9-1-1: Lone Star Review: Down to Clown (Season 3 Episode 15)

One of the greatest things about 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 3 Episode 15, “Down to Clown,” is the utter lack of focus on Owen. Sure, the man has his moments where he is seen in therapy, but outside of that, we get to see a whole episode focused on the relationship between TK and Carlos as well as Grace, Judd, and Dave. 

All in all this episode succeeds at giving us fantastic character growth and balance between stories. This means we never feel left out in the lives of these characters we love so much.

Act of Grace

If there is one thing, Grace Ryder is it’s charitable. This woman gives a whole new meaning to Christian charity, especially during “Down to Clown.”

Back when we first met Dave, earlier this season, we were not on board with him at all. However, he has a medical emergency and so we feel sorry for him. 

Then, he has a tragic — and we mean tragic — loss on the job and we feel bad for him again. So, it’s no wonder that Grace would take pity on him and invite him to her house for dinner. 

Of course, it blows up in her face when Dave never leaves — literally. Grace is the most patient person on 9-1-1: Lone Star so it’s refreshing to see her lose her cool and come very close to being very un-Christian toward Dave.

Honestly, it makes her seem more like the rest of us and endears us to her even more. Not to mention, it allows us to see a less-than-patient side of Judd as well. 

So basically, we love Dave if only because he brings out a side to our two most beloved characters that we rarely, if ever, get to see. Also, everyone is angry at him for that Charlie first steps flub — come on man!

Clowns? Are You Clowning Me?

Going into “Down to Clown,” 9-1-1: Lone Star hypes up some big breakthroughs for Owen with his therapy. From the preview, it seemed like maybe it would be something to do with his trauma from 9/11. 

Fortunately, the extent of our time with Owen on this episode is spent in little 2-minute intervals — as it should always be — at his therapist’s office. It’s good to see him actually committing to helping himself become a better person.

However, it’s disappointing that the breakthrough in his therapy isn’t that big after all. We learn that he has some trauma linked to clowns and his absent father — but what is still a mystery. 

I’m not saying we need all the answers right away, but if you are promoting an episode as being some big deal with regards to Owen, then you need to follow through.

At this point, we are left still not caring all that much where things go with Owen and his therapy journey.

Carlos Vs. The Lizard

For all the dramatics this episode holds there is one thing that doesn’t fail to make us laugh. I am, of course, talking about TK bringing home the lizard from the emergency call they work. 

When it comes down to it, TK is like a kid in a candy shop with this new pet meanwhile Carlos is the disapproving parent. Honestly, same, Reyes, same.

It’s nice to see yet another new dynamic to their relationship when lately it’s been tragedy after tragedy. These two desperately needed the heartfelt humor of having a new pet only for it to get out of his cage.

Lost pets are funny on any given day, but there is something extra sweet and comical about how TK goes in for a kiss with Carlos in order to catch the lizard. Only to have the lizard end up on Carlos and he jumps around the room freaking out. 

These two are perfectly matched for one another and that is so reassuring to see after everything. 9-1-1: Lone Star has put them through more than any other couple on the show. They’ve earned this break.

Minor Emergencies:

• If I have any other complaints it’s that we hardly see any of the other 126 and that’s a shame.
• Clown Phobia is real…you can never trust a clown. 

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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