9-1-1: Lone Star Can Vilify Grace After Sierra McClain’s Exit

Many were concerned about how 9-1-1: Lone Star would 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 drama TV show created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear is a spinoff of 9-1-1. 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.

Unfortunately, McClain’s Grace left 9-1-1: Lone Star in season 5 as 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 could in 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5, the fall finale revealed otherwise. In episode 9, “Fall From Grace,” Owen discovered Judd 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.

Judd explained that he lost his “center” when McClain’s character left, making Grace’s frustrating 9-1-1: Lone Star exit 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.

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 Star season 5 made a blunder with 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 how 9-1-1: Lone Star wrote out Grace, and since McClain won’t return before the ending, the show can never fix this mistake.