Fans of 9-1-1: Lone Star were surprised when Grace Ryder (played by Sierra McClain) left the show in the season 5 premiere. While her departure wasn't handled perfectly, the show is setting things right before the finale!
A Controversial Exit
Getting rid of a main character always is a tricky situation. McClain's exit (due to reported contract disputes) forced writers to find a way to get Grace off the show. They went with Grace joining Mercy Ships, a real charity. While noble, the idea felt weak for several viewers as a justification for the absence of such a core character from the show! Fans did have mixed opinions due to this controversial storyline and were left scratching their heads. Leaving Judd and their daughter Charlie behind didn't feel true to Grace, especially as Judd made huge personal sacrifices before!
Judd's Resentment
But, in an interview with TVLine, Jim Parrack (who plays Judd) shared an amazing update!
Things aren't going to remain smooth sailing. The absence of Grace does more than have viewers guessing! The storyline seems to have taken on a darker side! Fans will see Judd's perspective! And there are some very tense moments in this story!
According to Parrack, viewers are going to be in for a wild ride. Judd's supposed support for his wife Grace may change into something more! Even for a solid, supportive, and loving husband. The new developments help to add tension! Resentment between Judd and Grace makes things far more relatable. Even people who are deeply in love and share a great connection often have these self-interests! Judd's reaction isn't necessarily about leaving Grace, but this adds some complexity that is essential to add this much-needed realism!
Fixing Grace's Departure
It wouldn't be completely realistic for Judd to fully accept Grace's sudden and massive decision, a sudden absence of Grace as this decision impacts their family and life in Texas. The 9-1-1: Lone Star producers clearly understand this!
This means Judd's frustration will finally add layers of realism to Grace's exit and may even provide a resolution to some of the criticisms received, addressing why many found that this element of the story wasn't believable. By letting viewers see Judd show his true colors, and experience all kinds of conflicts within the family unit the series can provide more context. A level of realism that adds much more intrigue.
The 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5 Cast
- Rob Lowe as Owen Marshal Strand
- Ronen Rubinstein as Tyler Kennedy "TK" Strand
- Jim Parrack as Judson "Judd" Ryder
- Natacha Karam as Marjan Marwani
- Brian Michael Smith as Paul Strickland
- Rafael L. Silva as Carlos Tomas Reyes
- Julian Works as Mateo Chavez
- Gina Torres as Tommy Vega
- Brianna Baker as Nancy Gillian
- Kelsey Yates as Skyler Yates
- Isabella "Izzy" Vega
- Evie Vega
- Jackson Pace as Wyatt Harris
For viewers who might be curious as to just what's been going on! The finale of 9-1-1: Lone Star is coming out very soon, marking the end of the 5th season! It's the end of this well-loved series! And now that this situation around Grace's exit is adding this new element that looks more realistic! The whole season appears to be going down as an unforgettable journey of how these individuals bring each other closer together, in all their relationships, whether on-screen or real life. The creators may surprise us with a great ending to this great series!
