Yahoo Lifestyle 9-1-1: Lone Star EP Breaks Down Carlos’ Discovery in Fall Finale, Teases ‘Series-Altering’ Moment for #Tarlos in 2025
Is there an Edible Arrangement big enough to properly say, “I’m sorry for accusing you of killing my dad”? If so, Carlos owes one to Ranger Campbell after the fall finale of 9-1-1: Lone Star.
To make a long story (very) short, Monday’s episode revealed that Chief Bridges was the real crooked Ranger — but only after Campbell went on the run, Carlos got shot, and Campbell’s wife was hauled downtown on suspicion of conspiracy. (No wonder she shot daggers at Carlos when she saw him at the hospital. She really didn’t know anything!)
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Not only did this provide Carlos some much-needed closure in his father’s death, but he now feels ready to accept the challenges that come with — wait for it — fatherhood, telling T.K. that he’s all-in on legally adopting Jonah.
Elsewhere in the hour, Tommy began her experimental cancer treatment, while Owen turned down an offer to become the Fire Chief of New York City upon discovering that Judd has developed a drinking problem in Grace’s absence.
Below, co-showrunner Rashad Raisani reflects on the events of Monday’s fall finale, then teases what 9-1-1: Lone Star‘s final three episodes have in store for the 126, including a “series-altering” moment for #Tarlos:
TVLINE | I have to say, when I first saw that this episode was titled “Fall From Grace,” I was worried that we’d get a Judd cheating story. I’m relieved that it didn’t go in that direction. Did you ever even consider throwing temptation in his path while she’s away?
There was a natural door open, which was Marlene. When we were cutting Episode 501, when Judd and Marlene move Wyatt and Leanne into their apartment, I realized, “Wow, if you didn’t know the story here, Marlene and Judd look like a couple. They have a natural [chemistry]. I don’t want call it romantic tension, but it’s obviously there. So it’s always been there as a possibility, but I think Grace is too sacred to Judd. That relationship, even without having Sierra McClain on the show, was just such a beating heart of the show that I don’t think I ever really seriously entertained messing with that.
TVLINE | I was surprised to see Owen turn down the NYFD position. With the show ending, this feels like his logical next step.
Well, there are a couple of things that I want to say about that. One of them is a technical thing, which is that we shot a scene that didn’t make it into the Lone Star pilot — as much as it killed my soul — which was Rob Lowe at real 9/11 at the memorial, putting in a note into a wall, making a promise to the people that, that, that he was leaving behind. It always killed me that we weren’t able to use what I thought was incredible, iconic footage, so it’s always been on my mind. We knew that it was time to say goodbye, so we started to wonder what the proper ending would be for Owen, or at least how we’d hint at his proper ending. This seemed like such a wonderful way to at least promise our closure for this character.
TVLINE | Even though he turned it down, is the offer still on the table?
In Owen’s mind, the door is slammed closed, because he needs to be where he’s needed the most. In the beginning of that episode, he’s like, “OK, I’ve got to go back and help the kids of my old team in New York.” But when he sees the clear and present peril that Judd is in, that tells Owen, “No, this is the higher priority.”
TVLINE | I had a feeling the Campbell situation was more complicated than it appeared. Corruption at the top of the Texas Rangers feels like a big deal. Are we going to see the aftermath of this?
Yes and no. It’ll be mentioned, but this is the midseason finale, so when we come back in six weeks, there’s another storyline that pulls the narrative. We also have a time jump, so we skip over the logistics — press conferences and all of that. We only have three episodes left, and we’ve got major ground to cover. It’s an elegant time jump on Judd’s story, then you’ll start to catch up with details about what’s going on with Carlos and T.K., particularly in Episode 11, when we drill down on where these guys are going.
TVLINE | Well, I think I speak for the entire fandom when I say I can’t wait to see T.K. and Carlos as fathers. Is this just a sign-on-the-dotted-line thing, or will there be hurdles to adopting Jonah?
We will do an episode where we deal with some of the unexpected turbulence that comes their way on that front. It leads to an ultimate decision for one of these guys. It’s a series-altering moment.
TVLINE | This felt like that kind of moment for Carlos, and Rafael Silva nailed that scene at the grave.
I’m so proud of Rafael. If you go back and look at Season 1, it wasn’t like he wasn’t already a good actor, but he was just so young and green. To see his progression, to see him now in this finale, he can do danger and action, but he can also be a coolheaded interrogator, then do emotional, then be very poignant and funny — sometimes all in the same scene. I just think he’s going to be a gigantic star. I’m so glad we got him when we did, before we could have never gotten him, because I think he’s destined for great things.
Were you surprised by that Chief Bridges twist? And what are you hoping to see when Lone Star returns for its final three episodes on Jan. 20? Speaking of which, you absolutely must watch this absolutely bonkers new promo:
Grade the fall finale below, then drop a comment with your thoughts.
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