‘9-1-1: Lone Star’ Showrunner on Tommy’s Fate, Asteroid’s Impact, Tarlos Adoption and How ‘9-1-1’ Could Possibly Top Spinoff’s Upcoming Finale

WARNING: This discussion may reveal plot points from the episode “Impact” of the TV show “9-1-1: Lone Star” on Fox, which aired on Monday.

This conversation might disclose information about the storyline in the episode “Impact” from Monday’s broadcast of the TV series “9-1-1: Lone Star” on Fox.

As “9-1-1: Lone Star” from Fox nears its penultimate episode on Monday, the characters of the 126 team prepare for the impending collision of an asteroid they discovered mere minutes ago. Viewers anxiously anticipate next week’s finale to unveil not only the destiny of our cherished heroes, but also that of Austin itself. If they manage to endure this catastrophic incident, there are still numerous personal issues among them that require resolution.

Am I hearing correctly that Owen (Rob Lowe) might be returning to New York City, leaving the 126 behind? Could TK (Ronen Rubinstein) and Carlos (Rafael Silva) possibly work out a way to adopt Jonah despite initial obstacles? Is there any chance Tommy (Gina Torres) survived her cancer battle and the scene where she was lying on that couch was just a ruse for her escape or recovery? Will Mateo (Julian Works) face deportation, and if so, how can Paul (Brian Michael Smith) assist Jax in navigating this challenge?

Prepared to address all your intriguing queries before the conclusion of “9-1-1: Lone Star” is Rashad Raisani, the showrunner who has collaborated extensively with creators Ryan Murphy, Tim Minear, and Brad Falchuk in wrapping up the spinoff’s five-season run. In an interview with EbMaster, Raisani also discusses his belief that “9-1-1” (currently airing on ABC) may surpass this apocalyptic finale with a crisis that matches or even exceeds the magnitude of the end-of-the-world scenario in “Lone Star.

Where did the idea for this final emergency come from? And it’s teased at the top of the episode the asteroid won’t be the only part of the emergency in the finale, yes?

This episode’s main idea revolves around an asteroid and the additional troubles it brings for our characters – both cast and crew. When our series was unexpectedly terminated, we collectively experienced a sense of an apocalypse. I believe this sentiment was reflected in how we chose to conclude this season, creating a sensation that the world was ending prematurely for everyone involved, including our audience. This premature ending theme is woven throughout these final two episodes, as well as in the actual emergency situations depicted.

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself on a hunt for a crisis that shared a common thread. And just like in some movies where the world is on the brink of an untimely end, I saw two possible scenarios unfold: 1) The collision with an asteroid, symbolizing our own feelings and fears, and 2) the catastrophic event triggered by the impact of the asteroid at the climax, a twist that, while not fully revealed here, could be inferred from the opening scene of this episode.

After this, do you think it’s going to be pretty hard for “9-1-1” to top this series finale when it comes time for that show to end on ABC one day?

It’s amusing since Tim and I are constantly collaborating. As executive producers of both “Lone Star” and “9-1-1”, we always find ourselves pondering how to make each episode stand out, whether it’s “Lone Star” or “9-1-1”. For every episode, we ask ourselves, “What can we do to make this moment exceptional for this specific show?” We never shy away from challenges. One thing we often find ourselves saying is, “Hold on, you can’t do that. We already did something similar in Episode 5 of this show. You can’t use that type of emergency or that viral video, as we’ve already used it.” But our aim is always to deliver the best for both shows, and I’m confident we’ll come up with something great for “9-1-1”.

In this episode, we find out TK and Carlos are not being approved to adopt Jonah strictly because of their high-risk jobs. Does that mean that one of them will quit their chosen careers so they can proceed with adopting him?

In essence, I came across this idea that “There’s no significance without giving something up.” Therefore, when faced with the most impactful choice of their lives, someone will have to take a stand. This crucial decision must be made prior to the apocalypse, regardless of the outcome, as you’ll discover in the final episode. However, I believe we’re on the right track.

At the end of the episode, it’s heavily implied Tommy has died due to the effects of her cancer, and she even sees her late husband Charles welcoming her into the afterlife before she appears to pass away. Can you confirm whether she’s dead going into the finale?

Throughout our travels with Tommy’s cancer journey, along with the actress Gina, we were truly facing a significant challenge. This episode provided a perfect chance for Tommy’s story to complete its circle. Frankly, my decision to conclude the relationship between Trevor and Tommy attracted criticism, but ending it was crucial for us to fully develop her character in this way, by bringing her back to her one true love. Moreover, I’d like to share a personal anecdote: just before my mother passed away, she was in her hospital room. She vividly recalled her parents visiting her that morning, as if it had happened only moments ago. She wasn’t speaking of them as ghosts; rather, she was simply reminiscing about the event. Her recollection brought her comfort, and I believe that moment left a lasting impression on me.

Essentially, Tim Minear suggested bringing Charles back onto the show as soon as possible, an idea that deeply inspired us. We felt this was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the depth of their love and the challenging journey ahead due to her cancer battle, which might demand every ounce of her strength. That’s all I can share about it.

You get into two big character storylines in this penultimate episode: Mateo being deported and Paul mentoring a nonbinary teen who is endangering themselves in stunts to gain acceptance and popularity. Why did you decide to approach these two topics with so little time left in the show?

Previously mentioned, a significant aspect woven into the last couple of episodes revolves around the idea that one’s life can abruptly conclude without warning. For Mateo, he experiences what seems like an existential crisis while shopping for plants with his girlfriend, but this isn’t truly the source of his existential dread; rather, it stems from the precarious nature of his DACA status. An injustice could easily strip him of everything he has. As you watch the finale, I believe you’ll witness Mateo reaching a pivotal point of development for this series by confronting and overcoming this challenge. To wrap up the storyline effectively, we chose to focus on Mateo’s tale in the final episode.

Later, regarding Paul’s narrative in our series, it’s interesting to note that when only four episodes remained, Brian Smith, who portrays Paul, approached me with an idea. He mentioned that in the show’s pilot, Owen uses a specific line to persuade Paul to stay in Austin: “Somewhere out there in Austin, there’s a kid just like you who doesn’t feel accepted for who they are, and maybe one day they’ll see a firefighter like you and believe that they matter.” Brian suggested, “Wouldn’t it be great if we fulfilled that promise before the series ends?” I found this idea very clever, so it was Brian’s suggestion that led to the development of the Jax storyline.

Owen is just about to tell the 126 about his plans to leave and move back to New York to head up the city’s fire departments when the asteroid alert comes in. Should they all make it through this, is Owen going to proceed with his decision to leave Austin?

To start off, it’s crucial to acknowledge that he must first exist in reality. Our intention with this episode was to illustrate the freedom of imagination and thought – “You can conceive whatever notion you wish within your mind.” After contemplation and decision-making, one declares, “I’ll pursue this course,” only for life to present unexpected challenges. Specifically, when your plans are derailed because fortune seems to abandon you. Consequently, the audience will witness Owen encountering such situations. It’s said that if you want to amuse God, share your plans with him – and that’s exactly what happens for Owen.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-01-28 05:18