Judd is retiring in 911: Lone Star Season 5 (but what's next?)

There are some big changes coming in the final season of 911: Lone Star. One of those is that the 126 is going to be without its lieutenant. Judd Ryder is going to retire.

This came up at the end of 911: Lone Star Season 4. After his son Wyatt was left paralyzed after a motorcycle accident, Judd faced a life decision. Would he bring in help for his son, or would he take it on himself? If he took it on himself, he would need to take early retirement from the fire service.

That’s what he will do. However, it’s going to be without Grace by his side, as Sierra McClain isn’t returning for the final season.

Judd will feel isolated in 911: Lone Star Season 5

TVLine gives us a hint of things to come for various characters. One of those is Judd, who is definitely retiring from the 126. With Grace gone and Wyatt working as a 911 dispatcher, Judd is going to be left feeling “isolated.”

He’ll have to face some uncomfortable feelings. Could these be linked to why Grace is gone?

Right now, it’s not clear where Grace will be. Showrunner Rashad Raisani hasn’t shared whether Grace is leaving Judd or not, but says that the writers did all they “could to protect her.” This does make it sound like Grace has decided to walk away from Judd, but that wouldn’t make sense with who Grace is as a person. We really will need to wait and see.

Because of whatever is going on, Judd will need to face some “uncomfortable feelings.” There are feelings he doesn’t want to admit to himself. Could it be guilt for retiring? Could it be the feeling of being lost without Grace around?

Could Judd return to the 126 in 911: Lone Star Season 5?

It’s going to be interesting to see how long the retirement lasts. With Wyatt able to work, it’s possible that Judd will realize that he wasn’t needed in the way that he thought he would be. This could lead to him deciding that he needs to return to work.

While Paul and Marjan are going to fight it out for the lieutenant spot, we could see that being for nothing. Maybe Judd will ask if he can come back.

911: Lone Star Season 5 premieres on Monday, Sept. 23 at 8/7c on Fox.