The acclaimed S.W.A.T. television series, after eight seasons, concluded its run on CBS amidst a backdrop of uncertainty, marked by two separate cancellation scares before its ultimate cessation. While the final episodes commendably strove to tie up numerous character storylines and provide a sense of closure, the abrupt nature of the cancellation meant that the series finale was not originally conceived as a definitive end. This left many compelling character arcs and significant plot points unresolved, an outcome that reverberates as fans anticipate the new spin-off, SWAT Exiles.

The creative team behind S.W.A.T. prioritized delivering a high-stakes case for Hondo and 20-Squad in the finale, adhering to the show’s core strength. However, this focus inadvertently meant that revisiting every lingering narrative thread took a backseat. As SWAT Exiles prepares to introduce a new squad, the focus is clearly shifting away from the beloved past cast members of the original CBS series. While Shemar Moore is confirmed to return as Hondo, alongside what are expected to be shorter appearances by Jay Harrington (Deacon) and David Lim (Tan), the fates of many other pivotal characters remain in limbo, leaving dedicated fans yearning for answers.

Eight seasons allowed viewers to deeply connect with the universe of 20-Squad and its evolving members. Characters like Dominique Luca (Kenny Johnson) and Jim Street (Alex Russell) underwent significant transformations, and their journeys were central to the show’s appeal. Unfortunately, the transition to Exiles suggests that many of these cherished loose ends may never find their resolution.

One such poignant storyline involves Dominique Luca. Although his tenure on S.W.A.T. was extensive, underlying issues seemed to contribute to actor Kenny Johnson’s eventual departure. Luca’s exit was particularly traumatic for both 20-Squad and the show’s fanbase. Following a severe on-duty shooting where he sustained multiple hits, Luca suffered permanent nerve damage, a career-altering injury. Rather than transition to administrative duties, a path he had no interest in, Luca chose an early retirement from the LAPD. As a legacy member of S.W.A.T., carrying the weight of a generational commitment to the force, his decision to end his career honorably and pursue new ventures, while understandable given his physical condition, was nevertheless difficult for fans to accept. Luca had been one of the most consistent, steady, and loyal members of the team, making his departure a profound loss for everyone involved. While a cameo in SWAT Exiles isn’t entirely impossible, it is highly improbable that his current whereabouts or ongoing condition will be explored in the spin-off, leaving a significant void in the narrative.

Another lingering question surrounds Jessica Cortez. A prominent figure in the early seasons of the series, Cortez’s abrupt departure at the end of S.W.A.T. season 2 came as a shock. It was revealed that she was embarking on an undercover assignment with the FBI, an engagement initially intended to be temporary but which ultimately evolved into a long-term position. Although actress Stephanie Sigman’s real-life pregnancy accounted for her exit, the in-universe explanation for Cortez’s disappearance left many fans feeling a lack of true closure. The door was left partially open for her return, yet her role was never truly replaced, making her absence a tough pill to swallow. It is highly unlikely that Exiles will revisit Cortez’s story or provide any updates on her post-S.W.A.T. activities.

Even command staff members faced their own unresolved challenges. S.W.A.T. season 8 depicted Hicks grappling with professional difficulties under the intense scrutiny of Deputy Chief Bennett (Merrin Dungey). A perceived “slip-up” led to Hicks’ suspension, yet his invaluable assistance in a subsequent critical case convinced Bennett to reinstate him, acknowledging his significant contributions. While Hicks ultimately retained his position within S.W.A.T., the emotional and professional toll of Bennett’s disciplinary action was clearly visible as the season drew to a close. Exiles might offer a brief update on Hicks’ situation, but fans should not expect an in-depth exploration of his journey after the original series’ conclusion.

The show’s most enduring romantic storyline centered on Jim Street and Chris Alonso (Lina Esco) for the first five seasons. Their relationship was characterized by years of unspoken feelings and palpable chemistry, making it clear to viewers from almost the very beginning that they were destined to be together. The series left them on an ambiguous, albeit hopeful, note, with the implication of an engagement or marriage. Fans had long anticipated a proper return for Street and Chris to witness their happy ending. However, repeated cancellations denied S.W.A.T. the opportunity to bring them back for a conclusive send-off. While the couple is presumably still together, it seems highly improbable that the spin-off will delve into their continued story or facilitate their return, leaving their long-awaited resolution largely to fan imagination.

In the later seasons, after the departures of Street and Chris, Miguel “Miko” Alfaro (Niko Pepaj) and Zoe Powell (Anna Enger Ritch) emerged as integral and entertaining new cast members. Alfaro, an old rival of Street’s who transferred from Long Beach, dedicated himself to proving his worth within 20-Squad. Powell, initially a recurring guest star, became a full-fledged cast member, grounding the final seasons with her humanistic storylines, notably her journey to connect with the son she had given up for adoption during her early years in S.W.A.T. The abrupt ending of the series leaves the future of these characters, who had become anchors for the show’s later narrative, uncertain. Their relationships and individual arcs were just beginning to take shape, and it’s unclear if Exiles will afford them the continuation they deserve.

Finally, the character of Devin Gamble (Annie Ilonzeh), who joined in the final season post-Chris and Street, brought a fresh wave of drama. Gamble’s past, notably her father’s murder of a police officer, created immediate friction and distrust within the LAPD, making her integration into 20-Squad particularly challenging. Despite facing prejudice and outright animosity from officers outside her immediate team, Gamble strove diligently to prove herself. While the series ended on a cautiously optimistic note for Gamble, her position within the team remained somewhat precarious and unstable until the very end. The nuanced complexities of her storyline, and her struggle for acceptance, are yet another thread whose full resolution is now likely to remain unseen, adding to the list of “what ifs” left in the wake of S.W.A.T.’s unforeseen conclusion.