With 911: Lone Star coming to an end, there are a few stars of that show that would be great jumping to the One Chicago universe!
911: Lone Star fans are let down that the show has come to an end after five seasons. Its last run of episodes was good, and it closed out, giving all the characters a warm exit that had them stepping into great new lives. There’s a question now of what’s next for the actors and how the One Chicago universe offers them some good options.
Rob Lowe and Gina Torres are unlikely to come on board given their bigger name status and more in demand. However, it’d be great if One Chicago could poach some of the other actors. Even better would be casting them in different roles than their 911: Lone Star ones to stand out. These are the best actors from 911: Lone Star that the One Chicago universe could benefit from adding on.
Sierra McClain
As good as the last season of 911: Lone Star was, it suffered from Sierra McClain leaving the series before the season was filmed. Her Grace was a key part of the show as both a 911 operator and her marriage to Judd. Weakly writing her out as being on a missionary job robbed the show of some of its heart, and McClain was missed.
So snatching her up for a One Chicago show is a great way to make up for McClain’s absence. She’d be perfect on Chicago Med as a new nurse director or doctor firing off orders, putting some doctors in their place, and talking to Goodwin. After so long stuck behind a phone on Lone Star, McClain can get better material on Med.
Rafael R. Silva
One of the key characters of Lone Star, Carlos was a cop turned Texas Ranger whose relationship with T.K. was one of the best parts of the show. Silva was a dynamic actor in the part, tough as a cop yet with a wonderful heart bonding with T.K. and would be a great choice to play a cop on Chicago PD.
However, it could be a fun idea for Silva to instead play a new member of Chicago Fire. Seeing him go from cop to firefighter would be interesting and Silva’s athleticism would fit in with the firemen and be a fine addition to that ensemble.
Ronen Rubenstein
For the other half of the T.K.-Carlos couple, Ronen Rubenstein would likewise be a good fit on a One Chicago show. His T.K. had great growth from a punk kid to a top firefighter and foster dad. Obviously, Chicago Fire would be a spot for him as he already knows the lingo and could slip into that ensemble well.
If they want it to be different, then Rubenstein as a new doctor on Med can also work out. They can play on his background and utilize him well as an arrogant doctor learning the ropes and some humility. It can also flip on T.K./Carlos and make Rubenstein a PD cop. Either way, the guy’s talent is a must for a One Chicago show.
Jim Parrack
As the loveable Judd, Jim Parrack was one of 911: Lone Star’s most popular characters. He was driven by survivor’s guilt and the final season had him wrestling with alcoholism. Yet he kept on going, and Parrack’s strength carried the character over. That makes him an obvious pick for a One Chicago show.
Parrack would be perfect as a gruff cop on Chicago PD, maybe an old “frenemy” of Voight’s. He can continue his tough demeanor with an edge, skating the rules while doing his best to save others. It’d also be nice to see Parrack in a more action-oriented role and show facets beyond Judd’s friendly demeanor for a rougher character.
Brianna Baker
A recurring character as paramedic Nancy, Brianna Baker became a regular for 911: Lone Star’s final season. She had nice character growth as her paramedic learned the ropes and showed more strength as the show went on. That paramedic experience would clearly fit in with Chicago Fire as either that role or a firefighter.
Baker would also make for a good newbie doctor on Med who’s mentored by Goodwin. Maybe Chicago PD can have her as a rookie patrolwoman who aids the team in cases. Baker can get more of a spotlight here than 911: Lone Star didn’t have time to give her.
Natacha Karam
As feisty Marjan on Lone Star, Natacha Karam was a standout. She bore her Lebanese heritage well while not backing down from either firefighting or the prejudice others threw at her. She also possessed wonderful humor and charm that should lend itself well to a One Chicago show.
Karam’s best fit would likely be Chicago Med as a doctor, maybe one with a brighter outlook than other doctors and has to toughen up a bit. They can still play on her facing some prejudices about her faith and race while allowing Karam to lighten things up, and that same charm is on full display.
Brian Michael Smith
Paul Strickland was a strong character for Lone Star as he was openly trans and did not let that stop him as a firefighter. Smith has been a strong advocate for such matters and that might sway One Chicago to add him on. What’s great is that Smith’s talents would be suited for any role in the franchise.
Whether fireman, paramedic, doctor or cop, Smith could show a nice humor matched by strength, winning the respect of others while fighting to be accepted. Any One Chicago show would be well served to add Smith on, it should make him a great catch for the franchise.
911: Lone Star streaming on Hulu.