9-1-1: Lone Star was brutal this week. A tragic accident makes Marjan question everything about herself, Judd takes over as captain, and Owen picks up a new, not-so-healthy hobby while recovering from surgery in 2×11 “Slow Burn.”
At the beginning of “Slow Burn” the 126 responds to a call where a young couple is trapped in a truck. Hanging off a bridge. There’s an audience and a few people recognize Marjan as Firefox. She talks to them briefly before she and Paul rappel down to save the couple. Paul rescues McKenna, but her husband’s legs are pinned. Before Marjan can get him out, the truck breaks away from the bridge and crashes to the ground.
This was one of the worst calls we’ve seen on this show. Watching the truck blow up in flames knowing that Marjan was so close to rescuing this man was heartbreaking. Things get worse when McKenna releases a video of Marjan which accuses her of being more focused on her fans than doing her job. Listen, we understand that this woman was deeply grieving, but this video was completely unfair. Yes, Marjan has a lot of followers as Firefox. But, when she’s on duty, she is completely focused on saving lives. All she wanted was to get McKenna’s husband out of the car.
She spends the rest of “Slow Burn” getting notifications basically telling her how awful she is, and she even has to drop out of the roller derby. However, she goes over to talk to McKenna and ends up saving her life after she attempts suicide. This is who Marjan is: someone cares about others who will do anything to try to help. She didn’t even want video of her saving McKenna even though it would have changed the public’s opinion of Firefox.
This call also shook Judd who had a hard time because they were so close to saving McKenna’s husband. Since he’s the acting captain, he questions his choices and wonders if he could have done anything different. Caring so much and wanting to rescue as many people as he can is what makes Judd a good fireman and a good captain. The 126 is in good hands while Owen is out. And speaking of Owen…
Owen struggles not being able to work. He’s terrible at relaxing. He ends up listening to an app where all the emergency calls come through which weirdly makes him feel better. While getting juice he hears about a fire and runs over to try to help. Later when the investigator interviews Owen, it’s clear he doesn’t believe Owen’s story.
Owen doesn’t do himself any favors when he becomes obsessed with trying to prove arson. Then he get knocked out when he investigates and there’s a fire. Based on the beginning of the episode, it looks like Owen’s going to survive, but he’s now the main suspect in the arson investigation. Owen, you couldn’t just stay home and work the puzzle or read a book, could you?
Other Thoughts:
- We have to give recognition to Paul for being a great friend to Marjan. He listened to her and was just there for her. And he knew she was going to talk to McKenna, and while he didn’t think it was the best idea, he still showed up for support. That’s the type of friend everyone needs.
- We like that the group hangs out at Carlos and TK’s apartment and that Nancy’s included. They looked like they were having fun. Well, until Marjan’s phone notifications ruined the mood. But we love seeing this group interact outside of the firehouse.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of 9-1-1: Lone Star 2×11 “Slow Burn”?
9-1-1: Lone Star airs Mondays at 9/8c on Fox.
