Critic’s Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
4.2
Fundamentally, what 9-1-1 Lone Star Season 5 Episode 2 understands and executes well is reminding us of other characters at the heart of this series.
It’s the final season of Lone Star, and sadly, there will never be enough time spent with these characters we know and love.
But that’s why the “Powers that Be” appear to understand the importance of allowing the characters we cherish to start thriving and having their respective moments.
The Three-Part Train Derailment is a Slow-Burn
Let’s get it out of the way now.
There was nothing wrong with 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5 Episode 1, as it dropped us into their lives roughly a year after we left them and tried to catch us up with what had happened.
But this hour picked up the slack and the excitement in a manner that confirms that Lone Star is delivering the content the Texas way, low and slow, building things up and making them worthwhile.
By the end of the hour, the action and tension took off, and the series produced some of its most harrowing challenges with the train derailment, subsequent explosions, and saves.
And we’re still on the edge of our seats, worried about Marjan and poor, sweet Damon, the train hopper, who we’re not even close to finding.
The second hour takes us back to the 126 and puts them in the thick of it, allowing us to see what these heroes can really do with the type of call that gets our attention and utilizes them best.
Owen Takes the Backseat
What the hour does incredibly well, rectifying some of the issues that the series has notoriously had, is it allows the other characters to show what they’re made of and be the heroes that we know they are TOO.
It’s no secret that Owen Strand has a hero complex, which often results in him running roughshod into any danger or threat because he would nobly risk his life rather than that of his team.
While his reason for that is sound and deeply rooted in his many losses and past traumas, for a first responder series, on its surface, it led to Owen simply having all the glory and fun in most of the huge scenarios.
Outside of installments that center select characters, the buck typically stops with Owen, which has been one of Lone Star’s biggest criticisms throughout the series.
But a great leader fosters an incredibly talented team that can rise to the occasion.
When we get to see the fruits of his labor in building a strong team because these talented people can showcase what they’re made of as well as grow as characters personally and professionally.
Owen doesn’t clip anyone’s wings during 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5 Episode 2, and it had some of the most emotionally impacted results because of that.
We primarily saw it with Marjan and Mateo, two characters, particularly the latter, who often fall into rigid archetypes with little development or a chance to grow.
Marjan IS a Lieutenant, But Will it Be for the 129?
We always knew Marjan was a badass, and the hour leans heavily into reminding us of that, but not in the competitive manner that often results in her living for the thrill of adrenaline or operating in part from the place of a social media star.
No, we saw a lieutenant through and through with the train derailment.
She was absolutely incredible on the scene. Present and active, she ensured the safety of everyone around her, regardless of whose house she was barking orders at, and took the lead naturally.
Marjan Marwani was a force of nature on the scene, a pillar of strength in a sea of chaos, smoke, and danger.
Seeing her in that context was riveting.
She was fearless, headstrong, and a full-blown leader.
She had the makings of not only a lieutenant but a future captain or chief.
Marjan More than Proves Her Worth; Her Future is Bright on 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5 Episode 2
Marjan’s future is bright; you could sense it beneath the surface during those moments on the call.
The gratifying glimpse into what the world holds for her makes things worthwhile.
It could only come to fruition by focusing on Marjan in the scene rather than Owen, who quite literally took a seat during this.
Interestingly enough, as Owen still actively works to avoid choosing who his next lieutenant is (and you can’t blame him for not wanting to disappoint either Marjan or Paul or choose when they’re both fantastic), another possibility opens up.
The captain of 129 was incredibly impressed by Marjan and already had her clocked as a lieutenant.
They worked amazingly well together and had an instant chemistry, and he never once undermined her or bulked at her running down orders at the scene despite her lack of official rank.
He openly admitted multiple times that he had her back and would follow her lead and whatever she needed, which gives us the impression that 129 is another fantastic house with a great environment that could foster growth.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Marjan is considering a house change by the end of the series.
If there were ever a place where Marjan could leave and still feel like she’s doing well for herself, 129 may be it.
Mateo Could Be 126’s Dark Horse Lieutenant
Episodes in which Mateo shines often are top-tier because the series tends to use him more for comic relief than anything else.
