'9-1-1 Lone Star' Episode 5 prods its characters to ponder over their idea of masculinity
Contains spoilers for '9-1-1 Lone Star' Episode 5 'Studs'
With five episodes in, '9-1-1 Lone Star' has been eager to spark a conversation around socio-political issues. From homosexuality, transphobia to Islamophobia through its previous episodes, up to masculinity in its most recent one, the Fox series has consistently commented on current issues. In Episode 5 titled 'Studs', '9-1-1 Lone Star' takes the concept of masculinity and its rare yet collective application in the everyday life of a man.
Owen Strand (Rob Lowe) has never had a problem getting 'it' up (for all its wokeness, the treatment of this scene is rather rudimentary and outdated). So when he meets Zoe (the drop-dead gorgeous Natalie Zea), immediate sparks lead them to the bedroom. But before things can get hotter, Owen finds himself falling short. Having invested a lot of pride in his skill, Owen is confused, embarrassed and upset. After all, this has never happened before. If this means that his cancer treatment is affecting his libido, he is going to have none of it.
So he visits a doctor to find a solution for the problem. He suggests injecting his penis with a shady medicine with several side effects. With that definitely out of the picture, Owen realizes just the amount of pressure he had put on himself and the lengths that he was ready to go to prove to himself that he still had it.
At first, the title of the episode does not offer a lot. But by the end of the episode, it becomes clear that the show invites its viewers to contemplate over their idea of masculinity. When Owen excuses himself off the pressure he had put on himself over getting 'it' up, he realizes he is better off. At first, Owen was completely against the idea that his masculinity could have evolved — for the better, of course. And by the end of the episode, he knows better.
If this wasn't the most routine manner of tackling the subject, the episode begins with a rally for men's rights gone wrong.
'9-1-1 Lone Star' airs on Mondays at 8/ 7c on Fox.
