Post may include affiliate links, which may earn us a commission
Well, grab your tissues and get comfy because the tea about 9-1-1: Lone Star‘s final season is piping hot—and it’s all about Tarlos!
Yes, you heard right, folks: season five will be the last time we swoon over our fave couple T.K. Strand (Ronen Rubinstein) and Carlos Reyes (Rafael Silva). I know, I know—devastating!
But don’t worry; the drama, love, and emotional rollercoasters we’ve come to expect from this first responder hit aren’t going anywhere…yet.
In case you missed the bombshell earlier this month, the 9-1-1: Lone Star squad got the tough news that their firefighting, life-saving adventures are wrapping up with season five.
And honey, we were not ready! According to Deadline, the cast got wind of this possibility after some less-than-successful contract negotiations.
With Fox finally making it official, we’re now counting down the episodes, wondering how they’ll tie up all those storylines we’ve obsessed over since day one.
For the Tarlos shippers—and I know you’re here for that—co-showrunner Rashad Raisani just gave us a preview of what’s in store for our dreamy couple in the final season.
And buckle up, because it’s gonna be an emotional ride. In a recent chat with TV Insider, Raisani spilled some of the juiciest Tarlos tea, confirming that their marriage is about to be tested. Like, really tested.
And it all kicks off with the heartbreaking murder of Carlos’ father, Gabriel Reyes (portrayed by Benito Martinez).
Raisani made it clear that while T.K. and Carlos might have that picture-perfect chemistry on screen (I mean, hello, they are gorgeous together!), their relationship will face some raw, real-life challenges.
And it’s Carlos’ grief and trauma following his father’s death that will set off the tension between these two.
+Related: Buck and Tommy’s Gay Date Night Stir-Up on ‘911’
It’s no secret that Carlos has always been more on the stoic side, keeping his cards close to his chest—remember how long it took him to come out to his family?
Raisani hints that this trait will only deepen after Gabriel’s murder, creating some heavy vibes in his marriage to T.K. “It’s going to take up a lot of oxygen in the room,” he explained.
And while T.K., ever the devoted hubby, tries to give Carlos the space he needs, at some point, he’s going to start advocating for their future.
And babes, we all know T.K. isn’t the type to hold back when he knows what he wants!
And as if things weren’t already messy enough, we’re headed back to that tense discussion from season four—yes, I’m talking about babies.
It’s no secret that T.K. and Carlos haven’t exactly seen eye-to-eye on the whole starting-a-family thing. Last season, they basically threw that conversation in the “we’ll deal with it later” pile.
But as the new season ramps up, T.K.‘s desire for a family resurfaces, especially given his experience as a first responder.
Time is precious, and T.K. knows that more than anyone. The fact that his husband’s emotional energy is wrapped up in his grief only makes this conversation more urgent and delicate.
If you’ve been paying attention (and I know you have!), T.K.‘s sense of urgency around living in the moment isn’t just about him being dramatic.
He’s been through some life-or-death situations of his own—whether it’s his addiction recovery or the numerous crises he’s faced in Austin—and that “grab life by the horns” attitude is what drives him.
The real question is, can Carlos find room for both his healing and their future? Will T.K.‘s push for fatherhood lead to a breakthrough or a breaking point?
Well, honey, we’re just going to have to watch and see. And while it might seem like we’re heading toward heartbreak, don’t count out these two just yet. 9-1-1: Lone Star has always given us drama but also knows when to throw in those tender moments that remind us why we fell in love with Tarlos in the first place.
So, what’s next for our boys? Expect a season jam-packed with gut-wrenching moments, deep conversations, and yes, some classic T.K. and Carlos cuteness.
Raisani’s preview promises that even though their marriage will hit some bumps, the love between T.K. and Carlos will remain undeniable.
And let’s be honest, if there’s one thing we can always count on, it’s that this power couple knows how to rise from the ashes—literally.
And don’t you dare miss a second of the action: 9-1-1: Lone Star made its grand return on September 23, and new episodes will keep dropping every Monday on Fox.
So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let’s ride this final wave of Tarlos drama together.
+Related: Oliver Stark on Possible ‘9-1-1’ Romance Between Buck & Eddie