9-1-1: Lone Star Review: Shock & Thaw (Season 3 Episode 3)

The highly anticipated return of our favorite first responders comes off a bit one-centered, and not in a good way. 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 3 Episode 3, “Shock & Thaw” finally focuses on Owen Strand — and in the process loses focus completely.

The emotionality of this episode could’ve been elevated if only the focus is only half on Owen. Once again, his presence takes up so much space that we kind of forget his son is in the hospital dying.

Marjan Marwani — the hero we deserve

Fortunately, this episode is completely saved by the addition of Marjan in Owen’s story. After two episodes of her being stranded in her car, she is finally free, and able to be the kickass responder, we all know and love.

Owen likes to see himself as this white savior, whether he realizes that’s what he’s doing or not. Thankfully, Marjan showing up at just the right moment to see the sheriff enter Owen’s home saves this whole thing from predictability.

From the start, Owen takes charge and it appears he is going to be the end of the story. When Marjan creates the chaos of the sirens and then the explosion, she takes that hero moment away from Owen. 

It’s a beautiful and strong female moment that 9-1-1: Lone Star has struggled off and on with throughout the seasons. To give that moment to Marjan of all characters makes more of an impact than anyone else.

The migrant story is a story of “other” and being judged because of their country of origin. Who better to counter that story than Marjan herself.

She of everyone knows this story on a personal level. So taking down the corrupt sheriff is a symbiotic, metaphorical win for her — it’s her fight song.

Give Me Grace 

Sweet, sweet Grace has been through the mill between Season 2 and now. I hoped she wouldn’t go into labor during the ice storm. 

Just let this graceful (pun intended) woman have a calm, normal birth. Of course, this is a TV drama so that isn’t going to happen.

It’s disappointing that Judd can’t be with her when she goes into labor. The more frustrating part though is that Billy is the one to be there for her at this time.

After everything his actions have put the 126 through, he doesn’t deserve to have that honor. Quite frankly, I am a very upset fan because that should be Judd or Tommy, no one else. 

Also, by extending her labor to the end of the episode the writers are unnecessarily dragging this ice storm further than it needs to be. Three episodes of an ice storm are more than enough to get the point across.

I now worry that anything further is going to take away from the emotional impact of the events overall. Grace is going to give birth on the side of the road which will take away from the joy her experience should be invoking.

The TK Elephant in the Room

The focus of this episode should have been on Grace and TK, but instead, they are thrown to the side as an afterthought. It’s never more prevalent than in the dream sequence moments with TK and his mom.

We should be feeling heartbroken that these moments aren’t actually real. Instead, because the moments are small and overshadowed by Owen’s story, we are left wanting more.

Fortunately, the whole of TK’s story is saved from the cutting room floor by Carlos. The raw and unexpected emotion from his ex-boyfriend really drives the gut-punch of each moment we see TK in that bed. 

Up to this point, Carlos has been indifferent about the mere mention of his ex. However, TK’s life hanging in the balance has Carlos on the edge of his seat, heartbreak on his sleeve. 

This is what really makes these moments even a fraction of the emotionality they should be. While that is great, it’s also unfortunate that TK’s struggle can’t speak loudly enough on its own. 

Minor Emergencies:

• Getting that small albeit funny moment with Judd, Mateo, and Paul is wonderful and reminds us that everything is fragile, but friendship is forever. 
• Carpool Karaoke with Marjan and Owen? More entertaining than anyone could believe.

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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