The television series 9-1-1: Lone Star gave fans of the original 9-1-1 series a new team of firefighters, emotional storylines, and daring rescues to enjoy in the Lone Star State of Texas. The series follows father and son Owen and TK Strand as they move from New York to Texas to revive a closed firehouse. The series introduces a diverse cast of characters with unique struggles that they address with their team having their back.

9-1-1: Lone Star feels like the bolder younger sibling to the original 9-1-1. The series is the perfect embodiment of the popular saying, "Everything is bigger in Texas." These 10 episodes of 9-1-1: Lone Star display the best products of the series and prove that the bold risks this series takes are paying off.

10 "Monster Inside" Centers Around Fear That Originates From Within

Season

1

Episode

8

IMDB Rating

8.1/10

"Monsters Inside" centers around rescues that deal with internal struggles that have caused truly dangerous situations, such as mental health-induced rescues and a home infestation of rattlesnakes. The creative license that was taken with this episode's rescue theme allows for a good variety of stories that are still recognizable and tied to the core theme. This includes the personal storylines of the characters, such as Michelle searching for her sister, who is struggling with schizophrenia.

The culmination of this episode sees TK Strand accidentally shot by a child out of fear as they enter the home to help his injured grandfather. This scene at the end of the episode is a culmination of all the internalized fear depicted throughout the episode, becoming external and touching the lives of the main characters terrifyingly. The creative storytelling and powerful rescue scenes make this episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star one for the books.

9 "Texas Proud" Sees The Team Finding Its Footing

TK Strand (Ronen Rubenstein) and Paul Strickland (Brian Michael Smith) carrying equipment in911 Lone Star episode "Texas Proud"

Season

1

Episode

3

IMDB Rating

7.5/10

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"Texas Proud" shows Captain Strand and the members of Firehouse 126 working out the kinks in their new team dynamic. This new dynamic includes understanding the unique aspects of firefighting in Texas, such as grain silo rescues, as very few of the team are Texas natives. The unfamiliar territory and still unfamiliar teammates create tension that culminates in a conflict between new team member TK Strand and veteran Texan firefighter Judd Ryder when TK defies orders to rescue Marjan at a grain silo rescue.

The clash between Judd and TK is sourced from Judd's trauma over the death of his former team, where he was the only survivor. This episode brings up the important subject of mental health. Including this moment highlights how 9-1-1:Lone Star sets itself apart from some other series in the same genre by actually examining the ramifications of all the high-intensity scenes they include instead of simply moving past them when the explosions fizzle out.

8 The Pilot Episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star Sets Itself Apart

Captain Owen Strand (Rob Lowe) and TK Strand (Ronen Rubenstein) on a call in 911 Lone Star "pilot"

Season

1

Episode

1

IMDB Rating

7.3/10

The pilot for 9-1-1: Lone Star displayed to viewers that the series would have all the beloved qualities of 9-1-1 while still having its own identity. The episode centers around rebuilding and having a fresh start. The pilot expands beyond the original characters of 9-1-1 and introduces new faces. After TK Strand almost fatally overdosed, his father and Captain Owen Strand relocated to Texas to reopen a firehouse that was closed after all but one of its firefighters died in an explosion. The pilot episode sees a team forming that consists of a diverse team, each with a unique backstory that promises an interesting storyline to be explored as the series progresses.

The pilot of 9-1-1: Lone Star proves they can provide what was expected of a 9-1-1 spinoff but provide enough new material to be its own show. The first episode of season one is a fantastic start for the series. It's more than just an introduction, but rather a statement of intention for how they will improve on an already successful series.

7 "In The Unlikely Event of an Emergency" is an Emotional Odyssey Mixed With Action

TK Strand (Ronen Rubenstein) and Owen Strand (Rob Lowe) holding hand over a patient in 911 Lone Star episode "In the Unlikely Event of an Emergency"

Season

3

Episode

8

IMDB Rating

8.4/10

"In The Unlikely Event of an Emergency" is a unique episode that blends grief and action. The episode takes place on a plane as TK and his father, Owen, are heading home to New York for his mother's funeral when the plane goes into distress. The episode also incorporates flashbacks that depict TK's struggle with drug addiction and how his mother helped him in recovery as he was preparing to enter rehab. This episode achieves the perfect balance between adrenaline and introspection.

9-1-1: Lone Star does a fantastic job of threading the needle between highly emotional scenes, which both 9-1-1 series are known for, and action scenes without doing a disservice to either. This episode also does a fantastic job of honestly depicting the struggles of addiction that affect millions of people and their families. The emotional sensitivity and intense action are the hallmarks of what make 9-1-1: Lone Star great.

