Rob Lowe's comments following the 9-1-1: Lone Star came to an end on a fittingly dramatic note. This final episode sees the firefighters and paramedics of the 126 deal with the fallout of an asteroid strike, which triggers a potential nuclear meltdown in Austin, Texas.

As is the case for most emergencies, Owen Strand is front and center in dealing with it. Battling recent injuries, Owen seeks to find the emergency shutdown button. Though it wasn't a question of whether he'd succeed, it was ambiguous whether he would live to tell the tale. That question was left up in the air until 9-1-1: Lone Star left some unanswered questions, it features a happy ending for Owen.

Rob Lowe Keeps The Door Open To Play Owen Strand Again After 9-1-1: Lone Star

Rob Lowe's Owen Strand Could Be The Key To Some 911 Crossovers

Though it isn't as definitive as death, 9-1-1: Lone Star closes the loop on Owen's journey by having him return to New York. It is as much of a homecoming as the episode title states and, paired with other fates, leaves things on a hugely hopeful note. Adding to that hope are Rob Lowe's recent comments about a return after Lone Star's ending, saying: "I never say never to anything." Lowe also stated just how much the character and honoring first responders' stories means to him. As such, excitment continues to grow that we haven't seen the last of Owen Strand.

Where Owen goes, there also goes the potential for crossovers and revisiting other Lone Star characters. Even if it's just via video calls, as in the finale, it would still be a fun way of updating fans on their favorite characters after the 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5, episode 12 time jump. Everyone is just beginning new chapters in their lives: From the now-pregnant Marjan (Natacha Karam) and new 126 captain Judd (Jim Parrack) to the cancer-free Tommy (Gina Torress) and new adoptive parents TK (Ronen Rubinstein) and Carlos (Rafael L. Silva), it would no doubt delight fans to learn where those journeys go next.

Lowe's Possible Return Makes Owen's Disappointing 9-1-1: Lone Star Ending Fate Easier To Accept

Owen's Fate Still Wasn't As Powerful As It Could Have Been

For the majority of the 9-1-1: Lone Star finale, it seems as though Owen is destined to die. Directly after pushing the nuclear facility's shutdown button, he seemingly succumbs to his injuries as his colleagues gather around his unconscious body. Ultimately, due to a last-minute change, Owen's death didn't happen on 9-1-1: Lone Star and there were happy endings all around. That was something of a mistake. After all, Owen's death would've added even more power and poignancy to proceedings, with the 126 embarking on the next chapter and fostering the next generation of firefighters and paramedics in his honor.

As things stand, however, Owen's survival might have been the right call, especially because of Lowe's willingness to return. At the very least, it adds to the theme of hope that hangs over the biggest moments of the 9-1-1: Lone Star finale. Additionally, knowing he could become a lynchpin between the 126 of Lone Star and 118 of the original 9-1-1, makes Owen's survival easier to digest. Though he's in New York, he'll be in regular with his former colleagues, both as a fire chief and as a friend. Similarly, he could have business with the 118.

What Owen's Story Could Be After The Events Of 9-1-1: Lone Star

Despite His New Position, Owen Could Still Find Himself In The Thick Of The Action

Owen's new position as New York's Fire Department chief presents a whole wealth of opportunities. For starters, it could be one of several potential 9-1-1: Lone Star spinoffs in its own right. One that would have Owen overseeing the running of not just one firehouse but multiple. The trials and tribulations of having to manage and mediate such disparate facilities would be ripe for interoffice drama. Equally, Owen is not the sit-back and merely delegate type, as seen in the Lone Star finale. As such, he'd likely in with whatever chaotic calls New York City has to offer.

9-1-1 season 8 returns Thursday, March 6, 2025, on ABC.

As chief, it would also be part of Owen's responsibility to liaise with other departments from time to time. Though a representative could be sent, that wouldn't fit with Owen's direct and hands-on management style. He would tackle it personally, which could see him reconnect with those he left behind in Texas, offering backup for one of 9-1-1: Lone Star's famously intense rescues and the aforementioned updates. As Owen had done before on 9-1-1: Lone Star, he could also visit California and similarly liaise with Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) and the 118 for whatever disasters they have yet to face.

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