911 LONE STAR REWATCH 2024 ↳ favorite things I noticed or appreciated more upon rewatch

1.01 Pilot

Carlos by himself at the bar in the background while the 126 celebrate. Something about seeing him just sitting alone in the background hearing them celebrating... he has no idea that in a few months, the group behind him is going to be his family and he won't be sitting alone anymore. 😥

Owen's second marriage... we know very little about it except apparently it was a disaster (and his wife had a thing for knives? hmmm). Rarely am I intrigued by any Owen romance storyline on this show but I would like to learn more about this 2nd wife ngl.

Paul's exasperated sigh & eye roll when Mateo asks if they put wood in the skincare product. They're already in big brother/little brother roles and they've only been a team for a little while.

TK in his 252 Firefighter gear... I mean-- c'mon. I might have to make a whole set for this tbh if one doesn't show up on my feed this week lol.

Cowboy Judd. We need judd in his cowboy hat more often. Excited to be on cowboy hat watch 👀

Speaking of Judd... sir... why are you sitting like this? 😂

in response to ur great analyzing of tk in this episode: tbh i feel like i almost understand tk falling in with owen MORE if he was primarily taken care of by his mom. because let's face it, owen seems like the guy who doesn't want to be the bad guy and wants to be liked, and probably left gwyn to do the dirty side of parenting. so you have lil baby tk who has a FIREFIGHTER DAD, a dream for most young boys, and when he is present and there, is probably 'the fun parent' and i think it created a situation where at least in his youth tk definitely idolized owen. i think that's also shown in the season 1 finale when he's questioning why he became a firefighter and he realized it's because of owen. anyways just here to say that your blurb questioning why tk reacted that way gave so much nuance to the show where it's lacking and tbh makes me think you understand the characters way more than the writers and they should hire you okay thanks bye

@maurawrites​ (tagging you since you didn’t mean to send this on anon!)

There's a lot here lol. This is going to be long. Discussion stems from this post about 02 x 12.

First thing's first, I think if we are to understand TK and his character, we have to first understand who Owen Strand is and what kind of parent he is.

To begin: Owen Strand is a very selfish parent. This is not hate, just simple analysis. His whole life is focused on himself, his job, and his comfort. He loves his kid and would take a bullet for TK any day, but TK is not a priority to him. We see repeated examples of this in canon.

You said "Owen seems like the kind of guy who doesn't want to be the bad guy;" this is true. Owen cares what people think of him. He is brilliant, charismatic, charming, and always has to be the best and the smartest in the room, and he uses every one of his "favorable" qualities to his advantage. I love Paul/Marj/Mateo (obviously), and maybe this isn't entirely fair to say since it was the 911LS writers' decisions to go this route in an effort to make Rob Lowe's character look spectacular, but when I consider Owen Strand and the kind of person he is, it seems to me like he hired those three to make a statement (“I’m inclusive, these people are welcome here because I see their worth.”) Not necessarily tokenizing them, but, in a way, putting himself above all the backwater ideas one would expect of Texans. He hired Judd for the same reason, though it took a little more convincing. (”I have empathy for your plight. I am reaching out a hand to show you I am good and I am not your enemy”). That's not to say he's wrong, exactly, only to say that Owen is always consciously aware of who and what he's dealing with, and how to come out looking the best in any given situation. Simply: Owen's actions are statements to other people, and while not exactly a manipulation, it's definitely calculated.

So, of course he'd use that calculation with his son. Of course, given the fact that he was hardly around, Owen would want his son to adore him. Of course, he’d let the brunt of parental responsibility fall on his wife, regardless of the strain it must have put on their marriage with her always being the bad guy. TK definitely idolized Owen, but not because his dad was a firefighter, it goes deeper than that. He idolized his dad because those were the kind of feelings Owen cultivated. Note, I'm not saying Owen did this maliciously, by the way, I'm saying that this is simply the way Owen interacts with people. He preens under attention, even and especially from his son, and he knows how to get that attention. This worked for years, but as TK grew up and his maturity deepened, his perception of his dad would have changed. Owen's absences probably felt more pronounced, became more difficult to deal with, and it’s at this point that TK's worship of his dad morphs from blind adoration to "my dad is a firefighter,  his job has his attention, therefore I want to be a firefighter because I want my dad's attention." I'm willing to bet that a lot, if not most of their conversations when he was a boy, were about firefighting. Not even really because TK cared about firefighting to the extent that his dad did (though he would come to love/appreciate it), but because it was common ground and a tool he could use to get closer to his dad. TK questioning his desire to be a firefighter and his subsequent transition from firefighter to paramedic is one of the first major life choices we ever see TK ever make. Even his sobriety was on Owen's conditions (though I believe TK would have gone back to being sober in his own time).