6 "In Sickness and in Health" Celebrates Life and Love

TK Strand (Ronen Rubenstein) and Carlos Reyes (Rafael L. Silva) at their wedding reception in 911 Lone Star In Sickness and In Health

Season

4

Episode

18

IMDB Rating

8.8/10

"In Sickness and In Health" is the iconic wedding episode between Paramedic TK Strand and Officer Carlos Reyes. With this being 9-1-1: Lone Star, nothing goes to plan. This episode is on the heels of the death of Carlos's father, which occurred in the prior episode. The wedding continues after some time, but now there is another layer underneath the story that delivers the message to celebrate life and love while you still can.

"In Sickness and In Health" is the peak of a beautiful love story that has been building since the very first episode. TK and Carlos are a fan-favorite couple who have endured multiple hardships together but always found their way through it together. Despite the wedding episode being entwined with tragedy, it is a beautiful moment that fans were eager to see.

5 "Saving Grace" Combines a Love Story and a Tragic Moment

Season

2

Episode

9

IMDB Rating

8.6/10

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Saving Grace utilizes flashbacks to tell the love story of Firefighter Judd Ryder and his wife, 9-1-1 Operator Grace Ryder, as they fight for their lives after a devastating car accident. The episode runs the gamut of emotions and shows the true devotion one of 9-1-1: Lone Star's best couples have for each other. The episode also goes into Judd's past and how a childhood tragedy made him into the man he is today.

The emotional impact of this episode is undeniable. It is a love story infused with adrenaline and peril in true 9-1-1: Lone Star fashion. With stellar and visceral performances from Jim Parrack (Judd Ryder) and Sierra McClain (Grace Ryder), fans watch the beginning of a beautiful romance and vy for it to continue past the biggest hurdle yet. This episode proves that the fan-favorite characters in the original 9-1-1 series have characters of equal caliber in Texas.

4 "Swipe Left" Sees Marjan and Firehouse 126 on a Dating Journey

Marjan Marwani (Natacha Karam) and Paul Strickland (Brian Michael Smith) in a grocery store in 911 Lone Star episode "Swipe Left"

Season

4

Episode

12

IMDB Rating

7.6/10

"Swipe Left" sees the 9-1-1: Lone Star team take on the world of dating in addition to their rescues. When Marjan decides to get back into the dating world, the team comes to her assistance. This episode gives a unique perspective on how certain members of the Muslim community prefer to date, which includes being chaperoned on dates. The episode continued to highlight the importance of representation, diversity, and exploring different cultures that 9-1-1: Lone Star has championed since its first season.

This episode also shows just how far the team has come in terms of bonding since their inception in Season 1. This aspect of the episode shows that Marjan trusts her team not only enough to share this aspect of her culture with her but have them be a part of it. "Swipe Left" is a brilliant cultural exploration of dating, romance, and self-made family.

3 "Studs" Centers on Unique Masculinity-Themed Rescues and Storylines

Paul Strickland (Brian Michael Smith) in his gear at a scene in 911 Lone Star episode "Studs"

Season

1

Episode

5

IMDB Rating

7.6/10

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"Studs" is a themed episode that features rescues centering around different facets of masculinity, including rescues at a male strip club and a bull semen factory. The rescues earn extra points for comedy elements but still have the intensity needed to make an entertaining episode. The episode even includes a dating element for Paul Strickland that centers around to his experience as a transgender man.

"Studs" is one of the best episodes of the series because of the amount of storylines they are able to cover while maintaining good quality writing. Each moment is crafted perfectly to add other layers to the overall theme of the episode. This episode also continues to expand on developing the LGBTQ+ characters of the 9-1-1 franchise and proves they are one of 9-1-1: Lone Star's biggest assets.

2 "Friends Like These" Sees a Family Bond Begin to Form for the Team

Judd Ryder (Jim Parrack), Marjan Marwani (Natacha Karam), Owen Strand (Rob Lowe), Paul Strickland (Brian Michael Smith), TK Strand (Ronen Rubenstein), and Matteo Chavez (Julian Works) at a scene in 911 Lone Star episode "Friends Like These"

Season

1

Episode

6

IMDB Rating

7.8/10

As indicated by the title, friendship is the overall theme of "Friends Like These." This is especially highlighted in the personal storylines of the episode, but it is not neglected in the rescues. One of the most notable rescues includes a bloody dog leading the team to his trapped owner, who had become impaled by farming equipment.

One of the most profound aspects of the episode is their working together to help Matteo study for his firefighting exam. Matteo struggles with dyslexia, so the team worked together to record audio of them reading the manual aloud for him to study with. They also pop-quizzed him throughout the episode. This wholesome moment highlighted one of the best parts of the series, which is the team dynamic.

1 "Push" Sees the Team Coming Together to Save Their Home