For the upcoming 9-1-1: Lone Star fall 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. Throughout Lone Star's final season, Judd has faded to the background, quietly struggling without his wife.

In an interview with Screen Rant's Rachel Foertsch, the 9-1-1: Lone Star showrunner 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, and a return to Judd. Read Raisin's conversation with Screen Rant below:

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¡ªthe 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 absence among other 9-1-1 character exits, which remains a 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¡ªand perhaps retirement¡ªmay 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 the many things that need to happen before Lone Star ends.

Angela Bassett as Athena in 9-1-1 and Rob Lowe as Owen in 9-1-1: Lone Star.
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Raisani confirms that McClain will not return for the remaining episodes of 9-1-1 : 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.

Our Take On Lone Star's Next Episode Title

Building A Thematic Close That Honors The Series' Families And Heart

Judd (Jim Parrack) with his arms folded standing next to a woman in 9-1-1 Lone Star

The layered meaning of "Fall From Grace" feels like a fitting thematic anchor for 9-1-1: Lone Star's next episode. Judd¡¯s struggle with Grace¡¯s absence brings an emotional depth that ties back to the heart of the series¡ªfamily and perseverance. At the same time, the moral failings and redemptive arcs of other characters add dramatic weight, making the remainder of 9-1-1: 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.