Netflix’s Certified Fresh Crime Drama Proves 9-1-1: Lone Star Ignored One Star’s Hidden Talent

Many mourned the ending of 9-1-1: Lone Star, but its true potential is only becoming clearer with time thanks to a new Netflix hit. While Owen Strand (Rob Lowe) and the rest of Austin’s station 126 seemed poised for a much longer run on Fox, 9-1-1: Lone Star’s cancelation sadly ended the first-responder drama after five seasons. Yet, the procedural overlooked one actor’s unique abilities.

Carlos Reyes (Rafael L. Silva) was a fan favorite for obvious reasons— he was charming, nuanced, and part of one of the 9-1-1 franchise’s best couples. Unfortunately, Silva’s true talents were underutilized, as evidenced by his starring role in Netflix’s The Waterfront. Aside from sitting at an impressive 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, The Waterfront has achieved widespread acclaim from viewers.

Rafael L. Silva Shines In Netflix’s The Waterfront

Shawn Was An Important Character Who Held His Own

Undoubtedly, Silva’s stellar acting was no small contribution to The Waterfront’s resounding success. In the celebrated crime drama, Silva portrays Shawn Wilson, a bartender who was recently hired at a restaurant owned by the central family— the Buckleys. Unbeknownst to them, however, Shawn was patriarch Harlan’s (Holt McCallany) secret child resulting from an extramarital affair with Wilson’s mother, Bebe.

While many characters in The Waterfront are morally gray at best, Shawn is simply a man on the hunt for his biological father who gets tangled up in the Buckleys’ secret drug smuggling business. Though Harlan eventually accepts Shawn as his son, one of the biggest questions for The Waterfront season 2 is whether Shawn will stay in town.

Ironically, there are a few striking similarities between Shawn and Carlos. In The Waterfront, Shawn moved from Texas, where 9-1-1: Lone Star takes place. Additionally, though it is revealed subtly in a line of dialogue, Shawn, like Carlos, is gay and has an unnamed boyfriend who never appears but is mentioned in The Waterfront season 1.

Shawn’s sexuality comes to light during an intense fight scene, where the bartender goes toe-to-toe with Topher Grace’s Grady and his henchman. After the drug dealers threaten Belle (Maria Bello), Shawn steps in and takes down the men with impressive, precise attacks. As he explains to Belle, Shawn’s combat skills are the product of extensive martial arts training.

9-1-1: Lone Star Failed To Properly Utilize Silva’s Martial Arts Background

Carlos Didn't Get To Show Off His Combat Skills

Unfortunately, while Silva stood out in The Waterfront, he wasn’t given the same opportunities as Carlos Reyes. Throughout the five seasons of 9-1-1: Lone Star, Carlos was often a supplemental character. Occasionally, he would have independent storylines— including being kidnapped by a serial killer— but he was most often used for his love interest, TK Strand’s (Ronen Rubinstein) character development.

When he first appeared in 9-1-1: Lone Star, Carlos was an Austin Police Department officer. Despite his low rank, Carlos often took interest in and assisted cases led by detectives, one of whom encouraged Carlos to aim higher in his career. After his father’s tragic death just before the 9-1-1: Lone Star season 4 finale, Carlos becomes a Texas Ranger.

Yet, regardless of 9-1-1: Lone Star’s intense rescues and Carlos’ frequent involvement in them, Rafael L. Silva rarely had the chance to utilize his Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise. The most lively action sequences occurred in the latter half of 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5, when Carlos faced off against his fellow Rangers, Sam Campbell (Parker Young) and Chief Bridges (Alan Autry).That’s not to say 9-1-1: Lone Star was without its exciting moments, of course. Owen and TK once saved a woman’s life on a mid-flight airplane. Judson “Judd” Ryder (Jim Parrack) drove into a poisonous gas cloud to save a man. The 126 even prevented a nuclear meltdown. Therein lies the issue: usually, only the firefighters get to see action.

Why 9-1-1: Lone Star Would Have Benefited From Carlos Having More Combat Scenes

Action Sequences Would Have Set Carlos Apart

In both the flagship series and the first spinoff, firefighters have been the most important characters in 9-1-1. While dispatch call centers and police investigations have contributed to invaluable storylines and unforgettable moments, everyone outside the core firehouse is secondary. Part of what creates that impression is the distance between non-firefighter characters and the memorable action sequences.

There are always over-the-top emergencies in the 9-1-1 franchise, but the firefighters are the only people present for the majority of them. Granted, it’s logical for paramedics to be there for wacky medical crises, just as it’s fitting for firefighters to bust into burning buildings. Nevertheless, there are moments in between that 9-1-1: Lone Star could have focused on Carlos.

As a cop (and later Texas Ranger), Carlos was in a unique position where 9-1-1: Lone Star could have included more physical storylines. Especially considering Silva’s actual training, it’s baffling how the procedural chose to sideline Carlos. If 9-1-1: Lone Star had simply given Carlos more opportunities to show off his combat skills, it would have set his character apart.

Furthermore, it would have made 9-1-1: Lone Star more exciting to watch. Whether it’s a fight scene or a daring rescue, stunts always add stakes, which are pivotal for procedurals like 9-1-1: Lone Star. Aside from giving his character more depth, incorporating Silva’s real-life skills would have enriched the show as a whole.

Can Silva Still Return In The 9-1-1 Franchise?

Carlos' Happy Ending Leaves The Door Open, But It's Unlikely

Luckily, there’s always a possibility that Carlos Reyes could return thanks to 9-1-1: Lone Star’s ending. Unlike the original series— which killed off Peter Krause’s Bobby Nash in season 8— everyone survived in 9-1-1: Lone Star’s series finale, meaning anybody could hypothetically cameo in another franchise title. Sadly, possible doesn’t necessarily equate to probable in this case.

Although Carlos, by all accounts, had a happy ending in 9-1-1: Lone Star— he solved his father’s murder, survived the asteroid-nuclear meltdown double disaster, and adopted a child with his husband— it all ties him down. It’s what Carlos and TK’s relationship in 9-1-1: Lone Star was always building towards, but his happy ever after leaves Carlos trapped in Texas.

As such, Carlos can’t easily relocate to join a 9-1-1 franchise title as a main cast member. Unless the series creates a convoluted justification, Carlos won’t uproot his entire family and move across the country. Similarly, since TK quit his paramedic career in the 9-1-1: Lone Star series finale, he can’t transfer to a new station to explain the relocation.

Nevertheless, there are a million other believable but temporary plots that could be introduced to explain a crossover appearance. With 9-1-1: Nashville close on the horizon, it would be nice to see familiar faces again. Unfortunately, Rafael L. Silva’s martial arts will never be explored to the extent that 9-1-1: Lone Star could have throughout its five-year run.

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