9-1-1: Lone Star Review: Back in the Saddle (Season 2 Episode 1)
After the roller coaster that is now known as 2020, we need a respite from our worries — and for it to add a little joy in the process. Well, 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 2 Episode 1, “Back in the Saddle,” is definitely that cure for all that ails us.
The greatest thing about this episode isn’t the emergency cases — though they are memorable, to say the least. It’s the continuation of where we left things with the Strands at the end of Season 1. Their story is what drives all of Season 1, so it’s a huge relief to see that this hasn’t changed coming into Season 2.
T.K. entertains all with his frustration over having to quarantine with his divorced parents (kudos to the casting department for that Lisa Edelstein placement.) It’s cute to see him tell his version of things as the “real” version plays out before our very eyes.
His dynamic with his dad hasn’t suffered despite all the bickering because he manages to shove it all back at mom and dad when he calls them out for lying about the nature of their relationship. T.K. is a sly one he is, which makes him fun to watch.
It’s clear the pandemic has done wonders for T.K. and his demons with regards to letting Carlos in. The two seem particularly cozy this episode, and that doesn’t just mean their kiss either.
While 9-1-1: Lone Star is in it’s very nature a drama, the elements it succeeds at are the little zingers and turns of phrase between characters — especially if it’s coming from T.K.
Carlos: You firefighters sure are a smug bunch.
T.K.: You love it.
If this show succeeds at the relationship between T.K. and Captain Strand it’s because of moments like the tumor shrinkage on “Back in the Saddle.” The level of love, admiration, and relief conveyed between these two characters without them even saying a word is poetry at it’s finest.
The show will do well to continue exploring that father/son dynamic. And now that his mom, Lisa Edelstein, looks to be sticking around a bit longer it’ll be interesting to watch that father/son duo adjust to make room for her.
Captain Strand deserves the world because of how great he is to everyone around him. He shows just how much he respects each person for who they are on a daily basis. He doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk.
I truly believe that his relationship with his ex-wife being rekindled is a step toward long-standing happiness for him. There is something about her that brings out the fire in him and sometimes he needs a bit more of that.
Speaking of new dynamics and new faces — Gina Torres is in the house y’all!
The addition of Gina Torres is a welcome change-up from Liv Tyler vacating the show.
I certainly enjoy seeing Michelle Blake do her thing and roll with the punches. But there is just something refreshing about Tommy Vega that brings a whole new vitality to House 126.
She is nervous, and yet through that, she still manages to command the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Performing field surgery for a man on a cell tower is as bad*ss as they come.
Also, there is the connection this Captain Vega already has to the other members of the team through Judd and Grace. Unfortunately, Captain Blake never seems all that connected to those around her — maybe that is just her personality.
To replace her with the woman who mentored her and frankly has a warmer disposition is exactly the positive vibe this year needs to start off right. Torres is a beast onscreen and commands us to care not only about her role as a paramedic but also as a wife and mother.
9-1-1: Lone Star is making all the right moves as they head into their sophomore season.
Stray Thoughts:
- That Zoom call save is probably the most 2020 emergency to ever exist.
- “I think my friend just died but he’s on mute so I can’t tell.”
- Mateo and Marjan have the cutest chemistry out of the whole group — their group hang at Carlos’ just proves that.
- “A lot of a Jesus and a bit of Jack,” is a 2020 mood. Thank you, Captain Vega.
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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 9/8c on FOX.
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Mads Misasi
Mads is a part-time entertainment journalist and full-time marketing content creator. They love any and all TV Dramas with a few sitcoms mixed in. Join in the fun talking about TV by following them on Twitter: @dorothynyc89.