However, Mateo’s trajectory in the series is fascinating. He is a young DACA firefighter with dyslexia who, unlike others, faced several challenges to get where he is and maintain it.
Owen saw something in him that others hadn’t, and Mateo has had the space to thrive in an environment that nurtures him and makes space for his neurodivergence.
Because he’s often the one cracking jokes in the background or making childish, naive comments and observations, it’s easy to forget that he is also trained as a lieutenant.
Mateo’s lack of desire for the position may be one reason he is the best person for it.
Mateo can rise to the occasion when it calls for it, and that’s when you get Mateo at his absolute best.
The hour highlights that well as he makes the sensible call to go in after that father and challenge Owen on it with reason.
Mateo also implicitly trusts his team and relies on their areas of expertise to execute what needs to be done.
His compassionate, warm, genial “bedside manner” makes a genuine difference.
Mateo genuinely cares, so purely, without any of the walls or barriers that many understandably put up to protect their own mental health in a job that could bring one down.
Mateo’s Growth is Subtle But Impactful
But that accessibility that he has a person saving someone’s life takes him far, as he gets the affection of those he saves and the respect of those he works alongside.
In many ways, Mateo’s specific brand of compassion and nature embodies the 126 and what it represents.
And maybe that’s because he’s served as some form of house mascot for so long.
There was genuine tension and concern that Mateo may not make it out of this situation alive as he squeezed into a hole and worked to save this endearing father he connected with, and then real relief when he and the father made it out okay.
But the medical crisis that resulted in Mateo having to stick a needle in this man’s heart while buried beneath rubble and train wreckage was the type of high stakes you expect from an opener.
The thing about this being the final season is anything could feasibly happen, so each moment that puts someone in danger actually has the suspense and stakes you’d expect.
Mateo rocked that moment out, and Marjan did as well.
Marjan’s getting blown across the yard after that explosion in the closing moments of 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5 Episode 2 has me eagerly awaiting the closing installment of the train derailment trifecta.
Tommy’s Proposal from Hell
Tommy and Trevor dancing to TikTok routines with their daughters is adorable content that makes you smile.
They’re such a fun duo, and it hadn’t crossed my mind that they weren’t already engaged or on the path toward it.
Tommy’s proposal felt abrupt, but you can’t fault the woman for getting wrapped up in the perfect family moment.
However, their family is so much bigger than we see on the surface, and Trevor made that clear when he accepted her proposal but had the caveat of Tommy having to meet his ex-wife for approval.
Oddly, Trevor’s ex hasn’t met Tommy or her daughters in all this time.
They’ve been together for over a year now, and if this woman is as diligent in ensuring she knows who is in her daughter’s life as Trevor is making it out to seem, it should’ve happened sooner.
Around the time that Tommy and Trevor’s daughter were at odds with one another would’ve been the perfect time.
But this opens the door for some complicated filial storylines, and Tommy handles those best.
Gina Torres is a gem, and her transition from fun mom, to devoted and deeply in love spouse, to a woman eating her feelings (so damn relatable with those doughnuts) added the perfect bit of levity to the hour.
Tommy & Trevor Face Potentially Intriguing Familial Challenges on 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5 Episode 2
Nancy and TK noticed something was wrong with her and attempted to bring it up, which led to amusing moments.
Nancy’s willingness to drag Trevor by hair follicles he doesn’t possess at a moment’s notice over her mentor and friend was also hilarious.
Yes, there’s some understanding as to why Trevor’s ex would want to get a feel for the situation to ensure that her daughter is in safe hands with this new woman in her life and that her ex-husband is choosing wisely.
It may speak to a healthy co-parenting dynamic and perhaps genuine friendship between Trevor and this woman that she may have pure intentions in looking out for him.
Respectfully, Trevor seems a bit naive and could easily be led astray because he seems to see the good and best in everyone he encounters. If he met anyone other than Tommy, that could’ve been a disaster.
But naturally, Tommy is on edge, too, because she doesn’t want to have to audition for the woman Trevor used to love, and she certainly doesn’t want to subject her daughters to scrutiny by this woman.
In her mind, their love is enough, and this woman shouldn’t have any say in whether or not they pursue their lives together.
