9-1-1: Lone Star lost Sierra McClain as Grace Ryder ahead of the season 5 premiere, which was bad news for Judd Ryder’s storyline in the TV show’s last 12 episodes. However, a couple of weeks before the series finale, Judd’s portrayer, Jim Parrack, revealed there is hope for Judd and Grace’s relationship in 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean McClain will return in time for the Fox procedural drama’s ending.

During the 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5 premiere, viewers learned that Grace left Texas to volunteer with Mercy Ships, an international faith-based organization with non-governmental hospital ships. Since then, Judd has struggled to juggle being a single parent, working at Station 126, and supporting his wife’s latest endeavor. Consequently, he turned to alcohol to cope. Judd hit rock bottom in 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5, episode 10, when he lied about his sobriety, lost his faith, and was all-around reckless while on the job. However, at the hour’s end, Judd received a text and call from Grace, which he desperately needed.

Jim Parrack Reveals Judd & Grace’s Reconciliation Is Possible In 9-1-1: Lone Star

As Judd told Grace at the end of 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5, episode 10, she was his “answered prayer.” He was staring at a bottle of alcohol when she called. So, Judd dumped it and finally heard his wife’s voice, which is a great sign for him and his future with Grace. Given their talk, it seems as if the couple’s relationship will be fully mended by the time the show concludes. Plus, it helps that Jim Parrack is optimistic that Judd and Grace will inevitably reunite, and their relationship will be stronger than ever when she does come home. Parrack told Variety:

“…there is this link, this connection to Grace, and the presumption is she’s coming home when her work is done. It’s not a fractured family, she’s just away.”

Following the airing of 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5, episode 10, Parrack previewed his character’s story in the final two episodes of the Ryan Murphy TV show. He confirmed that Judd will get closure and that there is hope for Judd and Grace. Once Grace fulfills her mission overseas, she will return to Texas and reunite with her family. 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5 will end with the knowledge that this latest bump in the road for Judd and Grace will eventually be smoothed out, even if it doesn’t happen onscreen.

Sierra McClain Won’t Return For 9-1-1: Lone Star Finale, Unfortunately

The Showrunner Confirmed McClain Won’t Be Back In Season 5

Although the future is bright for Judd and Grace, the audience won’t get to see their reconciliation by the time 9-1-1: Lone Star ends. While speaking with TVLine, co-showrunner Rashad Raisani revealed that Sierra McClain will not reprise her role as Grace in the season 5 finale. Raisani said getting the actress back was “not for lack of effort,” though.

Based on the 9-1-1: Lone Star co-showrunner’s comments, the producers attempted to work out a deal regarding McClain’s return in the series finale. However, it just didn’t work out, meaning the season 4 finale is officially Grace’s last onscreen appearance. Since the writers didn’t kill off the character, Judd and Grace can still reunite in the 9-1-1: Lone Star universe, but it will sadly have to happen offscreen or be somewhat similar to the couple’s phone call at the end of season 5, episode 10, “All Who Wander.”

Can Judd & Grace Still Fix Their Marriage In 9-1-1: Lone Star?

The Couple’s Reconciliation Will Have To Happen Offscreen

Following 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5, episode 10, it’s clear that Judd and Grace’s marriage is worth saving in the Fox procedural drama series. Yes, Grace’s decision to abruptly leave her family was inconsiderate and selfish (despite the fact that it was technically for a good cause). However, this one mistake shouldn’t be the nail in her and Judd’s coffin.

If 9-1-1: Lone Star has proved one thing, it’s that Judd and Grace are tough and much better together than they are apart, and their future is bright.

Judd must open up to his and explain everything he has been through since Grace left in 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5. Only after that can they work to fix their relationship. If 9-1-1: Lone Star has proved one thing, it’s that Judd and Grace are tough and much better together than they are apart, and their future is bright.