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Rob Lowe’s 9-1-1: Nashville Return Is A TERRIBLE Idea!

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The newest addition to the franchise is called 9-1-1: Nashville. However, an ex-leading character may attempt to take center stage in this series. Previously, there were the original series based in Los Angeles and another spinoff located in Texas. The finale of 9-1-1: Lone Star, which has been running for five years under Rob Lowe’s leadership at the Austin Fire Department, appears to have set the stage for this Tennessee-based procedural drama.

Despite the initial spinoff, 9-1-1: Lone Star, being a popular series, it was unfortunate that it was terminated before its fifth and last season. As a result, 9-1-1: Nashville now faces high expectations, as it essentially steps into the role of replacing Lone Star. The cast of 9-1-1: Nashville looks promising, with a familiar face potentially making an appearance during the pilot season.

Rob Lowe Wants To Return As Owen Strand In 9-1-1: Nashville

The Actor Is Ironically Related To The Project

Initially, Rob Lowe served as the main attraction on 9-1-1: Lone Star, with him being the original headliner. Known for his prominence in the 80’s “Rat Pack”, he was paired opposite Liv Tyler (Michelle Blake) in the series. The collective appeal of their stardom significantly contributed to attracting viewers during the spinoff’s debut season.

Ever since the final episode of “9-1-1: Lone Star” aired in February 2025, Rob Lowe has been openly expressing his desire to reprise his leading character. Interestingly enough, one of the executive producers for the Nashville spinoff of “9-1-1” is Chad Lowe, who happens to be Rob Lowe’s brother. In the past, Rob Lowe had his brother, Chad Lowe, join “9-1-1: Lone Star,” where he played Owen’s fictional brother, Robert Strand, in a playful twist.

It hasn’t been officially announced yet if Owen Strand will appear on 9-1-1: Nashville, and Rob Lowe himself has only discussed the possibility. Given his brother’s involvement with the show, there’s a good chance we might see Owen Strand in Nashville at some point. However, bringing back Owen won’t be a simple task.

Owen Strand Was Already A Divisive Character In 9-1-1: Lone Star

The Fire Captain Was A Memorable But Controversial Protagonist

In the series “9-1-1: Lone Star,” Owen’s character is frequently a source of contention due to his extensive screen time compared to other firefighters like Marjan Marwani and Paul Strickland. These beloved side characters are often sidelined in favor of giving Owen his own separate storylines, which has been a recurring pattern throughout the five seasons.

Additionally, the storylines focusing on Owen appeared excessively dramatic and seemed ill-fitting within the larger storyline. Many scenes in “9-1-1: Lone Star” seemed designed primarily to enhance Owen’s heroic image, often overshadowing the other characters such as the 126 team. Instead of engaging with their stories, viewers found themselves watching Rob Lowe handle a horse or solving an FBI case.

The climax of Captain Strand’s journey in the series finale of “9-1-1: Lone Star” was controversial. Instead of providing a fitting conclusion for all characters, the spinoff opted for a contrived ending involving a near-death scenario that led to an underwhelming twist. This final scene seemed to prioritize Owen Strand over giving each character a satisfying farewell.

It Wouldn’t Make Sense For Owen Strand To Be On 9-1-1: Nashville

There Are A Few Big Risks To Lowe’s Cameo

independent of whether Owen Strand’s final outcome sparked debate or not, it certainly complicates the possibility of him reappearing in 9-1-1: Nashville. After the time leap in the finale of 9-1-1: Lone Star, it was disclosed that Owen relocated to the East Coast to assume the role of Chief for the New York Fire Department – a position that puts him nearly a thousand miles from Nashville.

As the fire chief of New York City’s Fire Department (NYFD), it is not expected that Owen would have any professional reason for being in Nashville. Given how long it took his character to adjust to Texas in the series “9-1-1: Lone Star,” it also seems improbable that he would travel to Tennessee for leisure purposes. However, there’s a greater potential complication with Owen Strand possibly appearing in “9-1-1: Nashville.” This is noteworthy because his character’s integration into the Texas setting took time in the original series.

From the very beginning, I’ve found myself appreciating the grit and drama of 9-1-1: Nashville. However, some have pointed out its striking resemblance to Lone Star, both being set in states with similar landscapes and climates. The fact that both series feature firefighting father-son duos adds fuel to this comparison. Bringing Owen Strand into the picture might unintentionally limit 9-1-1: Nashville’s potential to carve its unique niche, potentially consigning it to be forever overshadowed by Lone Star.

Can 9-1-1: Nashville Make An Owen Strand Cameo Work Without It Feeling Forced?

The Former Protagonist May Stick Out Like A Sore Thumb

In order for a guest appearance to work effectively, a certain amount of imaginative acceptance is necessary. Therefore, the show 9-1-1: Nashville could rationalize Owen Strand’s cameo without demanding strict logical consistency. Given that Austin, Texas is approximately 800 miles from Nashville, it’s plausible that Owen might be traveling through Tennessee en route to visit his son. A sudden natural disaster or statewide emergency could then delay Owen’s journey.

Another way of saying this could be: There’s a possibility that Owen might have ties with Station 113 on the show 9-1-1: Nashville. It’s plausible that he has a hidden past with Don Sharpe, played by Chris O’Donnell, or they both know someone in common. Making Owen connected to the cast of 9-1-1: Nashville might seem contrived as a means to explain his guest appearance, but when it comes to introducing a familiar character, options are often restricted.

In considering whether to include Owen Strand in the series “9-1-1: Nashville,” a question arises. Introducing a character from “9-1-1: Lone Star” like Owen might be problematic, as it could overshadow the original characters and potentially diminish the impact of the new spinoff. A guest appearance by Rob Lowe in “9-1-1: Nashville” could be a possibility after the show has found its footing, but this is contingent upon the success of the pilot season.

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2025-07-05 21:08

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