Many were concerned about how9-1-1: Lone Starwould handle Sierra McClain’s exit in season 5, and, unfortunately,her character’s absence has led to some problems that could make Grace the villain.The Fox procedural dramaTV show created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear is a spinoff of9-1-1. It premiered in January 2020 and follows a group of first responders living in Austin, Texas, including McClain’s Grace, who has been around since season 1.
9-1-1: Lone Starseason 5 returns in 2025 with its final three episodes, starting on Monday, January 20, at 8 pm ET on Fox. Its series finale will air on February 3.
Unfortunately,McClain’s Grace left9-1-1: Lone Starin season 5as the actress decided to exit the series. So, the writers had to figure out a way to write Grace out in a way that would satisfy the audience and make sense for her character (spoiler alert — they accomplished neither). During the season 5 premiere,Judd explained that Grace joined Mercy Ships to excuse her absence.Mercy Ships is an international faith-based organization that operates non-governmental hospital ships overseas, providing life-saving care. While Grace helping those in need is believable, her leaving her husband and child behind for months isn’t.
Judd’s Remainder 9-1-1: Lone Star Story Could Make Grace A Villain
Judd Has Been Spiraling Since Grace Left
While Judd seemed to be handling Grace’s absence as best as he couldin9-1-1: Lone Starseason 5, the fall finale revealed otherwise. In episode 9, “Fall From Grace,” Owen discoveredJudd was turning to alcohol to cope with Grace leaving.Drinking seemed to be the only thing Judd could think of doing to deal with his wife’s absence. However, Judd knew that wasn’t healthy, which is why he told Owen that he would quit drinking cold turkey. Only time will tell if that’s true, though.
Jackson Pace
Wyatt Harris
Judd explained that he lost his “center” when McClain’s character left,making Grace’s frustrating9-1-1: Lone Starexit even more upsetting. It makes sense why Judd feels the way he does. However, his downward spiral will only lead to people blaming Grace, who uncharacteristically abandoned her family, resulting in her becoming the villain that many viewers know she isn’t.
Eddie’s 9-1-1 Season 8 Exit Paves The Way For A Final Chance For A Lone Star Crossover
The 9-1-1 season 8 fall finale teased Eddie Diaz’s exit, and his leaving Los Angeles would open up an opportunity to cross over with 9-1-1: Lone Star.
Why It’s So Difficult To Accept Grace’s Exit Decision In 9-1-1: Lone Star
Grace’s Exit Is Unbelievable
9-1-1: Lone Starseason 5 made a blunderwith Grace’s departure. Of course, her leaving is better than her dying. But,the reasoning behind Grace’s absence just doesn’t make sense for the character,as proven by Judd’s collapse in season 5. Grace wouldn’t have left her husband alone to raise their daughter and help his son, Wyatt, after his accident. Consequently, it will never be easy to accept how9-1-1: Lone Starwrote out Grace, and since McClain won’t return before the ending, the show can never fix this mistake.
9-1-1: Lone Star
Cast
A spin-off series of 9-1-1, 9-1-1: Lone Star is an action-drama series created for Fox. The series follows Rob Lowe as Owen Strand, a firefighter from New York City who, after having rebuilt a team in the aftermath of September 11th’s attacks, is brought in to form a new one in Austin, Texas.
