‘9-1-1: Lone Star’: The Best Tarlos Moments From Season 2

Megan
8 Min Read
Kevin Estrada/FOX

FOX first responder series 9-1-1: Lone Star is gearing up for a chilly third season so we are counting down some of the best moments from season 2 of one of the best couples on the series: Tarlos. Last season saw T.K. Strand and Carlos Reyes have some pretty big moments, from their first big fight to moving in together.

As Lone Star‘s leading LGBTQ+ couple, Tarlos was explored even more in season 2 and the two first responders experienced some terrifying moments that brought them closer together. As we prepare for season 3, let’s take a look back at some of their best moments from season 2.

126 Hangs

Just like many shows for the 2020-2021 season, 9-1-1: Lone Star, as well as parent series 9-1-1, took place during the COVID-19 pandemic for the second season. And because of it, we were gifted with plenty of scenes of Paul, Marjan, Mateo, and later, Nancy, hanging out with T.K. and Carlos at Carlos’ place for some 126 hangs. In the first episode, however, a very stressed T.K. finally arrives, without cheeseballs, and he tells Mateo that his “boyfriend” (the first time he uses that word with Carlos on screen) created a safe place for them all to hang out during lockdown and he’s not going to spoil that with junk food. While explaining to his coworkers why he’s so stressed, Carlos comes over to rub his boyfriend’s shoulders. It’s a short moment but a memorable one, nonetheless.

Hallelujah

The second episode was an intense heartbreaker. Due to the active volcano in Austin, the 126 took a call at a pool party where paramedic Tim Rosewater was killed. Following a devastating return to the firehouse, the crew went their separate ways to grieve as “Hallelujah” played in the background. T.K. goes to Carlos’ house, where Carlos is waiting for him and sitting on the steps. T.K. walks over to Carlos, sits down and Carlos just comforts him. It’s a beautiful and touching moment with not just Tarlos but the whole 126 during a heartbreaking time.

The Makeup

Since this is the best Tarlos moments, I am going to spare you from reliving the upsetting fight in episode 4 after Carlos introduces T.K. as “a friend from work” to his parents. Rather, just skipping right to their open and honest conversation. After talking to his parents, T.K. goes back to Carlos’ house to talk to him. Carlos admits how his parents never really talked about him coming out. T.K. tells him that it’s important for him to feel safe in the relationship and to take all the time he needs. He will gladly be his friend, or personal shopper, for however long it takes. It’s one of the most vulnerable scenes between the two of them and it follows their first big fight and it’s beautiful.

The Cool Kids Table

Kevin Estrada/FOX

Episode 7 of Lone Star sees T.K. in his new paramedic position at work. However, it isn’t all great at the start, as Nancy gives him the cold shoulder from taking over to rearranging the bus. As T.K. and Carlos are cuddling and watching TV, T.K. tells Carlos about his problems. Carlos gives him advice about how Nancy and Tim both were never really included in anything and that the firefighters are the cool kids. This conversation, in turn, makes T.K. realize just what he and the rest of the crew have been doing and Carlos tries to comfort him. It’s a short but sweet moment between the two and I wouldn’t have it any other way. More Tarlos cuddles please.

Worried Carlos

Jordin Althaus/FOX

One of my favorite episodes of the second season has to be the midseason finale, mostly because it’s very Carlos-centric and offers a lot of Worried!Carlos. After teaming up with Owen to find out where EMS 126 went, Carlos finally reunites with T.K. at Charles’ restaurant and the moment is as heartwarming as ever. A very concussed T.K. is relieved to see his boyfriend, and Carlos tries to hold him up as he’s slowly losing consciousness. Before Carlos goes to the hospital with T.K., it’s revealed that Carlos’ dad, Gabriel, knew of their relationship since they ran into them at the farmer’s market. He tells Carlos he better get a proper introduction next time. It’s such a sweet moment and definitely up there for one of my favorites.

The Big Move

T.K. and Carlos took a big step together in season 2. They moved in together! Owen even helps them and gifts them with Marlon Blendo. This moment really showcases just how far Tarlos has come, and how far T.K. has come, considering what his last relationship put him through. However, the move doesn’t last long unfortunately because….

The Fire

Not long after T.K. moves in with Carlos, they are the victims of a serial arsonist. As Owen tries to get a hold of his son, T.K. and Carlos realize that the house is going up in flames. Upstairs with no fire extinguisher, T.K. says they have to jump. They say what is basically a goodbye and “I love you” but before they jump, Owen, Billy and Judd come to their rescue. Outside on the ground, T.K. comforts Carlos, who keeps blaming himself for not having an extinguisher on the second floor. It’s such a heartfelt moment and a heartbreaking moment at the same time, and it proves just how much the two care for each other.

Honorable Mention

While the midseason finale included plenty of Worried!Carlos, it also included some Soft!T.K. moments at the beginning of the episode. This honorable mention goes to the moment during T.K.’s sobriety anniversary party, where he’s giving a speech to his friends and family. The paramedic mentions how since coming to Texas, he’s met an incredible man who showed him it’s okay to open up, and he and Carlos just look at each other. It’s a sweet moment that shows just how much of an impact Carlos has made on T.K. and vice versa. That they are able to overcome anything.

There will surely be even more Tarlos moments in season 3! So don’t miss the premiere this Monday, January 3 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on FOX! Check out our other 9-1-1: Lone Star coverage here. Take a look back at our favorite season 1 Tarlos moments here.

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By Megan
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Megan has been passionate about writing since she was little and has been passionate about all things pop culture and nerdy since almost as long. Joining Nerds and Beyond in 2019, she also graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Journalism. Megan is constantly binge-watching shows and finding new things to obsess over. 9-1-1 and Marvel currently reign as the top obsessions. You can find her on Twitter @marvels911s if you ever want to discuss some certain firefighters.
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