There are few shows as compelling as Fox’s 9-1-1: Lone Star. This suspenseful drama debuted in 2020 and has only grown in popularity since its mid-winter debut. Unlike its sister series 9-1-1, Lone Star follows the Austin Fire Department’s Fire Department 126. Left in ruins after the tragic deaths of most of its members, 126 is resurrected by 9/11 veteran Owen Strand (Rob Lowe), who brings his own quirky team to rebuild the nearly empty fire department. Owen’s son, Tyler Kennedy “T.K.” Strand (Ronen Rubinstein), is just one member of the transplant team. However, as the captain’s son, he holds an understandably large place in the show’s plot.
Throughout his years with 126, TK has served as a dedicated firefighter and paramedic. Like the rest of Strand’s firefighting family, TK is an integral part of 9-1-1: Lone Star. While the show emphasizes hope and joy, each family has its own struggles. 126 is haunted by tragedy and personal drama. Notably, Judd Ryder (Jim Parrack) lost his colleagues in the demise of 126. Even “newcomer” Mateo Chavez (Jules Works) hides a childhood of criminal mischief. These heartbreaking stories give Lone Star character and charm, adding layers to an otherwise bland TV character.
Before moving to 126, T.K. was a member of NYC’s 252nd. Owen and T.K. are the only characters to appear in every episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star.
Ronen Rubinstein’s tattoos are uncovered when he plays T.K.
It’s no surprise that T.K. has his own demons. Before he moved in, T.K. was a self-confessed drug addict. Unable to cope with the stress of his daily job, he turned to opiates for relief. His addiction eventually culminated in a near-fatal overdose, though he was proudly sober when he debuted as one of Station 126’s new firefighters. However, just like in real life, addictions constantly surface throughout the show.
By Season 2, T.K. has moved into the 126 ambulance crew. Despite a rough start, he eventually comes to see his new superior, Captain Tommy Vega (Gina Torres), as a motherly influence. He also expands his social circle by adding a medical team, including fellow nurse Nancy Gilligan (Brianna Baker), to Lone Star’s main team.
The first two seasons of Lone Star only build up T.K.’s character, while the third season destroys it. The spiral begins when T.K.’s mother, Gwyneth Morgan (Lisa Edelstein), ends her lucky rebound relationship with Owen. She returns to New York, leaving T.K. devastated, and things get worse after she dies in a car accident in “Red vs. Blue.” However, despite the emotional turmoil, T.K. remains sober.
That comes crashing down in “Negative Space,” when his father’s stalker, Sadie Becker (Julia Benz), drugs T.K.’s food, causing him to spiral out of control. However, T.K.’s stubborn determination keeps him and his record clean. By the start of Season 4, T.K.’s addiction has taken a toll. has faded while another theme, which dates back to the show’s first season, has flourished.
Despite his struggles with addiction, T.K. is perhaps best remembered for his unabashedly adorable relationship with Austin Police Department officer Carlos Reyes (Rafael L. Silva). The pair first met at the scene of a tragic car accident. Their friendship blossomed quickly, and they happily reunited in the second episode of Lone Star’s first season.
