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Reflections on the Finale of 9-1-1: Lone Star: Rob Lowe Discusses Owen’s Journey
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for the 9-1-1: Lone Star series finale “Homecoming.”]
The finale of 9-1-1: Lone Star sees the character Owen, played by Rob Lowe, returning to New York, allowing him to complete a significant chapter of his life. However, the conclusion also raises questions about his fate, particularly after a dramatic attempt to avert a nuclear reactor meltdown.
The episode sets a high-stakes scenario with a threat of catastrophic failure at a nuclear facility, resulting from an asteroid impact. Owen, despite suffering severe injuries in his effort to contain the disaster, ultimately emerges alive. A subsequent five-month time jump indicates his move to New York, where he takes on a new role as fire chief.
Lowe shares his thoughts on Owen’s arc and his willingness to potentially return to the character in the future. In an exclusive interview, he explains how the creators decided to weave the element of life-and-death uncertainty into Owen’s final moments, emphasizing the realism that first responders face daily.
“This is a nice full circle story for Owen, bringing him back to New York,” Lowe notes, acknowledging the emotional weight of moments that gave viewers pause about Owen’s survival. “It is sad enough to mourn a show going out while it’s still in its prime, without adding to that by mourning beloved characters.”
He elaborates on Owen’s readiness to face danger, highlighting the inherent risks faced by first responders. “These individuals go to work every day, knowing this could be the day they don’t come home,” he said, calling it a profound honor to embody such a character where these life-threatening stakes are part of the everyday experience.
Lowe discusses the finale’s shooting, particularly the scenes where Owen was isolated while handling the reactor crisis. He points out that Owen’s character has consistently been somewhat of a lone wolf—echoing his past as the sole survivor of his firehouse during 9/11 and underscoring his struggles with personal connections.
“It’s an intense job, and it makes it very challenging to maintain personal relationships,” he adds, reflecting on Owen’s repeated failures to establish lasting romantic bonds throughout the series, despite the presence of strong female leads in his life.
Owen’s evolving relationship with T.K., played by Ronen Rubinstein, has been a noteworthy aspect of the series. Lowe mentions that witnessing their dynamic mature into a partnership rather than a traditional father-son relationship has been one of the highlights of his experience. “It mirrors the real-life transition from being an active parent to being a peer,” he explains.
As Owen embarks on his new journey, Lowe hints at the emotional challenges that T.K. and Owen will face due to their deep bond. “Even with T.K. having his own family now, their connection remains incredibly strong,” he observes, indicating that Owen’s departure is both a new beginning for him and a significant change for T.K.
The finale also reinforced the camaraderie between Owen and his colleague Judd, played by Jim Parrack. Lowe appreciates the depth and maturity of their friendship, crediting Parrack’s talent for enhancing their on-screen relationship, which has become an integral theme of the show.
Looking back, Lowe expresses what he will miss most about Lone Star: the impressive scope and ambition of production. “Every day on set felt like filming a movie,” he reminisces, noting the high level of craftsmanship from the cast and crew. He believes that the quality of storytelling and production values will be challenging to replicate in future television offerings.
On the topic of reprising his role as Owen, Lowe remains open but stresses that any potential comeback should strive to honor the show’s legacy and high standards. “I would never rule anything out,” he said, highlighting a hope that the impact of 9-1-1: Lone Star continues to resonate.
Reflecting on keepsakes from the set, Lowe reveals he took his firefighting gear and a meaningful piece of the show’s narrative history—a steel beam from the World Trade Center that served as a symbol of Owen’s past struggles. This tangible memory connects to the character’s journey and the show’s themes of resilience and healing.
Finally, he acknowledges that while the series has ended, there were still untold stories and interactions he would have loved to explore further, particularly a potential crossover with the original 9-1-1 series.
“Five seasons is a rarity in this industry, and I’m incredibly thankful to have been part of something that resonated with so many,” he concludes, expressing his gratitude for both the experience and the audience’s reception.
9-1-1: Lone Star is now streaming on Hulu.
Source
www.tvinsider.com