[VIDEO] Crossover ‘911’: Watch ‘Lone Star’ Characters Meeting the 118

For 9-1-1 showrunner Tim Minear, the process of assembling tonight’s first crossover with 9-1-1: Lone Star mirrored what the characters experience in the harrowing hour: “There were twists and turns and obstacles that I had to overcome”, he tells TVLine. “For a while, it looked like we were going to collapse. But then … we did it. We did it! “

The forest fire caused at the end of last week Lonely Star serves as a catalyst for tonight’s crossover (Fox, 9 / 8c), with several key 118 members – Buck (Oliver Stark), Eddie (Ryan Guzman) and Hen (Aisha Hinds) – driving to Texas to help battle the battle against the fire. “They feel like soldiers showing up to fight a battle together,” explains Minear. “And in the heat of battle, you create a bond. You have to trust that these people will not let you die. “

Watch TVLine’s exclusive preview of the episode below, which features an interesting pair – 9-1-1Hen’s and Lonely StarOwen (Rob Lowe):

And although not all characters from Lonely Star can mix with a transplant from California, the interactions will still be memorable. “You can see fun pairs of characters, which is what you are promised in a crossover,” says Minear. “I was unable to bring all the characters, as [Grace] or [Carlos], but all characters in the episode are served. Every couple has an opportunity to shine and nothing is unnecessary. “

After evaluating the scope of the hour, you will understand why. “It was a great physical undertaking,” says Minear, adding: “It was not possible to use any of our sets standing, so we basically built production from scratch. For example, we didn’t have a mine shaft at hand – so we had to build one. “

So, can the success of this first major crossing lead to more? Minear says: “If I have an idea that may work in a different way, but it will be so emotionally resonant, I will be the first to do it. But I never want to abuse the privilege. “

What are your hopes for tonight 9-1-1/Lonely Star crossover, and beyond? Drop them all in a comment below.