ultimately TK never gives up hope on his father. That alone can sometimes make all the difference — that and a little countrified ‘Eye of the Tiger‘.

Focusing on this relationship is a win for 9-1-1: Lone Star as it strengthens the familial moments later on in the episode.

The 126 reacts to Captain Strand’s cancer news

On top of finding out Captain Strand has cancer, it is also revealed that their house as they know it lies solely on Captain Strand passing his test. Talk about a double whammy.

What isn’t expected is the amount of negativity shown by Paul, who is normally all soul and optimism. However, he’s the loudest voice for the opposition to this endurance test and what failing it means.

At first, you want to place a hand on his shoulder and ask him to calm down, but then you really listen to what he is saying and agree. No one else in this town will give him, Marjan, or Mateo the opportunities that Strand has afforded them. 

These guys uprooted their lives in Chicago and Florida to help Strand out. Naturally, they are terrified for him but also for their own careers.

It’s wonderful and refreshing to see the 126 get together and hash out their complicated feelings on something as big as this. It’s a mistake to not allow that level of discussion and understanding to occur within their bonded unit.

After all, Paul and Marjan’s comments open up Judd’s mind to his level of privilege. They make him aware and he uses that awareness to fight for their jobs. 

Billy and Strand friends?

In my review of 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 1 Episode 6, “Friends Like These,” I made a comment that I would love to see Billy and Captain Strand come together as friends in order to get more done for the city of Austin. My lips to the 9-1-1: Lone Star writers ears, I guess. 

“Bum Steer” gives us our best Captain Strand content to date. It expands on who he is as a leader and a man in a way that is unique to him, yet still relatable.

His best scene is on the golf course with Billy for two reasons:

One, it shows that no matter how much Billy may wound his pride, Captain Strand will always take the higher ground. Two, it sets things up for Billy to owe Captain Strand a fair bit of gratitude in the form of friendship.

Strand shows how much of a man he is when he accepts defeat and concedes to Billy — who ends up mocking him for it. And, in the biggest piece of karmic action known to date, Billy gets struck by lightning right after he mouths off about how useless Strand’s team is.

This gives Captain Strand a double win. Not only does he get to save Billy’s life and extend the hand of friendship, but he also gets to pass his endurance test by saving Billy’s life.

These two men — when on the same page — can make Austin the best place to live. I now have hope that they are going to try. 

Michelle gets a lead

Finally — and most importantly — Michelle gains the biggest lead on her missing sister. Thanks to Carlos’ great detective work, they now have information on the blue truck Iris is seen getting into.

It’s a complicated journey throughout the episode of hunting down more leads based on the information found, a journey that excites the viewer while also breaking their heart.

Michelle has been on this journey for three years now, and she is finally getting so close to her sister she can taste it; so much so that when things don’t quite pan out at first, it’s frustrating. 

One of the greatest things about Michelle is that she is a fighter — she will never back down. However, this episode shows her almost at her breaking point. 

You can tell in her eyes that she’s ready to break and about to give up the fight. Then they discover the blue truck in the river or lake (not really sure which one it is).

This new development coupled with the mention of the purple tent has us once again drawn into the mystery and intrigue of what happened to Iris. I have my doubts that Iris’ remains are in that truck. However, I would put money on her playing a part in the purple tent.

 

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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