9-1-1: Lone Star season 5 images reveal Carlos' new position as the Fox drama prepares to return for what may be its final episodes. Premiering in just under a month, the 9-1-1 spinoff will have to address the departure of original cast member Sierra McClain who played the pivotal role of dispatcher Grace. But in new photos from 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5, there's a hint of how the high-octane drama intends to proceed.

Entertainment Weekly has released new photos of 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5 ahead of the show's return on Monday, September 23 at 8 PM ET on Fox.

The photos, included above, highlight the new role that Carlos (Rafael Silva) has as a Texas Ranger. In the background of the second photo, which has Carlos shaking hands with Sara Ortiz (Michelle C. Bonilla), Wyatt (Jackson Pace) is the new dispatcher. It's worth noting that Wyatt, the teenage son of Judd (Jim Parrack), has been upped from recurring to a main character.

9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5's Changes Explained

There's A Lot Of Uncertainty Around The Show

Carlos has graduated from the Austin Police Department to the Texas Rangers, which means he'll be following in his late father's footsteps. Rashad Raisani, a co-showrunner and executive producer of the spinoff, mentions to Entertainment Weekly that Carlos' storyline about dealing with the mystery of who killed his dad will be an emotional one rather than just being a procedural matter.

The other major headline, going into 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5, is McClain exiting the role of Grace following failed contract negotiations. The actor has been with the spinoff since its beginning and is married to Judd, who will remain in the series. It seems that these changes may have an immediate storyline impact, as Judd will return to the 126. This leaves Owen (Rob Lowe) with a tough decision as Marjan (Natacha Karam) and Paul (Brian Michael Smith) both apply to fill his position.

9-1-1: Lone Star, which also stars Gina Torres, Ronen Rubinstein, Julian Works, Brianna Baker, along with Kelsey and Skyler Yates, has also been the subject of intense speculation. Although not confirmed by Fox and top executives have so far avoided a direct answer to the question, posts on social media and reports have pointed to the fact that the spinoff won't continue beyond this season. In any case, it seems like the show may be going out on a high.

Source: EW