Ronen Rubinstein, known for his captivating portrayal of T.K. Strand on 9-1-1: Lone Star, recently sat down with Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss the emotional rollercoaster of filming the final season, the character’s journey, and what’s next for him. Here are some of the key highlights from the interview:
Processing the End of 9-1-1: Lone Star
Ronen reflected on the bittersweet nature of finishing the final season. He shared, “It was a total rollercoaster of emotions... it stung because it wasn’t for creative reasons or because the show wasn’t doing well. It was due to financial and diplomatic reasons between the studio and the network." Despite the sting of the show’s cancellation, Ronen spoke about how filming the last season brought the cast even closer, knowing it could be their last time working together. He emphasized how the experience changed his life and career in unimaginable ways, providing him with endless blessings and opportunities.
His Deep Connection to T.K. Strand
T.K. Strand has been one of Ronen’s most beloved roles, and he expressed how attached he is to the character. “I’ve literally grown up with T.K.,” Ronen said, adding that he started the show at 25 and is now 30. He shared how many aspects of T.K.’s journey, from overcoming opioid addiction to getting married, mirrored his own life. “T.K. is like everybody’s big brother that you wish you had... and he’s been so special to me.” Rubinstein acknowledged that while the series is ending, T.K.’s journey will always hold a special place in his heart.
What He’ll Miss Most About T.K.
When asked what he’ll miss most, Ronen described T.K.’s selflessness. “Even if it means sacrificing himself, his body, his life, or his mind, he’s always there for others,” he noted. Whether it was his relationship with his father Owen or his bond with Carlos, T.K.’s willingness to put others first was a trait Ronen admired and found joy in portraying.
Iconic Moments in the Final Season
Ronen teased fans by sharing that some of his favorite moments of the series are in the upcoming final season, particularly in episodes five and seven. “There’s a scene in Episode 5 that’s one of my top three favorite scenes of all time,” he hinted. Episode seven, which introduces T.K.’s stepbrother Jonah and stepfather Enzo, will also have a significant impact on T.K.’s storyline.
The Power of the Tarlos Relationship
The on-screen relationship between T.K. and Carlos, affectionately known as "Tarlos" by fans, has become a cultural phenomenon. Rubinstein spoke about how their relationship has resonated with fans on a deep level, describing it as more than just a queer relationship but as “relationship goals” for anyone. “They can handle any situation because they’ve been dealt every single situation you could imagine,” Ronen explained, adding that their dynamic has had a life-changing impact on fans around the world.
A Tarlos Spinoff?
With rumors circulating about a potential spinoff, Ronen admitted he’d love to continue T.K.’s journey. “I’ve been the loudest about wanting a spinoff,” he said with enthusiasm. He acknowledged that nothing is confirmed yet but shared that fans’ attachment to T.K. and Carlos shows how meaningful these characters have become.
The Next Chapter
While Ronen is savoring the final season of 9-1-1: Lone Star, he’s also focused on his music with his band, which has been a creative outlet for him during his downtime. He shared that the band is working on releasing an EP, a music video, and eventually performing live shows. He’s also open to the possibility of returning to films, where his acting career originally started, and mentioned his excitement for future projects while appreciating the time to be selective about his next steps.
Final Reflections
Ronen expressed his immense gratitude for playing T.K. over five seasons. “T.K. has meant so much to people for so many different reasons... and I hope people can see that I gave everything for this character because I love T.K. as much as they do—if not more.”
As fans eagerly await the final episodes of 9-1-1: Lone Star, Ronen Rubinstein leaves a lasting legacy through his portrayal of T.K. and a sense of hope that perhaps this isn’t the end of his character’s journey.
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