For the upcoming9-1-1: Lone Starfall finale, Grace Ryder’s influence will continue to resonate throughout the series despite her absence. Sierra McClain, who played Grace, left the show after the season 5 premiere due to a dispute with the studio. Her character took a prestigious overseas job, creating a pivotal turning point in her relationship with her husband, Judd Ryder (Jim Parrack), who simultaneously retired from firefighting. ThroughoutLone Star’s final season, Judd has faded to the background, quietly struggling without his wife.
In an interview withScreen Rant’s Rachel Foertsch, the9-1-1: Lone Starshowrunner Rashad Raisani spoke about the symbolic significance of the next episode’s title, “Fall From Grace.“Raisani confirmed McClain would not return for the episode,instead hinting at a tense showdown between Carlos Reyes (Rafael Silva) and his partner Ranger Campbell, anda return to Judd. Read Raisin’s conversation withScreen Rantbelow:
Screen Rant:The name of the episode is “Fall From Grace,” which, of course, makes us think of Sierra McClain’s character. Is there anything you can tease about what that title means?
Rashad Raisani:There’s a double meaning. There’s one in reference to Campbell and his fall from grace as a law enforcement officer as Carlos pursues it going into this episode. There’s this guy who’s on the take from criminals and was selling out confidential informants for money and getting innocent people killed.
And then, of course, I’ve been suggesting that we have some big Judd episodes coming up, and I think as we get to the end of the series—the beating heart of this show has been Judd and Grace. Due to [outside] forces, we didn’t have Grace on screen, but certainly, her presence looms large and for nobody more than it does for Judd. What we’re going to see in these last few episodes is the bill come due for Judd’s soul without Grace, and what does that look like? We get the first taste of it in this episode.
What This Double-Meaning Means For Lone Star’s Next Episode
Exploring the Emotions and Morality Behind “Fall From Grace”
9-1-1 Lone Star’s next episode, “Fall From Grace,” captures a dual significance for the next installment. On one level,it highlights Grace Ryder’s absenceamongother9-1-1character exits, which remainsa driving force in Judd’s emotional journey. In episode 7, Judd was seen by his lonesome, drinking off to the side at TK’s birthday party. The firefighter’s coping mechanism—and perhaps retirement—may get called into question.
On another level, the title reflects key moral struggles faced by the characters, particularly those involved in Carlos’ quest for justice after the death of his father, Gabriel. At the end of episode 8, an informant who knew Gabriel warns Carlos to be wary of Campbell, suggesting he could potentially be a mole among the Texas Rangers. Whether or not this piece of evidence actually leads to the identity of Gabriel’s killer,Carlos and Campbell are due for an intense clash, one of themany things that need to happen beforeLone Starends.
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Raisani confirms that McClain will not return for the remaining episodes of9-1-1: Lone Star, solidifying Grace’s move overseas as a permanent change. However, Judd’s storyline will explore how he continues to grapple with her absence, a central emotional thread for the series’ conclusion.
Building A Thematic Close That Honors The Series' Families And Heart
The layered meaning of “Fall From Grace” feels like a fitting thematic anchor for9-1-1:Lone Star’snext episode. Judd’s struggle with Grace’s absence brings an emotional depth that ties back to the heart of the series—family and perseverance. At the same time, the moral failings and redemptive arcs of other characters add dramatic weight, making the remainder of9-1-1: Lone Star’s final season poised to deliver a powerful send-off. While McClain’s absence is bittersweet, her character’s legacy ensures she remains a vital part of the story, even from afar.
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.
