As a fan of “9-1-1: Lone Star,” I must say that the upcoming fifth season seems to be a poignant and fitting conclusion to this remarkable series. Rob’s sentiment about making mini-movies every week resonates with me, as the show has consistently delivered gripping, emotional storylines that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
SPOILER ALERT: This post contains spoilers for Season 2 of “Unstable,” now streaming on Netflix.
In the second season of their Netflix comedy “Unstable,” Rob Lowe and his son John Owen Lowe decided to further explore the show’s self-referential aspect by having roles that closely mirror their real-life dynamic. Specifically, Rob plays an eccentric biotech entrepreneur named Ellis Dragon, while John Owen stars as Ellis’ anxious son, Jackson. This approach allowed them to delve deeper into aspects of their relationship on and off the screen.
“John Owen shared with EbMaster that by working together on a TV show, Rob and I discovered some hidden aspects of our friendship. So, we thought it would be beneficial if Ellis and Jackson, too, had to act out roles in order to resolve their personal issues. It’s like a subtle nod to the dynamic we’re portraying on the show regarding our father-son relationship.”
In Episode 7, named “Ron Tabasco,” Ellis and Jackson find themselves at a local property expo, where they disguise themselves and ultimately uncover the source of their friction in their otherwise tense relationship.
In my perspective, the idea that these individuals were pretending to be other people to express their genuine feelings towards each other was an insightful concept. I was thrilled when they presented it to me, and that’s why I decided to join the cast. After all, the chance to portray two characters, specifically Ellis Dragon as a fictional realtor named Ron Tabasco, is precisely what drew me to this production.
“Rob mentioned that among his favorites to film throughout the entire season was the part where a physical fight could occur, finding it hilarious because of its absurdity. This scene perfectly encapsulated the comedy of the show that he adores, striking an oddly fitting balance between reality and exaggeration, with a strong emphasis on the absurd.”
In a comprehensive chat, the Lowes, who are both executive producers of the series, discuss how their real-life bond has influenced the scripting and performances in “Unstable.” They also share their thoughts on the ongoing debate about nepotism in the industry. Rob Lowe additionally pays homage to his Fox drama, “9-1-1: Lone Star,” expressing his belief that it will conclude with its fifth season, although neither the network nor the studio have confirmed its cancellation yet.
How did you and the rest of the creative team want “Unstable” to evolve between Seasons 1 and 2?
John Owen Lowe: Comedies typically establish their foundation in the initial season, then analyze what resonated humorously, what connected, and what elements to expand upon. I’m particularly pleased with our second season because I believe we honed in on the humor even more.
As someone who has been deeply involved in the production of a TV show for several seasons now, I can confidently say that our second season has taken a more challenging yet rewarding turn when it comes to comedy and storytelling. We’ve expanded the world we’ve created, introducing delightful characters such as LaMorne Morris as Peter and Iris [Apatow] as Georgia – both serving as potential foils and love interests for our main characters. Moreover, we delved even further into the intricate dynamics between Rob and my on-screen personas, exploring the meta aspects that make our relationship on the show all the more compelling. Overall, it’s been an exciting journey so far, pushing us to grow both as creators and storytellers, and I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds in future seasons!
Rob Lowe: Indeed, the father-son relationship has always been the heart of the series, serving as our primary focus. This season, we’ve explored various plotlines through the lens of how they impact this dynamic. Our goal was to find the most challenging and humorous situations within it.
In our script-writing sessions for the second season, many mornings were filled with us brainstorming and dissecting various emotional or humorous aspects of Rob and my relationship. This was to help us gather information about what Jackson and Ellis might encounter in Season 2.
Does this current season highlight any particular aspects of your real-world relationships that were less noticeable before?
There’s a tremendous amount to deal with, leading us to repeat old behaviors which can be quite frustrating. I delved into my father’s dominating approach towards my romantic relationships and personal life. Additionally, we often express our masculinity and competitive spirit through sports, particularly tennis, and this competition surfaces in those activities.
Experiencing my brother’s departure and later our own moves marked significant changes in our lives. I recall vividly how these events transformed our parents into empty nesters, a transformation that carried great impact. In the second season of the series, Jackson is portrayed as moving out, and we delve into Ellis’s struggles with this transition, particularly concerning the breaking of personal boundaries. This seems to be a recurring theme in the narrative.
As a seasoned parent myself, I can wholeheartedly attest to the fact that navigating the ever-shifting currents of our children’s lives is no easy feat. Yet, it’s crucial not to abandon ship in the midst of these turbulent waters. Instead, we must continue to offer guidance and wisdom to those who seek it, even if they choose to learn some lessons the hard way – a predicament that I, as well as countless other parents, have faced. It’s this universal struggle that makes the show so relatable and enjoyable.
John Owen: That’s the nice way of putting it.
At the close of the second season, Ellis reveals he’s leaving his biotech firm Dragon to pursue the presidency of the United States. What led you to choose this unexpected twist as the season finale, and what discussions have taken place among the creative team regarding potential storylines for a hypothetical third season?
