GayTV Recap: 9-1-1: Lone Star (Episode 3x4)

Episode 4 of the third season of the FOX first responder drama 9-1-1: Lone Star brought the drama's season-opening winter storm arc to an end. The storyline put major focus on the show's gay characters, TK and Carlos, as it was revealed that the two had broken up in the six month gap between Season 3 and 4. TK was then hospitalized after going into cardiac arrest when he jumped into a freezing lake to save a child back in Episode 2. With TK (played by Ronen Rubinstein) left sedated in an attempt to quell his organ failure, Carlos (played by Rafael Silva) found himself a permanent fixture at the hospital, keeping vigil at TK's bedside despite their off-screen break-up. Episode 4 began inside TK's head, as he mentally spent time with his absent mother Gwyneth. They happily chatted about cookies and TK's Jewish heritage. 

When his mother mentioned the cookies had no calories because they weren't really there, TK wondered if he was dead. She told him that he wasn't dead. He asked if she was. Gwyneth told him that she wasn't really there either. TK wondered how he was talking to her. She revealed that she was there because he needed her to tell him something. He wondered what that was. She told him that he needed to stop dying. 

In reality, TK was tended to in his hospital bed by two nurses, who chatted about how hopeless his situation was and how they had never seen a patient last like this more than a few weeks. One of them mentioned that it was a shame that he hadn't been allowed to die from cardiac arrest instead of putting his family and friends through this torture. They turned to leave, seeing Carlos standing in the doorway, having heard them. They quickly apologized and told him the doctor would be there to update him soon. Carlos had no words as they both made a quick exit from the room.

Later, Carlos was sitting outside TK's hospital room alongside TK's friend and paramedic partner Nancy. He asked her if she thought he was a schmuck for being there. Nancy was confused about why he would ever think that. Carlos said he's spending all his time watching over someone who doesn't want him in his life. Nancy disputed that, saying she knows that TK loves Carlos. He wondered how she knows that after she admitted to him that TK hadn't talked about Carlos and shutdown anytime Nancy brought up his name. Nancy said she knew TK couldn't talk about Carlos because it would be too painful, which meant he still had feelings for him. Carlos wondered why TK broke his heart if he still loved him. 

Later, TK's other firehouse friends arrived at the hospital after his father Owen (played by Rob Lowe) had been located after being stuck in the mountains during the snow storm. The stunned Owen got an update from TK's doctor as Carlos stood by. Owen revealed his horror to learn that his son's body was trying to shut down after his heart stopped. This led Owen to face up to his own demons, admitting that he gave up when their firehouse was destroyed. He didn't fight for his team and he was going to fix things, even if he couldn't fix his son. He vowed to go get himself reinstated to show his son that he was still fighting. Owen then locked eyes with the saddened Carlos and walked over to embrace him, as a tear fell from Carlos' eye.

Later, Carlos was again at TK's bedside when the sound of the machines were interrupted by the arrival of Carlos' mother Andrea. Carlos embraced her, sharing his surprise to see her, having warned her not to be out of the house during the continued winter storm. Andrea told him that there was no snow that could keep her from checking on her son while he was hurting. Carlos thanked her, as she gave him a kiss and then looked over at the sedated TK. The mother and son sat down by TK's side, as Carlos updated his mother on TK's condition, which was not looking good. 

Andrea reminded Carlos that TK was a fighter and he had so much to live for, including the love of his life sitting here waiting for him. Carlos somberly revealed to his mother that TK had broken up with him. She was shocked, wondering when this happened. Carlos admitted to her that it had been a few months. Andrea wondered why he hadn't told his parents. Carlos told her that he couldn't bring himself to tell them after how supportive they were of their relationship, only for him to fail at it. Andrea reminded him of how proud she and his father were of the man he was. She said they also loved TK. Andrea then joked that, despite that, she was going to have a stern chat with TK when he wakes up because no one breaks her son's heart. This garnered a smile from Carlos.

Later, TK began to twitch in bed. Andrea wondered if he was waking up but Carlos told her that it was just muscle spasms that he had occasionally which was normal in his condition. Andrea said it almost looked like he was trying to communicate. She wondered if Carlos had talked to TK since he'd been in the hospital. Carlos said he wouldn't know what to say. She encouraged him to tell TK what was in his heart. 

Carlos told his mother that if he spoke what was in his heart, it wouldn't be very nice because he's angry. Andrea said that didn't matter. If it was in his heart then it needed to be said. Carlos said he couldn't do that right now. His mother told him that if the worst happens, it could be his only opportunity to tell TK how he feels. She excused herself, telling him that she was leaving him to talk and she would be right outside. She gave Carlos a kiss on the cheek and then left him alone in the room with TK.