It’s a complicated and unique situation that’s interesting to explore further.
Tommy’s storyline is always refreshing because she’s this woman of authority who doesn’t always have it figured out and knows how to lean on those close to her, even her subordinates, to garner their respect.
She’s a woman of resilience who shows that one’s life doesn’t stop after a tragedy and that you can find love and happiness again, but that doesn’t stop after a certain age.
Nothing More Poignant than a Lost Cowboy
Of course, Judd would be great at trucking.
He’s Judd, and he’s damn good at many things.
But it’s upsetting that he’s even considering a job in trucking when he can be doing so much more.
Firefighting doesn’t have to be Judd’s only purpose in life, which he probably needs to come to grips with here.
It may be an unpopular opinion, but I like the direction they’re taking.
Owen is standing by his statement that Judd retired and shouldn’t just be able to waltz in and get his job back.
The reasons behind Judd’s retirement don’t matter, as it’s typical that once you move on from a job, that job moves on from you, too.
Whether it’s Marjan, Paul, Mateo, or anyone else pursuing the gig, they deserve the opportunity to step into this position and take the following steps in their careers.
Judd was a firefighter for a long time, and that doesn’t have to go away, but, realistically, he’s considered “too old” for the gig, and they’d prefer to stick someone into the position who still has more years ahead of them.
For Judd, serving the community and making a difference can come in many forms.
It’s why when we mused about potential 9-1-1: Lone Star Spinoffs, our Ryders one consisted of Judd pursuing communal outreach with troubled youth.
It still hurts to see Judd this lost, and he can’t reach Grace these days as she’s off the grid.
Wyatt Juggles Dual Roles, But It Still Pales in Comparasion
Without her, there’s no grounding force for Judd, and he barely knows how to make certain decisions.
But Wyatt steps up here for Judd, providing a support system for his father and someone Judd can bounce off of when Grace is absent.
In that sense, Wyatt’s “replacing” Grace is twofold: He serves as Judd’s emotional support and point dispatcher.
There is absolutely nothing against Jackson Pace, who brings a quiet and easy presence and chemistry to the series.
Wyatt has also matured a great deal and has seemingly mellowed out from some of the angst-ridden teen content he had when we first met him.
But just as anyone filling Judd’s size 13W boots at the 126 is a near-impossible feat, so is anyone stepping into Grace’s shadow in this final season.
To Lone Star’s credit, they keep Grace’s memory alive and well with the constant references and lingering shots on their happy family photos in 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5 Episode 1.
Wyatt is a familiar enough character to the audience.
But Grace’s absence is such a heavy toll on this series, and you particularly feel it regarding Judd’s home life.
Grace’s Absence Remains Difficult to Overcome
It’s still a tough one to overcome, and while I doubt there is anything better the series can do on that front, there’s something “off,” and there’s no getting around that.
But even this situation allows room for Judd to grow because while we all see the love and boundless support between him and Grace, there’s also a healthy dose of codependency.
Judd LIVES for Gracie, quite literally. He’s a man who was willing to die if it meant never having her in his life again.
When one person is so much of another’s livelihood, stability, and more, it can be fascinating to watch them try to navigate a world without them, and that’s where we are with Judd.
It’s no surprise that Jim Parrack rises to the occasion here, as he always does.
Additional Notes:
- Carlos stopping by to deliver doughnuts was the cutest.
- TK has taken a backseat these past couple of episodes, and others may disagree, but for the sake of bringing often neglected characters forward more, I’m content with that.
- My heart swelled over Damon’s exuberance over his brother’s transplant surgery and his zealous attempts to get there. I need that pure-hearted young man to be okay.
- Nancy and Mateo sharing the heroic kiss before he went beneath the rubble was cute, and it’s nice that these two are still together.
- Owen is more subdued, and it looks good on him because it feels like we get directly to the heart of Owen instead of the man who hides behind skin and haircare routines, hookups, and crime-fighting sidequests.
Over to you, Lone Star Fanatics.
Who do you feel should be Lieutenant?
How shocking were those closing moments of the episode?
Let’s discuss everything below in the comments!
Watch 9-1-1: Lone Star Online