Rob: Previously, our show “The West Wing” often had moments where Aaron Sorkin would pen something, we’d film it, edit it, and then air it weeks or months later – all while the events depicted were unfolding in real life. This time around, as we delve into Ellis’ presidential campaign, we didn’t anticipate how relevant it would become at a time when everyone is guessing who’s running, what they’re doing, and what’s going on overall. It’s a chaotic situation, making this an exciting opportunity to explore the storyline further.
I’m eagerly anticipating watching Ellis navigate his way through his campaign, and I have no doubt he’ll shine in an unique, brilliant manner. It would be fascinating if Fred Armisen (Ellis’ live-in therapist, Leslie) were to run a campaign himself. Perhaps Jackson could embody the role of Bobby Kennedy, while Ellis takes on Jack Kennedy. We’re all thrilled about Jackson becoming the first son.
John Owen: Yeah, “the First Boy,” actually, was the terminology.
Rob: The First Boy!
From My Perspective: As I ponder over the possibilities of a third season, my thoughts quickly turned towards Ellis’s approach to his debates. Instead of seeing the substance of the argument as crucial, he seems more interested in engaging in a “First Boy” debate with his opponent’s child. This ego-driven focus leads him to invest heavily in preparing Jackson for this potential encounter, feeling it necessary to take an active role.
Hey there, I’ve got an intriguing thought to share! While it might sound a bit unconventional, I genuinely believe that we could gain valuable insights into our political candidates by organizing a debate among their children instead. And just so you know, I’m dead serious about this idea!
One primary reason people are excited about Ellis running for president is our hope that it will provide a platform for Ellis to further intertwine himself with Jackson’s life. This political journey could be the ultimate opportunity, as once you enter politics at such a high level, personal matters often become public knowledge. It’s during this time that Ellis might finally feel validated and justified in his desire to play a significant role in Jackson’s life.
In the final scene, Ellis says to Jackson, “I shouldn’t interfere with who you choose to date, but I do need to have a say in your mate selection, as I am particular about bloodlines. How much do you involve yourself in John Owen’s personal matters?” Rob, what is your level of involvement in John Owen’s private life?
Rob: Indeed, the situation has become more critical. Unlike John Owen who didn’t consider marriage until he was older, we need to be extra careful with our selection process. Therefore, I insist on a thorough background check for everyone involved.
John Owen: By “meta,” I’m referring to the situation I’m in right now. I’m essentially enacting this concept in Season 2 of my life, as I navigate it alongside my father constantly. I’m making an effort to establish and maintain healthy boundaries, but there are times when these boundaries can be challenged. For instance, if I’m having lunch with a romantic interest, my dad might unexpectedly drop by for a chat that could last up to an hour. This kind of situation, while not always planned, has occurred on occasion.
Rob: If I ask, “Hey, how’s New York been for you? What did you do last night?” and the response is, “Oh, I just had dinner, nothing.” I find myself wondering, “And that’s it? You had dinner with no other activities?”
Negative, negative, negative! He’s trying to get juicy details about my personal life through this interview, but I won’t let him succeed.
Rob: I’m figuring things out as I go along. This is a whole new experience for me. My children are almost thirty. I can sense what comes next, even if they can’t. And by all means, I’ll figure it out, one way or another, no matter the effort required.
John Owen: That’s a terrifying quote.
In one part of the second season, Jackson expresses, “I’ll never truly be independent. Even if I were to win the Nobel Prize thirty years from now, someone in the crowd might say, ‘That man benefited from his father.'” John Owen, it seems that this sentiment may resonate with experiences you’ve had in your own life. Could you share how your perception of the public image of your father has evolved over time? Given that you have profited from his achievements, how have you navigated the constant presence of his influence on both your personal and professional journeys?
John Owen: You asked an excellent question, bringing attention to a significant scene. I recall the instant in our writers’ room when we came up with that, and it was truly impactful – I enjoyed portraying that moment. It resonated as authentic, because it rings true. Moreover, my personal connection to it has shifted over time, but I can relate to that feeling.
As someone who has spent years working in the entertainment industry, I can certainly empathize with the sentiments expressed in this passage. It’s not uncommon to face skepticism and criticism when one’s success is linked to family ties or connections. However, I believe that it’s essential to focus on the work itself rather than the circumstances surrounding it.
What I’ve come to appreciate and always remember is that my strong work ethic is the key to staying relevant and finding long-term success in this field. By being thankful for what I’ve been given and continuously striving to improve, I can maintain a balance of gratitude and ambition.
The response you provided is quite well-balanced. Many individuals often referred to as “nepotism cases” may not openly admit that they started with an advantage in the entertainment world, since they feel confessing to this privilege could diminish the recognition of their skills and efforts.
