9-1-1: Lone Star Review: Saving Grace (Season 2 Episode 9)

Judd and Grace have always been central to the show. In fact, it could be said that they are the heartbeat.

Bringing them into complete focus on 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 2 Episode 9, “Saving Grace,” should make for a perfect episode. However, the emotionality the show is trying to achieve doesn’t quite translate.

Sure, they were both in a horrific car accident, but even that seems to resolve itself quickly and without the depth it deserves. It’s hard to pinpoint why this episode doesn’t quite work.

Having flashbacks to the beginning of Judd and Grace’s relationship definitely helps to add a bit of attachment to these characters. However, 9-1-1: Lone Star fails to invoke any real fear that either of them could end up dead or at the very least paralyzed. 

Maybe that is the intention behind this episode, that while upsetting these two were never really in any danger. Perhaps if Grace were still in a coma by the end of the episode our emotions would’ve been stronger. 

It’s obvious that Grace has a long road of recovery ahead of her, but is the struggle really going to be there? 

There is nothing wrong with having a strong faith in God or even that you believe things will work out because of him. It’ll be interesting to see if this accident will test Grace’s faith in Him. 

Maybe, my real issue with this episode is that it’s almost entirely fluffy and lovely. For two characters that have been in a car accident, I expected there to be a bit more drama. 

Instead, we get flashbacks that are sweet and lovely and set up the strong bond that Grace and Judd share. Meanwhile, at the present time, Judd is awake and waiting on Grace to do the same. 

Based on how terrifying the accident looked, I honestly expected a bit more lead-up to them starting their recovery. 9-1-1: Lone Star is a drama, and yet this accident had little to no drama about it. 

It’s frustrating to have this build-up cliffhanger with the previous episode and then find out there is no danger to their lives at all. It may seem like I’m asking for tragedy, but sometimes that is needed to really feel a connection to a story.

Yes, Grace is going to have some struggle with her walking in the weeks to come. However, with the strong faith, she has always displayed, testing her resolve a bit more would make for some great storytelling.

It is nice to find out why Judd has that tattoo on his hand of Psalm 31 and that it connects right back to his relationship with Grace. These two are so in love and will be able to handle anything life throws at them.

If there is anything positive to take from “Saving Grace” it is that. We already knew that Grace and Judd have a love story for the ages. Learning about their start just solidifies that and makes us love them more.

Judd is truly a good man with a big heart. Knowing that his journey started with a tragic car accident that killed his friend really pulls at our heart.

In fact, that part of Judd’s journey during “Saving Grace” is probably the most emotional. His road to finally forgive himself and allow himself to be forgiven by his friend’s mother.

We needed to see that in order for us to better understand Judd and why he is blaming himself for the accident with Grace. If anything, “Saving Grace” gives us a stronger connection to Judd and his struggles with guilt and forgiveness.

This episode makes Judd that much more human. It’ll be great to see him step into the role that Grace has held for so long — being the strong one.

Finding out they are pregnant will also serve as a source of motivation for Grace during her recovery. It’s going to be a long road, but if any couple can survive it, Grace and Judd can.

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

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