All of this to say that TK's actions in 02 x 12 can be interpreted in multiple ways and neither of them are wrong. Human beings are deeply complex creatures with deeply complex thoughts and motivations. I agree with this post that it's possible (and likely) TK was trying to incite a physical reaction from Carlos when he shoved him (as seen in the barfight scene, which I rewatched last night and whoo boy, that’s a meta for another day), but I also think it's possible that having to defend Owen against his boyfriend (a person who is supposed to love and trust him, and have his back) also triggered old feelings of childlike worship.

And while we're on the topic of TK's childhood and his relationship with his parents, I'd love to sink my teeth into TK's relationship with his mom real quick because I think, in some ways, TK believes he is the only one capable of truly evaluating and criticizing his dad (failed intervention notwithstanding). This goes back to the "us vs. them" mentality I made reference to in my original post. No one knows his dad better than he does, therefore no one is allowed to judge him so harshly (which he perceived Carlos as doing in 02 x 12). Considering that POV and the fact that TK’s relationship with his dad was built on common interest rather than natural father/son connectedness and cultivated in such a way that Owen shaped his affections, I think TK's relationship with his mom was rather strained. He probably sided with his dad in most arguments, didn't listen to his mom when she gave him a command/looked to his dad to see if he *really* had to do follow through, and things like that. Again, Owen did not cause this strain out of inherent or intentional malice, but it was an unintentional side effect of his actions. Side note: I imagine that was a very lonely household for Gwyn. But anyway, getting back to the topic at hand, I think as TK became older and started to see his dad for the complicated person he is, though unable to fully relinquish that childlike hero-worship (especially since at this point, the dynamic has already been established), he did allow himself to recognize his dad is kind of an asshole in some ways (which is why TK is even able to challenge him now). His mom, at one point on the outside of that “us vs them” dynamic, now rests somewhere in the middle as TK now fully understands that the issues in their relationship are not solely her fault. We see (minor) evidence of this in 02 x 07/08 (idk which) where he asks his mom if Owen said anything nasty to her upon learning that the baby wasn't his, I believe it was, with a tone full of disapproval. He’d still probably take his dad’s side more often than not, but he’d definitely approach the situation with a lot more nuance than he would have as a child.

Geeze, this was long. I wonder if I can get graded on this.

#i will never ever be over the look on his face here!#he's looking around and realizing that he really gets to have this#this beautiful life he's created for himself!#he thought he blew it up but instead it was right there waiting for him 😭#911 lone star rewatch 2024

And the fact that he's already in it Anne! 🥺 Carlos brought all of his things and put them in the loft so it looks like it's always been TK's too, like he's always been living here. The loft was always both of theirs and TK is now finally home 🥺

[tags from @thisbuildinghasfeelings on this post]

So I think you meant to send this to @thisbuildinghasfeelings but I'm gonna answer it anyway because it needs to be seen!! sljdbn'knd's'd;v this is wild and both of y'all should not be allowed to make me even more emotional about Carlos bringing TK home like this than I already was.

can we talk about Carlos as he's watching TK take it all in??

that is the face of a man who is so happy to have his soulmate finally come home.

911 LONE STAR REWATCH 2024 ↳ favorite things I noticed or appreciated more upon rewatch

1.05 Studs

TK checking out the dancer in the background will always be hilarious.

The look on Josie's face when she sees Paul for the first time... same, girl, same.

Speaking of Josie, since I'm apparently on fashion watch... this outfit? stellar. also she brought her own bowling ball & bag. should've known right then and there that they weren't compatible.

The looks shared between TK & Owen during his chemo were top tier. I really loved their bond in s1 and the way they can communicate with looks like this.

Grace's entire storyline in this episode is frankly offensive and gross and we're going to pretend that what actually happened is she sat down with Tommy after getting horrible advice from her other "friend" and it never happened. But what we can appreciate... is this dress. My god! Judd is a lucky man.