In my case, I discovered that the only way to deal with this matter was to tackle it directly. Pretending it wasn’t there didn’t feel right for me. It’s a very genuine issue, and I prefer not to comment on how others handle it because everyone has their unique approach. Everyone should have their own space when it comes to dealing with such matters. However, in my situation, if I were to say that I don’t wish to discuss this or claim that it’s complicated my career, those statements would not reflect the truth. They are not accurate based on my personal experience, and I believe in being honest.
I hope that all people are looking for in that regard is self-awareness, because humility and gratitude seem to be the resolution for the emotional conflict I feel around that — because there is some and there always will be. And I chose to write a show about it, and do a show with my dad. I made that bed, and I got to sleep in it.
Rob, what’s your take on this “nepo baby” conversation?
As a seasoned actor and producer with a rich history of success, I’ve had the unique opportunity to witness and be a part of the birth of two significant cultural phenomena: the “Brat Pack” and the more recent “nepo baby.” Having been there for both, I can attest to their impact on popular culture. However, I must admit that my connection to these terms is not as intense as some might think.
Regarding the Brat Pack, Rob, you recently met up with Andrew McCarthy after 25 years, discussing your time together as part of that iconic group. Watching how he portrayed and revisited some of those shared experiences in his documentary “Brats”, what were your thoughts? How do you look back on that phase of your life today?
Rob: I regard it with almost unbridled affection, and it seems rather charming. It’s a unique phase in history, a personal chapter in my life, a distinctive era for cinema when certain films were being produced and appreciated. I’m incredibly thankful to have been involved, and equally grateful that there’s still curiosity surrounding it, which is prompting people to revisit those movies, ones that I enjoyed working on immensely.
What is it like for you to revisit those films now?
I can speak on his behalf: He adores it. He enjoys seeing himself. Age doesn’t matter to him in this production. He recognizes no one but Rob Lowe. His passion lies in it.
How’s that? Did I do a good job?
Rob: I would say there are elements that are accurate.
Hi Rob, you’ve just finished working on the fifth season of “9-1-1: Lone Star,” which could be its last. The upcoming episodes will begin with a three-part story about a train derailment. What other developments can we anticipate in this new season?
Rob: Given that we knew this would be our final season, it influenced everything we produced. Our aim was to demonstrate what network television can still achieve if there’s enough enthusiasm for it. It seems like the conclusion of a specific era of programming, though it doesn’t feel like it. Instead, it is the end of an era of shows that we had the chance to produce, and I believe they were exceptional. We aimed to leave with the argument that such shows are valuable, and I think we accomplished this effectively. The tales we could tell on a weekly basis in terms of their magnitude and grandeur – that’s what I’m most proud of. They were essentially mini-movies every week.
One frequent comment about the series “Lone Star” since its debut in 2020 is that it has often sidelined minority characters to focus on your character, Owen. As executive producer Rob and writer John Owen for the first three seasons, how would you address this criticism? Was this a point of consideration during scriptwriting or production of the show?
John Owen: [Deadpans] I can tell you confidently, it was never a concern of Rob’s.
However, I must clarify that while everyone may have their opinions on what it feels like behind the scenes creatively, these perspectives often deviate significantly from reality. In this specific instance, they are completely off the mark. You see, I was present during our brainstorming sessions for Season 1, a time when I was still very new to writing. Despite my inexperience, I had the privilege of learning from some exceptional individuals. The process was an incredibly enjoyable one for me. Owen was undeniably the core element of the series. He served as one of our primary vessels for crafting stories about the other characters and developing them into beloved figures that viewers might have grown impatient with when they didn’t receive enough screen time.
Reflecting on my initial script I penned, I was thrilled to introduce the first narrative focusing on Mateo, portrayed wonderfully by Julian Works. His dynamic with Marjan (played by Natacha Karam) unfolded in a captivating way as she guided him through his studies. This, I believe, was one of the instances that showcased Julian’s exceptional acting skills. As we were pleased with the outcome, we decided to further engage with him. From our team’s perspective, we were discovering and then building upon each actor’s strengths. It is common for shows with a robust ensemble cast to face frustrations when viewers yearn to see more of their favorite characters – I believe this is a positive sign. Leaving audiences eager for more is always desirable.
Rob: When creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear approached me, they were crystal clear about their vision for the show. They envisioned a series centered around a survivor of a devastating 9/11 event, who was also rebuilding a firehouse, and simultaneously mending his family relationships. I believe they did an excellent job in balancing these aspects throughout the storyline.
As a follower, I can’t help but feel that our show stood out in the television landscape with its remarkably diverse cast, portraying a wide array of stories. Owen was instrumental in bringing these narratives to life, and I take immense pride in our ability to achieve this diversity.
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of sitting down for an interview that’s been carefully edited and compacted for your convenience. If you haven’t already, dive into the captivating first two seasons of “Unstable”, now available to stream on Netflix. Mark your calendars, fellow viewers, as “9-1-1: Lone Star” is set to premiere on September 23rd, only on Fox!
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2024-08-02 02:19