S.W.A.T. Season 8 Makes Two Cast Changes, New Character Details Revealed
Summary
The showrunner ofS.W.A.T.season 8 teases the return of a fan-favorite couple. Even thoughS.W.A.T.season 8will mark a new chapter for the CBS show, there is a lot of fondness for relatively recently departed cast members Alex Russell and Lina Esco. They played Jim Street and Christina Alonso, respectively, with Russell being the more recent departure from the hit action drama.
In an interview withTVLine, ahead of the season 8 premiere at8 PM ET on Friday, October 18,showrunner Andrew Dettman addressed the possibility of fan-favorite couple Street and Alonso coming back for a wedding. Dettman offered an update on Street and Alonso,talking about hopes for them to have an on-screen wedding.Read the full quote below:
“You know, I would love to [do a wedding]. In our minds, Street and Chris are still very much part of the SWAT family.”
“[Street and Chris] are still together, doing their thing. We did that little nod that they’re engaged, always hoping that we would have the opportunity to [follow up with a wedding]. The door is open toallof the characters form the past [to return in some capacity], because I think the audience would love that andwewould love that. The door is open for Luca or Street or Chris to somehow work back into some episodes. I would be thrilled about that.”
S.W.A.T. Perfectly Leaves The Door Open For Jim Street & Chris Alonso To Return
They Got Fitting Send-Offs
Esco, who portrayed Chris Alonso since the start ofS.W.A.T., left the show in part to pursue other career opportunities after five seasons of being on the CBS show. It’s explained that Alonso shifts her focus to running a safe house for immigrant women. Butthe exit is handled amicably, with references to the character and her relationship with Street.
When asked about the chances of characters like Street and Chris returning, even Luca (Kenny Johnson), Moore has echoed that it’s possible because none of the formerS.W.A.Tmainstays were killed off.
Street’s departure fromS.W.A.T.season 7is more of a whirlwind. He works one more final case with Hondo (lead star Shemar Moore) before moving out of L.A. to reunite with Chris. When asked about the chances of characters like Street and Chris returning, even Luca (Kenny Johnson), Moore has echoed that it’spossible because none of the formerS.W.A.Tmainstays were killed off.
Why Did Lina Esco Leave SWAT?
Lina Esco, who played Christina “Chris” Alonso in SWAT, exited the CBS procedural series after season 5 – why did the actor leave the show?
Cast departures on network series likeS.W.A.T.happen for a variety of reasons, whether because the actor wants to move on, for budgetary reasons, or because the story calls for it. Those three key reasons can often be a combination that makes an unpopular exit difficult to avoid. But at least in this case, the possibility of a return remains alive and well.
S.W.A.T.
Cast
S.W.A.T. (2017): This crime-action series follows a locally born S.W.A.T. lieutenant in Los Angeles who must navigate his loyalties between the streets and his duty to commanding a highly-trained unit responsible for resolving challenging crimes. The series explores themes of allegiance, justice, and responsibility within law enforcement.
