Tue Jan 28 01:00:00 UTC 2025: **”9-1-1: Lone Star” Finale to Fulfill Promise to Trans Character Amidst Anti-Trans Climate**
AUSTIN, TX – The upcoming two-part finale of Fox’s “9-1-1: Lone Star” will bring closure to a key storyline for Paul Strickland (Brian Michael Smith), the show’s transgender character. Showrunner Rashad Raisani revealed that the finale will fulfill a promise made in the pilot episode, where Owen Strand (Rob Lowe) expressed hope that Paul would become a role model for other trans youth.
In a powerful arc, Paul will encounter a young person who knows he is transgender. This interaction will highlight Paul’s resilience and self-acceptance, ultimately serving as a positive message for the young person and viewers. Raisani emphasized the importance of telling Paul’s story authentically, collaborating closely with Smith, who is a transgender man himself, to ensure respectful and accurate representation.
The finale, set against the backdrop of an asteroid hurtling towards Austin, will also determine the fate of several characters, adding a layer of dramatic tension. While the survival of main characters remains uncertain, the focus on Paul’s storyline serves as a powerful statement amidst rising anti-trans sentiment.
Raisani stated that the show aimed to present a positive and impactful trans narrative, effectively “going down swinging” in the face of increasing political hostility towards the trans community. The two-part finale begins Monday, January 27th, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.
First Piper 