Summary

• Judd resigns as a lieutenant at 9-1-1: Lone Star, creating a leadership vacuum.
• Owen must decide on a new second-in-command between Marjan and Paul amidst tension.
• Judd’s departure significantly affects the firehouse dynamics and family dynamics.

9-1-1 Lone Star has not been on the air in over a year, but the 126 has undergone massive changes during that absence. Fox previously announced that original cast member Sierra McClain would not return to 9-1-1: Lone Star as Grace Ryder. Her on-screen husband will deal with a work-related storyline that may intersect with Grace’s absence. Grace has been Judd’s emotional center throughout the show, and her absence will likely create an intense emotional arc for Judd.

Owen Strand’s (Rob Lowe) 9-1-1 Lone Star team will face a significant shift as Judd leaves the 126. Judd Ryder (Jim Parrack) has been a stabilization figure at the firehouse since the show’s inception. He even took on the role of Owen’s sounding board whenever Owen experienced a crisis. Judd’s absence will reverberate around the station, and family dynamics will shift throughout the show.

Judd Is Resigning As Lieutenant in 9-1-1: Lone Star

Owen Needs a New Second-In-Command

Owen’s team will face a major shake-up as Judd, the only original member of the firehouse at the start of the series, has chosen to resign from his job. Judd is quitting to focus on caring for his injured son Wyatt (Jackson Pace). Owen now has the job of deciding whether Marjan or Paul would make a better second-in-command in Judd’s absence. The two best friends are incredibly competitive, so tension should create an exciting storyline.

Judd’s resignation leaves a gaping hole in the firehouse for several reasons. Judd is arguably the most level-headed of the firefighters on the team. Owen’s temper constantly gets the best of him. Marjan and Paul, while highly competent firefighters, can sometimes be a bit hotheaded. Judd has remained a reasonably steady hand since his initial conflict with Owen. That conflict stemmed more from the survivor’s guilt he felt from the fire than from being unable to handle his emotions in a crisis. Judd was also the most stereotypically “Texan” of the firehouse. It added an interesting contrast to the other members of the team.

Is Jim Parrack Leaving 9-1-1: Lone Star?

How Will Judd’s Story Affect Casting?

According to the official write-up on TVLine, Judd is leaving the firehouse, but not necessarily the show. It mentions him needing to care for his son, which implies that Judd will be on-screen in some capacity. Marjan took a sabbatical from the firehouse last season but still regularly appeared on-screen. The show spent an entire episode focusing on Marjan’s road trip while away from the station. Leaving the station does not automatically mean leaving the series. Nothing has indicated that Parrack is no longer a cast member.

Judd, who was a firefighter his entire adult life, may eventually question his choices and want to return to work.

Jim Parrack will likely stay on the show, but it is unknown if Judd’s decision will reduce his screen time in Lone Star 9-1-1 season 5. While firmly focused on family dynamics, the show still has to contend with the weekly emergencies that will only involve team members. Judd, who was a firefighter his entire adult life, may eventually question his choices and want to return to work. He nobly gave up his job to care for his child, but being a firefighter will always be an integral part of his character.

How Judd’s Decision Further Impacts 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5

How Will The Rest Of His Family View His Decision

The absence of Grace will likely be the result of Judd’s decision. The series must deal with Sierra McClain’s departure. It is unfathomable to think that Grace Ryder would be willing to leave her husband, but it is equally unfathomable that 9-1-1: Lone Star would opt to kill off Grace so soon after Wyatt’s accident. Grace has a young daughter to care for, and Judd’s choice may interfere with his ability to care for his wife and young daughter. While fiercely devoted to her husband, Grace may leave with her daughter for a bit so that Judd can focus on his son.

Judd isolating himself as he takes care of Wyatt would likely cause conflict in their relationship. At the end of 9-1-1: Lone Star season 4 finale, Wyatt hinted that Judd’s hovering was a bit overbearing. Judd could give up his entire family to care for Wyatt, and he may find that Wyatt resents him for it. Judd’s choice could have wide-ranging effects on his family and his work.

Judd’s decision to leave the 126 will significantly impact the show. It will be interesting to see how the show handles Sierra McClain’s departure and how that will relate to Judd’s departure from the team. Grace and Judd have had one of the central romantic relationships of the series. Her departure will change Judd’s outlook on everything, including his role as a firefighter. With all the changes and the potential for this to 9-1-1: Lone Star’s final season, it will surely be full of drama.