9-1-1: Lone Star Review: Spring Cleaning (Season 3 Episode 17)

If the previous episode is one of the show’s best then 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 3 Episode 17, “Spring Cleaning,” is probably one of the worst. Between muddled storytelling that doesn’t make any character sense and spending more time on emergencies than necessary the episode fails in the worst ways.

The only thing that saves it from being a total wash is the bond that is developing between Judd and Wyatt. Out of everything this messy installment brings us these moments are the most genuine and real.

So, lets take a look at the episode from the standpoint of the relationships that featured heavily. 

Tommy and Julius

From the start this attraction felt weird and forced. It felt even weirder when Tommy starts to show that she feels things for Julius.

This whole time I have maintained that Tommy is simply confusing her love for Charles with her supposed love for his brother. After all, it’s only been a year since Charles passed and now Tommy is ready to dive head first into a coupling with Julius?

I’m not saying that it doesn’t happen, but for Tommy of all people this move feels more like a character assassination. This is turning her into a woman fans hardly recognize.

Maybe that has been the 9-1-1: Lone Star writers’ long game; show Tommy acting completely outside of herself to showcase the effects of grief. However, I’ve been around this show long enough to know it’s probably the most basic explanation — she’s ready to move on so why not the brother.

The most shocking part of this whole episode for Julius and Tommy is that he tells her he loves her and that he has to leave. Sure, Julius is notorious for leaving; not putting down roots, but I actually thought his brother’s death changed that.

And for him to tell her he loves her and that he’s doing this for her? That’s actually the sweetest thing that man has probably ever said — genuinely.

Nancy and Mateo

Before I get into what I really want to say about this coupling I want to scream from the rooftops that Bisexual Nancy is canon. All season, I have been hoping the writers would give Nancy a girlfriend because honestly that’s been her whole vibe always. 

While pairing her with Mateo is disappointing it’s not because I personally wanted her in a relationship with a female. The reason its disappointing is because it doesn’t make any sense. 

These two characters have always existed within each other’s orbits but as more of a sibling vibe. There just isn’t the proper romantic chemistry between them for the relationship to be believable. 

It just seems awkward and forced the whole time — even before the meltdown over Catan. Then to have 9-1-1: Lone Star explain their awkwardness as Mateo being self-conscious about his height compared to hers?

None of it really adds up because if it is about a height difference then all of Mateo’s public behavior toward her is vastly over the top. It just seems to me that there is something deeper at play that prevents them from really being a believable couple. 

Judd and Wyatt

The one saving grace this episode has are the moments between Judd and Wyatt — which are surprisingly numerous considering. Judd has really dived in head first to this father role and we all love to see it. 

It’s adorable to watch Judd mean well with his advice to Wyatt about his interview only to have it blow up in his face. The most important take-away is that Judd is trying his best and that’s half the battle.

Watching him instruct Wyatt on how to get a nice suit and look good is one thing, but another to see him give social cue advice. Wyatt may act frustrated, but you can see in his eyes that he’s just happy Judd is making an effort.

The most heartbreaking thing is that Judd felt it was his fault Wyatt didn’t succeed at the interview. This man has a heart of gold and it beats for everyone — especially his family. 

This bond is very important to the continued growth of Judd. 

Minor Emergencies

• The only time I will accept Owen creating a punch moment is from “Spring Cleaning” in order to get the abusive husband arrested. 
• Game nights are always a blast to see and we get several this episode.
• The way Paul looked murderous at the notion of putting corn chips into chili. 

 

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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