9-1-1: Lone Star Review: Impulse Control (Season 3 Episode 14)

The lack of growth or character development for Owen Strand continues to hold back 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 3 Episode 14, “Impulse Control,” from reaching its full potential. Luckily, the rest of the episode holds up, making it a solid installment of the season. 

It’s really disappointing when one character can start to drag down a show overall. Especially when that character is played by Rob Lowe, a true talent in his own right.

Once the show realizes that Owen can be more than just a two-trick pony there is no stopping its potential growth.

Owen Refuses to See His Own Shortcomings

It’s frustrating enough that 9-1-1: Lone Star fails to have Owen evolve or learn from his mistakes over the last three seasons. But, to also have him dig his heels in and refuse to see what is right in front of him? Disappointing to say the least.

This lack of growth and awareness makes Owen the most unlikable character on the whole show. At this point in the series, Owen opening his mouth to deny his anger issues creates nothing more than an eye roll from the audience.

It’s even more demeaning that Owen has the gall to offer advice to a man they rescue about seeking anger management. Owen himself “completed” anger management and went on to use his fists first multiple times since — he’s not the guy to be giving that advice.

It shouldn’t take that man eventually shooting someone because of his anger to wake Owen up. He should’ve been able to hear what Catherine and Marjan were telling him instead of shutting them out.

Acting that way further proves he shouldn’t be the captain of the firehouse. He’s unable to truly inspire them because he can’t even take a look in the mirror and lead by example.

Tommy and Julius — Not Ideal

Another part of “Impulse Control” that borders on frustrating is the development between Tommy and her brother-in-law, Julius. While her initial anger is totally understandable and not misplaced, the subsequent change of heart is a bit out there.

Tommy is well within her rights to call him out on his flaky demeanor since Charles died. Tommy is hurting and slowly trying to move past her grief but it’s easy to see that one thing holding her back is her anger toward Julius.

It’s great to see them both talk it out and realize they are both hurting for similar reasons. After all, Charles was a rock and anchor to them both.

What isn’t understandable or within reasonable outcomes of that talk is their subsequent lip lock. Yes, that is something that can happen in situations like theirs.

Only, Tommy isn’t like everyone else; she doesn’t just kiss whoever in a moment of vulnerability. 9-1-1: Lone Star is doing her character a huge disservice by even entertaining the idea for the fraction of a second that it lasts.

While it’s great that Tommy immediately shuts it down and refuses to discuss things further, she never should’ve had to in the first place.

Long-Lasting Emergency Stories

One of the biggest wins for this episode is how the writers manage to keep the same “victim” coming back again and again with connected emergencies. Having the same characters be part of each of the emergencies allows the viewer time to connect with them and feel for them.

By following Al and his family through his many anger outbursts, the viewers can see how he slowly starts to realize that he needs help from a professional. Which in turn, makes his outcome that much more devastating because he was trying to get help.

Also, seeing him go from simply upset at a very rude fast-food service employee to full-on shooting a guy because he had road rage which put Al’s family in danger is equally sad. Al wanted so hard to be a better person and when the jerk with road rage tried to run them off he didn’t budge, he let it go only to find out the man would probably be okay. 

It’s one of those situations where you know the death was wrong and not the way to handle things, but you also see Al’s justification for it. Unfortunately, no one wins in this situation.

Luckily, stories like this set the stage for success for 9-1-1: Lone Star to attempt more like this in the future. We deserve to know more about our victims or characters from the emergency of the week. “Impulse Control” shows that we can successfully be intrigued by such a setup. 

Minor Emergencies:

• Poor Nancy, this woman deserves a break after all she’s seen. She watched Tim die right in front of her, almost lost TK to hyperthermia, and now this — a patient getting shot and killed with her unable to do anything.
• I don’t necessarily ship Nancy/Mateo, but I’m willing to see the show explore that further.
• We love to see Judd, Grace, and Tommy celebrate the twins birthday. So many sweet moments.

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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