After an impactful eight-season run, the CBS series S.W.A.T. concluded with an unexpected finale, leaving a passionate fanbase grappling with a multitude of unresolved character arcs and plot threads. Despite efforts to tie up some loose ends, the show’s sudden cancellation, and subsequent revival in a new spin-off format, meant that many beloved characters and their ongoing stories were left in a frustrating state of limbo. As SWAT Exiles prepares to introduce a new squad, the original series’ lingering mysteries cast a long shadow, prompting fans to wonder what truly became of the 20-Squad members they had come to know and root for.

One of the most significant and emotionally resonant unresolved plots revolves around Dominique Luca (Kenny Johnson). A legacy member of S.W.A.T., Luca’s commitment and loyalty were unquestionable, making his exit particularly jarring. Following a horrific on-duty shooting where he sustained multiple injuries and permanent nerve damage, Luca was faced with a life-altering decision. Unable to continue active duty and unwilling to transition to administrative work, he chose early retirement from the LAPD. While his decision made logical sense given his injuries, it was a bitter pill for fans to swallow, especially as Luca had been one of the most consistent and grounding presences on the team. His departure felt like a forced conclusion, driven more by behind-the-scenes circumstances than a natural story progression. The series offered a respectful farewell, but the specifics of Luca’s new life, his adaptation to civilian existence, and his overall well-being remain largely unexplored. With SWAT Exiles focusing on a new roster, it’s highly improbable that viewers will receive any substantive updates on Luca’s whereabouts or his long-term recovery, leaving a significant void in the narrative and a lingering question mark over a foundational character’s fate.

Equally perplexing for long-time viewers is the enigmatic disappearance of Captain Jessica Cortez (Stephanie Sigman). A pivotal figure in the first two seasons, Cortez served as a strong, principled leader and played a significant role in Hondo’s personal and professional life. Her abrupt exit at the end of Season 2, explained by an undercover assignment with the FBI that supposedly became a long-term position, left many fans dissatisfied. While the actress’s real-life pregnancy likely necessitated her departure, the in-universe explanation felt vague and insufficient for a character of her stature. Cortez was never truly replaced, and the narrative consequences of her absence, particularly for Hondo and the broader team leadership, were not deeply explored. Her departure opened up a hierarchical void that was arguably never fully or satisfactorily filled. Fans yearned for a more concrete resolution to her story, perhaps a return, a definitive update, or at least a clearer reason for her sustained absence. Like Luca, it’s unlikely SWAT Exiles will revisit Cortez, further cementing her departure as one of the series’ most notable unresolved questions.

Another story arc that felt incomplete was that of Commander Robert Hicks (Patrick St. Esprit). In the final season, Hicks faced significant professional scrutiny under the watchful eye of Deputy Chief Bennett. A perceived “slip-up” led to a suspension, creating immense pressure on the seasoned leader. Although he was ultimately reinstated due to his crucial assistance in a critical case, the emotional and professional toll of this disciplinary action was palpable as the series concluded. Hicks, a veteran officer who provided steadfast support and guidance to 20-Squad, deserved a more definitive resolution to his professional challenges. Was his position truly secure? Did the experience fundamentally change his approach to leadership? These questions remain unanswered. While Exiles might offer a superficial update, the depth of exploration fans would desire for such a long-standing character is unlikely to materialize.

The central romantic storyline of the series, the tumultuous but ultimately heartwarming journey of Jim Street (Alex Russell) and Chris Alonso (Lina Esco), also ended on a confusing and unsatisfying note for many. Their “will-they-won’t-they” dynamic captivated audiences for seasons, and their eventual engagement seemed like a hard-won victory for a couple that perfectly complemented each other. However, the abrupt nature of the cancellations meant that S.W.A.T. never had the opportunity to properly bring them back for a celebratory resolution, let alone explore their life together as an engaged or married couple. Their story, a significant emotional anchor for the show, was left with an implied “happily ever after” off-screen, rather than a truly earned on-screen conclusion. Their absence from SWAT Exiles further solidifies the feeling that their narrative potential was cut short, leaving fans to imagine what could have been.

Even the newer additions to 20-Squad, Miguel “Miko” Alfaro (Niko Pepaj) and Zoe Powell (Anna Enger Ritch), found their storylines curtailed. Alfaro, an old rival of Street, worked tirelessly to prove himself within the unit after transferring from Long Beach. His journey of proving his worth and finding his place was just beginning to hit its stride. Powell, who evolved from a recurring guest to a full-fledged cast member, brought compelling personal drama, particularly her storyline involving the son she had given up for adoption. These human-centric narratives anchored the later seasons, offering fresh dynamics and emotional depth. Their professional and personal relationships were just taking shape, providing a renewed sense of potential for the team. With the series’ end, the development of their individual arcs and their budding camaraderie within 20-Squad were left in an embryonic state, denying viewers the chance to see these characters fully flourish.

Finally, the challenging integration of Devin Gamble (Annie Ilonzeh) into 20-Squad presented a compelling, yet ultimately unresolved, narrative. Joining in the final season, Gamble carried the heavy burden of her father having murdered a police officer, making her an immediate subject of distrust and prejudice, both within and outside her immediate team. Her struggles for acceptance, her relentless efforts to prove her loyalty and competence, and her resilience in the face of skepticism provided significant dramatic tension. While the series ended on a somewhat hopeful note for Gamble, her journey towards full ingratiation and trust felt far from complete. The stability and acceptance she sought were still precarious, leaving her storyline with a sense of unfinished business.

The abrupt conclusion of S.W.A.T., despite its attempts to provide closure, inevitably left a tapestry of unresolved narratives. For a show that dedicated eight seasons to building a complex world and investing viewers in the lives of its characters, these lingering mysteries represent a significant loss. As SWAT Exiles embarks on its new chapter, it faces the considerable challenge of winning over a fanbase still yearning for answers, while simultaneously trying to forge new connections without the full, satisfying closure of its predecessor’s rich history. The echoes of these unresolved stories will undoubtedly continue to resonate with fans, forever questioning what might have been for the members of the original 20-Squad.