The best part of 9-1-1: Lone Star is how much the 126 cares. They always know when one of their own is in trouble and needs help. In “Parental Guidance,” Paul is struggling with his new diagnosis, and he needs a little tough love to get back on his feet. Plus, Mateo finally gets a chance to shine, and we get an update on a case from last week. Let’s review.
Paul’s PTSD
At the beginning of the episode, Paul is still adjusting to his new life after being diagnosed with a heart condition and having a pacemaker put in. Judd notices that something isn’t quite right after visiting him. Judd recognized the signs of PTSD since he suffered from it himself earlier in the series. He enlists Tommy and Owen’s help, and they get Paul back to working out and completing the firefighter test. We’re not going to lie, we were scared for a second after his pacemaker shocked him and he fell over. But not to worry. He got back up and finished the test. Paul is back.
They also help bring Marjan and Paul back together again. It was nice to know that Marjan did keep reaching out to Paul after he treated her so horribly at the hospital. She told Judd she wouldn’t go back to Paul’s until he asked her because the last time she did, she had to break down his door. It’s obvious that his heart attack really scared her. We hate seeing these two fighting, and we’re glad that the two are back to being best friends.
Mateo Steps Up
In the three seasons of the show, Mateo hasn’t had very many stories. We’re glad this changed in “Parental Guidance.” Mateo left the 126 to help Captain Tatum at the 129. He noticed Tatum was forgetting things, and he didn’t want anyone to get hurt. It’s a very good thing Mateo was paying attention because the last call that the 126 and 129 went on could have been tragic.
After the call, Mateo realizes that something is seriously wrong and tells Owen. Owen makes Mateo report Captain Tatum for everyone’s sake. Fortunately, Tatum knows something’s wrong and resigns. This was a sad story, but we hope that Tatum can get some help from a neurologist, and he didn’t blame Mateo. We’re so proud of Mateo for stepping up and showing courage and bravery. And now Mateo’s back at the 126 where he belongs. We also kind of loved Mateo and Owen’s scenes together. We would like more of those.
Nora Returns
If anyone in the world has worse luck driving than Nora, we would love to meet them. If you remember, last week, Norah hit her husband with her care after he surprised her via facetime. Luckily, he’s fine. But when they were leaving the hospital, someone dressed like a knight runs out into traffic, and she hits him. It wasn’t her fault this time: the knight did run right in front of her. But after this, maybe she should take a break from driving.
We couldn’t help but laugh at Nora’s misfortune especially when Grace seemed to recognize her voice. “Have you called here before?” This was nice comic relief in an otherwise sad episode.
Next week, 9-1-1: Lone Star moves times. It will air on Mondays, 9/8c on Fox.