Interview
‘9-1-1: Lone Star’: Ronen Rubinstein Teases ‘Something Really Huge’ for Tarlos
T.K. (Ronen Rubinstein) and Carlos (Rafael Silva) are about to be tested as a married couple on 9-1-1: Lone Star. But they just got past a major obstacle as their first anniversary approached—how Carlos’ obsession with solving his father’s murder has impacted their relationship, which sent them to couples counseling—so we shouldn’t be too worried, right?
“T.K. and Carlos have something really huge in store for them that’s, I think, going to take the relationship to the ultimate next level. And I think you guys will know exactly what that is when it appears,” Rubinstein says as part of TV Insider’s 9-1-1: Lone Star aftershow First Response. (Watch the full video here.)
“We start talking about it in Episode 7,” he continues. “I think that next test is going to be the ultimate tell for who these two are as a married couple. And I don’t think people are going to be disappointed. There’s always more growth for them and always more there challenges. But I kind of truly believe that Tarlos is endgame the way we’ve been saying it for years now. And I don’t think there’s anything that could stop these boys.”
We know that T.K.’s half-brother, Jonah, will be coming in, but Rubinstein remains coy about whether that’s related to the test coming the fan-favorite couple’s way. What he does tease is that T.K.’s stepfather Enzo and half-brother Jonah coming in will “really push us into the end of the season and will really set up the next giant evolution in Tarlos and for T.K.”
Kevin Estrada/FOX
Beyond that, how will the series end in general and for Tarlos? Rubinstein promises “happily ever after,” using words that Silva did at a convention.
9-1-1: Lone Star just had one of Rubinstein’s favorite scenes of the show, especially for Tarlos, the two in couples counseling, reminiscent of Mr. and Mrs. Smith (that was on purpose). It wasn’t just about the effects of Carlos’ investigation on their relationship but T.K.’s concerns about his husband as well.
“We’re talking about a very, very serious subject matter and leave it to Tarlos have these difficult conversations which they’ve been having for five straight seasons. And I think it really shows the evolution of Tarlos’ communication, their evolution as partners, as a married couple,” explains Rubinstein. “I feel like that scene is very telling of two people really caring about each other and doing the work to make sure that their relationship stays healthy and can thrive, can continue to thrive. And I think that’s a perfect scene to showcase how much these two truly love each other and care about each other.”
The episode ends with the couple exchanging anniversary gifts: T.K. got Carlos a guitar so they can take lessons together (as his husband had wanted), and Carlos gave T.K. an empty box for him to put away all his work when he comes home. But does T.K. think that will actually work? He does, says Rubinstein.
“I think that’s also very telling of the two of them. I feel like Carlos is very thoughtful in a different way. I think it’s a beautiful metaphor and sort of very symbolic of what that gift is. And then T.K. physically brings a gift that’s equally as thoughtful, but they’re just very different, and they have different ways of expressing themselves,” the star notes. “And I think they’re both extremely sweet and thoughtful. And yeah, I think T.K. does think that the box is huge. It’s kind of like when they had the conversation about kids with the lizard. He’s like, right now, I’m not ready for kids, but I will give this little lizard creature a try. And it’s Carlos taking these massive steps to make sure that his husband is heard and seen and is happy as well. And yeah, I think he definitely believes that he’ll do what he says.”
How do you think 9-1-1: Lone Star will end for Tarlos? Let us know in the comments section below.
9-1-1: Lone Star, Mondays, 8/7c, Fox
