Lone Star may defame Grace after Sierra McClain's departure

Many were concerned about how 9-1-1: Lone Star would take care of Sierra McClain's exit in Season 5 and, unfortunately, Her character's absence has created 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 the first season.

Sadly, McClain's Grace is gone 9-1-1: Lone Star in season 5, when the actress decided to leave the series. So the writers had to figure out a way to write Grace in a way that both satisfied the audience and made sense for her character (spoiler alert - they accomplished neither). During the season 5 premiere Judd explained that Grace joined the Mercy Ships to excuse her absence. Mercy Ships is an international faith-based organization that operates non-governmental hospital ships abroad, providing life-saving care. While Grace helping those in need is believable, her leaving her husband and son behind for months is not.

The Rest of Judd 9-1-1: The Lone Star Story Could Make Grace a Villain

Judd has been spiraling since Grace left

Although Judd seemed to be coping with Grace's absence as best he could, 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5's fall finale revealed otherwise. In episode 9, "Fall From Grace", Owen discovered Judd was turning to alcohol to cope with Grace's departure. Drinking seemed to be the only thing Judd could think of to do to cope with his wife's absence. However, Judd knew this wasn't healthy, which is why he told Owen he would stop drinking cold turkey. Only time will tell if this is true.

Judd explained that he lost his "center" when McClain's character left, making Grace frustrating 9-1-1: Lone Star come out even more disturbing. It makes sense why Judd feels this way. However, her downward spiral will only lead people to blame Grace, who abandoned her family in an unusual way, causing her to become the villain many viewers know she is not.

Why it's so hard to accept Grace's decision to leave 9-1-1: Lone Star

Grace's exit is unbelievable

9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5 made a huge mistake with Grace's departure. Of course, your departure is better than your death. But, the reasoning behind Grace's absence just doesn't make sense for the character, as proven by Judd's breakdown in season 5. Grace would not have left her husband alone to raise their daughter and help their son, Wyatt, after the accident. Consequently, it will never be easy to accept how 9-1-1: Lone Star wrote Grace, and since McClain won't return before the finale, the show will never be able to right that wrong.