9-1-1: Lone Star Review: Shift-Less (Season 3 Episode 16)
For maybe the first time, and probably the only time, 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 3 Episode 16, “Shift-Less,” manages to give us mostly Owen storyline without the frustration or annoyance. It’s as shocking as it is refreshing.
Honestly, the overall theme of fatherhood and being a good parent is a nice one to break up the more intense episodes of the past few weeks. The only disappointing thing about this episode is the lack of balance between the two points of focus.
How Many Strands?
I will admit starting out there is quite a bit of confusion regarding who characters are and how they relate to Owen’s anger issues. Of course, at the start it is assumed that one of the boys trying to surf is Owen, but the purpose and meaning behind that particular memory isn’t apparent at first.
Ultimately, while the confusion is heavy at various parts of the episode — it comes up again when Robert is introduced — it helps bring the story along. This is the most engagement 9-1-1: Lone Star has managed to get out of me regarding an Owen storyline all season long.
By not knowing Owen’s whole story with his dead brother and his absent father from the start we are guided to come on a journey with him as he works up the courage to speak to the man. One glance at the hospital wall from his youth tells us all we need to know about Owen’s fear of clowns — he associates them with his brother’s death and the beginning of the end for his family.
It is brilliant to have Chad Lowe step in as a guest star playing, what we can still only just assume, is Owen’s much younger half-brother. He is a fantastic presence onscreen no matter the role he takes on. Plus, having him be a brother to his real life brother just makes sense.
The two play off each other so seamlessly that it makes Owen more personable and sympathetic. Two words I never thought I would find myself saying about this character.
Robert gives Owen this chance to let go of his own long hidden guilt as well as his anger toward their father for always falling short where it counts. I’m not one for father/son redemption arcs, I find them to be extremely over saturated.
However this one has a bit of charm to it that makes it excusable. If only because Owen finally facing his father allows him to realize how alienating he’s been toward his own son. Maybe there is hope for him yet.
Ryder and Son Go For a Ride
While reintroducing Wyatt after weeks of hearing nothing from or about him is frustrating to say the least. It is nice to know the writers haven’t forgotten he exists entirely.
Any moment where we get to see Judd flex his fathering wings is always a win in our book. It’s so exciting to see him be tough but fair with a teen son that seems angry at the world.
Who knew Judd yelling at his son to straighten up would give us such a visceral reaction? Honestly, it’s nice to know that despite barely having a relationship with his son, Judd can still find it in himself to be that father figure Wyatt is clearly craving.
9-1-1: Lone Star does a great job of setting this up for the two to go on a get away at the Ryder family ranch to bond. Which also brings in the other great guest star of this episode, Barry Corbin.
Corbin has put his stamp on various shows over the years and being Judd Ryder’s father is no different. There is just something about how he approaches each role that makes them all familiar and yet unique.
Papa Ryder adds another element to the already special fathers and sons motif of this episode. We get a glimpse into how loving yet strained the relationship is between Judd and his father.
When all is said and done, Judd may be less put together than he started, but the bonds between these fathers and sons have been greatly increased by their time together. I think this experience opened Judd’s eyes to just how much he has in common with his son after all — which can only help.
Minor Emergencies
- Owen named his son after his dead brother…I’m going to cry now.
- There wasn’t nearly enough TK, Carlos, or Grace.
- We don’t need to go into how disgusting it was to see Judd’s injury like that. I am not that squeamish but even I had to look away.
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.