9-1-1: Lone Star

1st season – 60% – Whatever Rob Lowe brings to the Austin department is lacking in the chemistry of the whole team. While Owen and his son get majority of the attention, only the unnecessarily drawn-out manhunt storyline of policewoman Michelle can match it, while the supporting characters seem like extras and Marjan, Paul, Mateo, and Carlos got maybe just one significant scene throughout the shorter season. I have no doubt that when the scripts bite into the tension between the individual members, or how such an incredibly diverse group must appear in a Texas metropolis, it could become a worthy partner to the original 9-1-1. But for now, they are just scratching the surface of promising potential. 2nd season – 80% – A huge boost in the form of naturally incorporating current events and the courage to get under the skin of the supporting characters and simply let it work that Rob Lowe is playing himself. From a poor relative of the 9-1-1 brand, it suddenly becomes an equal partner that dares flashforwards, bottle episodes, and other seemingly worn-out concepts, yet still comes up with fresh ideas for them all. 3rd season – 80% – A solo for Captain Strand. There is such a strong emphasis on his character development that I almost understand why viewers who don't consider Rob Lowe a star are complaining about favoritism. But for me, he is the reason why I look forward to every episode, so I welcome his increasing presence on the screen. The new staple has solidified its place and has plenty of potential to surpass the parent brand. 4th season – 85% – And with so many viewers complaining about too much space given to Owen, we have him hooked up to the Secret Service and running a multi-episode storyline featuring everything we can imagine in procedurals. To the world's surprise, it works better than it ever has before, and Rob Lowe also gets to play the widest range of emotions. I don't know how much the forces in the writing team have blended, but given how much more appealing the likes of Carlos or Paul are now, hats off to them. All in all the best season, one that isn't afraid of twists and turns or quieter seasons, and the first year that the Texan bunch has outdone their Californian brethren. (08/07/2020)