The conclusion of S.W.A.T.’s eight-season run on CBS marked a significant moment for its devoted fanbase and cast alike. While the series finale brought closure to many storylines, the subsequent announcement of a spin-off, S.W.A.T. Exiles, sent ripples of surprise, particularly through the ranks of the original show’s ensemble. Jay Harrington, the actor who powerfully portrayed the principled and steadfast Sgt. David ‘Deacon’ Kay for nearly a decade, found himself almost as taken aback by the news as the viewers. His insights offer a candid look into the realities of Hollywood, the bonds forged on set, and the bittersweet nature of career transitions.

Harrington revealed he was kept in the dark about the S.W.A.T. Exiles project throughout the filming of the parent series’ final season. The first official notification came not from the network or his representatives, but personally from his long-time co-star, Shemar Moore, who reprises his role as Sgt. Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson in the new venture. Moore’s text, sent the day before the public announcement, served as a crucial heads-up, a gesture of camaraderie among colleagues who had shared a demanding, successful journey. Harrington recounted Moore reaching out to all the cast members, explaining the developing situation and the potential for their representatives to be contacted soon. This personal touch, while appreciated, also underscored the unusual way the news traveled, with cast members learning of a major franchise development ahead of their own agents.

The core of Harrington’s reaction wasn’t rooted in entitlement but in a profound sense of shared history. “Look, I’ll be very clear. I’ve been in this business for a long time. You don’t get ‘owed’ things just because you put in your time,” Harrington stated, offering a pragmatic perspective on the entertainment industry. His disappointment stemmed purely from the manner of the announcement itself, specifically the omission of any mention of the original cast when the spin-off was revealed. For an ensemble that had dedicated eight years to building the S.W.A.T. universe, fostering deep connections with audiences and each other, a collective acknowledgment would have been meaningful. However, this feeling was fleeting. Harrington quickly recalibrated, refusing to let it diminish the pride he held for eight years of dedicated work and the quality he knew the team had consistently delivered. It was, as he put it, “show business,” a realm where professional decisions often override sentimental considerations.

The original S.W.A.T. series was more than just a procedural; it was a character-driven drama that explored the lives and challenges of an elite tactical unit operating in Los Angeles. At its heart were the relationships, particularly the brotherhood between Hondo and Deacon. Hondo, a charismatic and deeply moral leader, often wrestled with the complexities of his role, bridging the gap between the community and law enforcement. Deacon, on the other hand, served as Hondo’s loyal second-in-command, a family man, and a seasoned operative whose unwavering commitment to duty and his team provided a crucial anchor. Their dynamic, built on mutual respect and shared experience, was central to the show’s enduring appeal. For these characters, and the actors who brought them to life, the prospect of a spin-off featuring one without explicit acknowledgment of the other’s foundational role could naturally evoke a complex emotional response.

Moore later drew an analogy comparing his situation to Tom Brady being traded without his former teammates, an analogy Harrington processed with an understanding born of a long-standing friendship. Knowing Moore’s competitive, sports-oriented mindset, Harrington gave his friend the benefit of the doubt, understanding the intent behind the comparison was not to diminish his former teammates. Instead, Moore was likely highlighting the unique, solitary path he was embarking on, while simultaneously recognizing the caliber of the talent he had worked alongside. Indeed, as Harrington pointed out, if the analogy included iconic figures like Julian Edelman or Rob Gronkowski, it inadvertently elevated the status of the “former teammates” to that of “solid athletes and potential Hall of Famers” in their own right, a testament to the quality of the S.W.A.T. ensemble.

The premise of S.W.A.T. Exiles sees Hondo pulled from a forced retirement after a high-profile mission goes awry, tasked with leading a new, experimental S.W.A.T. unit. This new crew is described as untested and unpredictable, suggesting a deliberate departure from the established, highly cohesive unit seen in the parent series. Filming is set to commence in Los Angeles, bringing back the original show’s substantial 200-person production crew, which provides a comforting link to the franchise’s roots despite the new cast dynamics. The idea of Hondo, a seasoned leader, mentoring a “ragtag crew” certainly opens the door for veteran figures like Deacon to potentially reappear.

When asked about the possibility of Deacon returning to assist Hondo in his new endeavor, Harrington adopted a pragmatic yet hopeful stance. “You never say never, you never close any doors,” he affirmed. He expressed genuine interest in how such a return would be orchestrated, acknowledging that the narrative arc and integration would be key factors. The idea of Deacon, with his wealth of experience, tactical knowledge, and moral compass, joining an “untested, unpredictable” unit could provide a compelling dynamic. He could serve as a mentor, a stabilizing force, or even a strategic asset to Hondo’s leadership, helping to shape the nascent team. Beyond acting, Harrington also expressed an openness to directing, a role he has embraced more over the years, hinting at different avenues for his continued involvement within the S.W.A.T. universe, should the opportunity arise.

Ultimately, Jay Harrington’s reflections offer a nuanced perspective on the evolution of a beloved franchise. It’s a tale of professional transitions, the delicate balance between personal bonds and industry realities, and the enduring legacy of characters like Deacon Kay. While the initial announcement of S.W.A.T. Exiles brought a moment of disappointment, it quickly gave way to a broader appreciation for the journey and an openness to future possibilities. For fans of S.W.A.T., the prospect of seeing Deacon Kay, in any capacity, reunite with Hondo and this new unit remains a tantalizing “never say never” possibility, embodying the very spirit of loyalty and resilience that defined the original series.