The conclusion of 9-1-1: Lone Star left a bittersweet taste for its dedicated fanbase. While many anticipated a longer journey for Owen Strand (Rob Lowe) and the crew at station 126 in Austin, the show’s five seasons have now been solidified in the hearts of viewers, even as they grapple with its untimely cancellation. Enthusiasts have been quick to spotlight Rafael L. Silva, who portrayed the lovable Carlos Reyes. Fans argue that his talents were not fully realized during the series run, a sentiment that has gained traction in light of Silva’s recent critically acclaimed performance in Netflix’s The Waterfront.
Rafael L. Silva: A Star in Netflix’s The Waterfront
In The Waterfront, Silva takes on the role of Shawn Wilson, a bartender with a tumultuous backstory. Hired at a restaurant owned by the Buckley family, Shawn is later revealed to be the secret son of patriarch Harlan (Holt McCallany), hidden from the world due to an affair. Silva’s performance, paired with the series’ intriguing plotlines, has resonated deeply with audiences, leading to a commendable score of 70% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Set in a fictional town, The Waterfront draws inspiration from the creator Kevin Williamson’s own life experiences. Shawn is at the heart of the drama, navigating complex family dynamics while unwittingly becoming involved in the Buckleys’ illegal activities. As he searches for acceptance, the show raises questions about his future and his connection with the town.
Interestingly, there are echoes of Carlos Reyes in Shawn’s character, especially in their similar origins from Texas and their shared journey of self-discovery regarding their sexuality.
Unrealized Potential in 9-1-1: Lone Star
Throughout its run, 9-1-1: Lone Star showcased numerous gripping moments, yet Silva’s character Carlos was often pushed to the sidelines. Though Carlos had moments of heroism, such as when he was kidnapped, his character primarily served to develop TK Strand’s (Ronen Rubinstein) story arc rather than his own compelling narrative. This underutilization became particularly evident when considering Silva’s martial arts background.
Initially introduced as an officer in the Austin Police Department, Carlos transitioned to a Texas Ranger following his father’s tragic death. However, despite these pivotal developments, the series missed opportunities for Silva to showcase his Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills extensively. The intensity of firefighting rarely allowed for standalone action sequences for characters like Carlos, sidelining him further in a cast predominantly focused on firefighters.
While Owen and the team faced life-threatening situationsâ€â€saving people from nuclear threats or mid-flight emergenciesâ€â€Carlos was often relegated to the background. The disparity in character focus highlighted how much potential a more action-driven narrative could have added to his storyline.
As the ending of 9-1-1: Lone Star unfolded, many felt it closed the door on Carlos’ character growth, particularly given the series’ decision to give him a definitive “happy ending.†With no clear path for him to return in any potential spin-offs of the franchise, fans are left to wonder about the future of Rafael L. Silva’s involvement in the universe of 9-1-1.
Yet, with the announcement of 9-1-1: Nashville set to premiere in fall 2025, fans speculate that familiar characters could make appearances, offering a sliver of hope for Carlos’ return. However, with his character’s storyline seemingly concluded, any crossover back into the universe may require creative storytelling.
In essence, both The Waterfront and 9-1-1: Lone Star provide unique perspectives on relationships, conflict, and personal growth. It’s disappointing to reflect on how 9-1-1: Lone Star underused Silva’s strengths, especially given the electrifying combat potential of his character. As fans await new developments, one thing is clear: there’s a growing appreciation for the talents of Rafael L. Silva, particularly in roles that allow for more dynamic storytelling.