9-1-1: Lone Star Review: Hold the Line (Season 2 Episode 3)
As far as crossover events go, 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 2 Episode 3, “Hold the Line,” is up there on the list of successfully executed. The whole episode may bring together characters from two different shows, but somehow it still seems like one seamless unit.
Hen, Buck, and Eddie may be the only ones from the 118 to help out Texas with their wildfire situation, but in actuality the 126 also helps them. So, really they could all consider themselves one family.
Of course, Judd and Eddie are going to hit it off right from the go, both being Texas boys and all. However, the most surprising bond is between Eddie and Marjan.
Their bond sneaks up on you and comes across as more than just two fearless firefighters swapping fun stories. There is clearly some setup there for them to either become friends or something a bit more.
It’ll be nice to see Eddie expand his circle to include more than just Buck, Carla, the 118, and his son. The same can be said for Marjan.
She doesn’t seem to really socialize with anyone outside of her work colleagues. The woman deserves to expand her horizons and bond with other people who have different life experiences than say Judd, Paul, or even TK.
This show has always been about the bond between TK and Owen, and bringing Buck into that mix is a fascinating move on the writers’ part. TK bonding with Buck actually makes more sense the deeper you look into it.
They are both very similar characters in that they have a troubled past and a “father” captain who never gave up on them. I’m glad that TK and Buck are introduced to one another because maybe the two can become friends and help each other deal with life.
Buck has admitted he is sad and lonely — maybe TK is the answer to that problem. After all, TK is completely removed from Buck’s work life and his family history which would make him an ideal candidate for Buck to open up to.
Not only that but by pairing these two together, 9-1-1: Lone Star is giving TK someone who will see his desperation in high-stakes situations and match him, passion for passion. If TK had been with someone else then he may have gone up the mountain in search of his father all by himself.
Instead, he has a friend who agrees with him and willingly steals a truck to help him. This act on Buck’s part is what influences everyone else to join them in the search.
Like I said before, this crossover takes two separate shows/firehouses, and made them one big family.
Finally, the pairing of Hen and Owen is genius. It allows the show to explore Owen’s survivor’s guilt in a way that is natural and free-flowing.
Hen is the perfect character to not only pull that kind of admission out of him but also to be able to understand where he is coming from. Hen has her own guilt about peopling dying near her or because of her so of course she can see Strand’s guilt and validate him for it.
Strand needs someone to address him head-on, and not beat around the bush or accept his deflection as fact. Hen is the perfect candidate for that because of how well she reads people and never makes them feel like they are being judged for their feelings.
9-1-1: Lone Star could have swept Strand’s feelings under the rug and pushed forward without addressing them ever again. However, it’s great that they don’t because it doesn’t do his character any good to ignore that a trauma like that has lasting effects.
It is a bit creepy that the ghost of Tim keeps showing up, but it also helps to personify Strand’s increasing guilt. The ghost also drives home the nature of Strand’s mental health after suffering a concussion.
Hopefully, this is just the beginning of a wonderful relationship between the two houses.
Minor Emergencies:
- Judd continues to show off his exceptional leadership skills. More of this, please!
- Mateo coming in with the jab at how white people perceive others of color, saying Buck should know his cousin because he looks like him.
- The swapping of war stories between Buck and TK as well as Marjan and Eddie is fun to see. It shows just how crazy both shows are.
- I need more Paul in my life. He deserves to be the focus every once in a while too.
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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.