Carlos continued to sit in silence, bringing his eyes over to TK occasionally. He finally spoke to him, telling him that he had been there in the hospital with him, even though he wasn't sure TK wanted that. He joked that TK really couldn't stop him or walk away this time. He then told him that the worst part of this situation was that if this was going to be goodbye, he wouldn't be able to hold TK's hand or run his fingers through his hair, or kiss his head without it feeling like a violation because TK ended things. 

Carlos brought up the saying that you should believe people when they tell you who they are. He said he should have followed that when TK walked out on their first date. Inside TK's mind, his mother wondered what TK could have done to Carlos, given how angry he appeared in front of them. TK scolded her for immediately assuming it was his fault, as he said there was blame on both sides. Gwyneth disputed that, calling it an excuse. She demanded to know what happened, despite TK reminding her that she was a figment of his imagination and already knew. He revealed to her that they had been looking to find a place together after Carlos' house burned down but the loft that TK thought was perfect wasn't going to work, given TK's poor credit so they kept looking until Carlos took him back to that spot, revealing he had bought it for them. 

Gwyneth said it was very romantic that Carlos wanted TK to have his perfect place. TK said that Carlos wanted them to be equal in it and Carlos included his name on the deed and everything. Gwyneth deduced that TK panicked because things were too good. TK said everything was perfect, so he did what he always does. Gwyneth said he blew it all up. TK agreed that he did. TK said he hurt Carlos so bad. Hearing how angry Carlos was, TK wondered if he would ever take him back. Gwyneth yelled at him that the only way to find out was for him to wake up. 

Back in the hospital room, Carlos was caught off-guard when TK began waking up, pulling at his breathing tube while the machines all started to sound alarms. Carlos yelled for help and he was ushered out as the nurses and TK's doctor came into the room. Carlos' mother rushed to his side, as they watched the nurses remove his breathing tube. Carlos watched intently as TK began to calm down inside the room. 

With TK stabilized, his doctor waved Carlos to come back in. TK saw Carlos approach and noticed he was holding his breath. TK called him baby and told him to breathe, as he reached for his hand. Carlos stood in silence with a fist, expressing hesitation. The crying Carlos finally exhaled and took TK's hand. He ran his fingers through his hair and kissed his cheek, as TK pulled him into an embrace in his hospital bed. 

With time passed, TK was released from the hospital and Carlos took him to the loft, with his eyes covered, despite TK reminding him that he'd seen the place before. Carlos said he hadn't seen it finished. TK opened his eyes to find that all of his things were already there. TK said it looked even better than he remembered. He realized that Carlos had already moved him in. Carlos admitted he had and he welcomed TK home. 

TK walked over to Carlos and planted a kiss on him. He said that Carlos really was a control freak. Carlos agreed that he was, but he also said it was okay because he knew TK loved it. TK agreed that he did, as they continued to embrace and kiss, until they fell onto the couch. 

More time passed and it was revealed that the 126 firehouse was rebuilt thanks to generous donations, reuniting the first responders who had been separated by its destruction. Owen addressed the attendees at the official reopening, with the crew at his side, including a uniformed TK. The 126 were applauded by the gathered crowd, including their loved ones. Carlos was among them, as the members of the 126 officially rang the bell and ushered in the first fire truck and ambulance. 

The ceremony was followed by a celebration inside the restored fire house. TK and Carlos were shown inseparable among the attendees. Owen found the two grabbing some refreshments and jokingly asked what they thought of the remodel of the station. TK told his father that it looked exactly the same, which Owen disputed. Carlos then pointed out a backsplash that was definitely different. Owen thanked him, mentioning he had always wanted to get that changed. 

The three men turned towards the truck entrance and TK was shocked to see his mother walking in, with her baby. TK wondered if she was actually there in reality. She apologized for missing the ceremony but she wasn't sure she was going to make it at all. She revealed that Owen thought it would be a nice surprise. She greeted Owen & Carlos before TK grabbed her into a big hug. She warned him not to squish his baby brother. While TK gushed over the baby, Owen joked that he thought it kinda looked like him. Gwyneth called him crazy as he walked away from his ex. 

The episode came to a close with a musical montage, showing the celebration turning into a dance party on the floor while Owen watched everyone from his office on the floor above. TK was shown holding his baby brother, giving him a kiss as he rocked him to the music while the others danced around. Carlos joined him at his side, putting an arm around TK as they both admired the new addition to TK's family.