Mateo & TK teasing Paul is everything to me. Gives me all of the firefam brother feels!!

Do you ever think about how that must have been such a healing moment for Carlos. According to TK in his dream state Carlos brought him back to the loft as a surprise when he bought it for them. So Carlos probably did a similar thing in leading him in with his hands covering his eyes. And he would have been so excited— then the blowup. And now he gets to do it again, knowing that this time TK is on board and just as excited as he is ❤️

[reference to this post]

you're so right. that moment feels like such a healing moment for them both - personally and as a couple.

carlos being able to feel confident in surprising tk like this, moving in his things without telling him, because he knows that tk loves him and wants this place to be their home.

tk giggling and smiling, knowing that even though he was scared before and thought he ruined things, he didn't actually blow up everything good in his life. he still deserves the love and care that carlos put into making that place theirs.

the full circle of it all going from an unwanted surprise turned sour to the two of them giggling cause they know exactly what is through that door and they've chosen it together this time.

I feel attacked emotionally by this today.

It's going to be Tarlos's first wedding anniversary next month! How do you think they'll celebrate?

I'm gonna get my minor negativity out of the way first and say that it will forever be upsetting to me that Carlos & TK's anniversary is always mere days after the anniversary of Gabriel's murder now. I wish they hadn't done that to them. They could've done a time jump of some kind or not done that story at all thx.

#GabrielFakedHisDeathStorylineforSeason5(or6) <- c'mon writers. come through for me. 🤞🤞

Now, all that depressing bit aside... I think TK & Carlos spend their morning slowly waking up in each other's arms, savoring a quiet start to their day. They go out to their favorite local coffee shop for breakfast and take a stroll through town or a nice local park just holding hands and enjoying each other's company. I think Carlos had made grand plans to go out to a chic new restaurant in town earlier in the week, but TK derails those plans by surprising him with a dinner they make together in their home. They eat their homemade meal by candlelight... and then have lots of absolutely filthy anniversary sex. The End.

Also because I never pass up an opportunity to rec some amazing 911LS fic... a couple anniversary themed tarlos recs: the series Happy Together by @sloganeeer is so lovely! it's their first 4 month anniversaries. and at every table, i'll save you a seat by @catanisspicy is another month anniversary fic that was wonderful! 💜

After that preview clip, I'm definitely thinking the wardrobe choices for Carlos this season have specifically been to make him look even more like Gabriel. a subtle little nod of what was to come for him.

In previous seasons, Carlos was usually wearing polos, t-shirts, and sweaters. All of a sudden this season he's wearing outfits like this:

Meanwhile this is what Gabriel wears in his appearances when not in uniform (he's in uniform in the last one but I wanted to have 4 gifs lmao):

Mmmhmm. I see you, wardrobe department. I see you.

Were you ever able to make out what the whiteboard on the fridge says???

Alsoooo is that a pic of him, Marj & TK in turnouts on the fridge? 👀 (yes. it is bc they’re best friends)

This is what the whiteboard says:

ID: SW5938 PW: (too many numbers but this is probs fake wifi info)

*MONDAYS - TRASH DAY

*CANCEL DENTIST APPT

*SEND JULIA FLOWERS

*TRAINING 5 - 8 PM FRI + SUN

eggs, cheese oat milk, (two other grocery items i can't read)

and then the bottom corner someone has written "___ was here" it looks like Mateo to me but can't be certain.

That is definitely a picture of Paul with Marj and someone else. it could be TK or it could be Mateo - can't quite make it out tbh. It's adorable either way though.

NICE ASS(K) WEEK IS UPON US!!!! 🎉

Okay, it’s Paul’s birthday and TK calls you in a sweat asking for help planning the party. What’s the set up? What’s the vibe? Also what present do you get him?

We’re going Chicago themed, baby. If Paul can’t go to Chicago for his birthday, we’re bringing Chicago to Paul. I’m talking deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs. We’re making a giant replica shiny silver bean to put smack in the middle of his apartment. We’re playing reruns of classic Chicago Bulls basketball games on TV. Everyone has to come dressed as a famous person born in Chicago.

The vibe is immaculate, obviously.

and because he deserves it, I'm spoiling him. I'm gonna get Paul some nice new earrings to wear:

and then some nice sweater/shirts (in one of my fave colors for paul):

and finally and most obviously... books!!

