9-1-1: Lone Star is one of many shows ending in 2025, and the first responder drama is going big for the final episodes. While it wasn’t known until after filming had wrapped that the series was canceled, Lone Star took a page out of its setting’s book by going big or going home. On top of the “end of days vibes” with a meteor heading right towards Austin, Lone Star has been really honing in on the personal stories and challenges too, like Judd’s reaction to Grace leaving to go on a mission trip. Now, Jim Parrack has recently discussed bringing real-world experiences to his character’s storyline involving alcoholism.

Since the beginning of the show, Grace and Judd were a fan-favorite couple and it seemed like nothing would get in the way of the dispatcher and firefighter. That is until Grace actress Sierra McClain exited ahead of Season 5 following failed negotiations. Her departure impacted the final season so writers had to get creative. That meant showcasing how Judd is really doing without the love of his life which has led to him overworking and drinking. Parrack told Variety that he didn’t want it to be all at once when it came to Judd’s drinking problem and relapse, noting that it wasn’t how it happened in the real world:

In the winter premiere, “All Who Wander,” fans got to see how serious Judd’s alcoholism had gotten. He was in group with Owen, even sharing, and he seemed to be doing well as he was going on almost a month sober. However, it was revealed that Grace was ignoring his calls and texts, which pushed him to drink. It showed viewers that he really wasn’t doing all that well without his partner, and even though he was back at the firehouse doing what he loved after retiring early, it just wasn’t enough.