There's Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib: "Poet and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib grew up in Columbus, Ohio, during the 1990s. He watches basketball stars like LeBron James rise from places he could recognize. In There’s Always This Year, he discusses ideas around who we think deserves success and what society decides is exceptional."

Water I Won't Touch by Kayleb Rae Candrilli : "In these gorgeous poems, Candrilli writes about queer love, partnership, family, grief, trans identity, addiction, and bodies."

do you ever just randomly remember that TK never made it to his mom's funeral and get irrationally upset on his behalf even though he's a fictional character

I personally like the idea kind of what you said that TK can cook just doesn't enjoy it, when he had too cook so often on his own because his parents were always out I guess it would add stress or take away the joy of it but he loves baking

[referencing my tags on this post]

TK associating cooking dinner with lonely nights at home fending for himself while his parents are busy working, but associating baking with special one-on-one time spent with Gwyn.

stop. it hurts me.

The 126 and Carlos coming up with a code word which basically summarises:

- TK has found an animal

- TK has grown attached to said animal

- TK's stupid heart has not communicated with his brain the full repercussions and/or consequences of said animal

- under no circumstances is that animal to be allowed in the loft without a full detailed and easily arguable conversation to prevent any unacceptable pets again (looking at you Lou)

Carlos printed this exact list out and posted it in the kitchen of the 126 Firehouse like Martin Luther nailing his 95 theses on the church door.

Honestly kinda heart broken about Gabriel ruining my ~comes from money/rich!Carlos head canon with that line about the Camaro… mainly cause now I just have to accept that he flies first class even though he’s not rich and that just doesn’t compute with me tbh. Also his purchasing of the loft without consulting TK makes slightly less sense to me than it did when I could imagine he just didn’t know what it was like to not have money to throw at things.

I always imagined Carlos to be a guy who loves to spend his money on others, hence the fancy dinner for TK at the first sign that he might be interested in him. But he had been alone for so long with no one to spend it on, so it went into savings.

[in reference to this post]

But he had been alone for so long with no one to spend it on

No, but this ^^ hurts me. Why are you hurting me like this? c'mon now I'm just trying to have a good time over here 🤣

No, for real though, I can see this being accurate to Carlos for sure. Spoiling the people in his life with little gifts here and there or extravagant things for special occasions.

But I do also see him as someone who does just... enjoy nice things? The loft is beautifully decorated and has a lot of things that are just purely aesthetic around. While that is a shared living space with TK, the condo before he and TK were a thing was the same. It had art all over the walls (some of which had some religious imagery in it as well so could be more personal to Carlos), things like those masks (which we also see similar ones in the loft later), plus a couch that looks like it was purchased way more for the aesthetics than it was for comfort 🤣 Also his interest in interior design in general - watching Grand Designs and recognizing a new subway tile backsplash.

and then obviously the ridiculously expensive and flashy car. there's a previous post somewhere on my blog about it, that I'm too lazy to look up, but I did spend an evening doing a little research on the car out of curiosity and I'm about 95% sure that it's a 2019 Chevy Camaro 2SS:

(which has a starting price new around 47K for the record - which was 100% where my initial rich!Carlos head canon started because… woo boy I could never my friend. only in my wildly expensive dreams.)

I've seen some really fascinating, sentimental takes on why purchasing the camaro could have meant so much to Carlos (I wish I could remember anything about who posted them or specifically what they said but I don't), and I think those are lovely... but I also thing there's nothing wrong with a guy just wanting to have.. nice stuff. or a combination of all of those things being true.

TK and Judd after the house fire, that little head flop onto shoulder-cuddle-back rub kills me 🥺🥺

[referencing the last gif in this set]

It’s just so soft. TK’s head fits so perfectly onto Judd’s massive shoulder. and Judd rubbing his back is so sweet and caring. I wanna scream.

for me the main difference with TK is attitude

he had such a guard up in S1, partly from the shit with Alex, and the fallout of that, and partly from being uprooted from what he knew, and having to prove himself (at least in his head) to a whole new group of people who were mismatched/hodge-podged and then he found his family and he could be TK

soft, sweet, caring, dumb, stupidly big heart TK

Yes, yes... so much this.

Season one TK had so much bravado and almost arrogance about him and while that definitely was hot in certain scenes... the best part of his character progression was seeing how much of that was just a false front he put out as a means of protecting his giant heart from getting hurt again.