S.W.A.T. Season 8 may have wrapped the series with style, heart, and a healthy dose of nostalgia—but it definitely didn’t answer everything.
Instead, it left fans with a trail of mysteries, unresolved arcs, and cryptic hints (we’re still thinking about “20-Squad stays liquid”).
So, what did the finale not tell us?
What secrets still hang in the air?
Here are 7 of the biggest unanswered questions left behind after S.W.A.T. Season 8—and what they could mean for the future of the franchise.
1. What Does “20-Squad Stays Liquid” Actually Mean?
Let’s start with the most obvious mystery—and the line that closed the entire show.
“20-Squad stays liquid.”
Sure, it sounds cool. Tactical. Poetic even.
But what does it really mean?
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Are they staying active, but off the books?
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Is it a setup for S.W.A.T.: Exiles?
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Is the unit being disbanded, restructured, or simply redefined?
This single line has sparked a thousand theories. And until we get confirmation in the spinoff or a future CBS statement, it remains one of the series’ most cryptic finales ever.
2. Will Hondo Ever Actually Leave the Field?
Hondo has faced this question repeatedly over the past few seasons: stay in the field or move into leadership?
He’s been a mentor, a father, a team leader, and even a public face for reform. But in the Season 8 finale, he’s still suiting up, still charging into danger.
Will he ever step away?
Or will Hondo remain 20-Squad’s heart until the very end—wherever that is?
The finale gave us no clarity on whether he’s ready to hang up the vest… or whether he ever will.
3. What’s Next for Tan After His Career Shift?
Victor Tan’s arc has been quietly one of the most interesting:
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He’s grown into a leader
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He’s weighed career changes
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He’s hinted at bigger aspirations beyond just tactical work
Season 8 showed him evolving—but didn’t clearly answer what path he’s actually on.
Is he going federal?
Starting a family?
Leaving law enforcement?
With no resolution, fans are left wondering: Where does Tan go next?
4. Was Luca’s Goodbye the Real Deal?
Dominique Luca (Kenny Johnson) had a bittersweet journey in the final season, focusing on training the next generation and reflecting on his place in the team.
While he didn’t get a dramatic send-off, there were subtle signs that he might be bowing out for good.
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So… was that his exit?
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Or is he “staying liquid” too, just in another capacity?
Luca fans deserve closure. So far, they haven’t gotten it.
5. What Happened to Chris Alonso After Her Exit?
Lina Esco’s Chris Alonso left the show in Season 5, and although she’s been mentioned a few times since, we never got a full update on her life.
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Did she expand her women’s shelter work?
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Is she still in touch with the team?
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Did she and Street stay close—or more?
A cameo in the finale would’ve gone a long way. Instead, her character remains in limbo, with fans still hoping for one last check-in.
6. Is Jim Street Truly Done with S.W.A.T. Life?
Jim Street (Alex Russell) was a fan favorite from Day One.
His emotional development, personal growth, and near-loss moments made him one of the most human characters in the squad.
But in the final season, his arc faded into the background. He was still there… but quieter.
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Did he make a decision about his future?
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Is he staying with the LAPD or stepping away?
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And what about his past romance with Chris—was that truly over?
The show never said, and that’s left fans guessing.
7. Was the Finale Meant to Be The End… Or a Soft Reboot?
Here’s the big one: Was this finale really the end of S.W.A.T.? Or a creative pivot?
Because let’s be honest—it didn’t feel like a full stop.
It felt like a passing of the baton, possibly to S.W.A.T.: Exiles or some future revival.
With Shemar Moore confirmed for the spinoff, it’s hard not to see the finale as a soft launch pad rather than a goodbye.
And that means everything we didn’t see—character conclusions, clear endings—may have been intentional.
Bonus Mystery — Will Deacon Finally Retire?
Deacon Kay (Jay Harrington) has been the team’s steady rock from the beginning.
But Season 8 teased the possibility of him stepping back to be with his family.
By the end? Still no decision.
Will Deacon finally take the break he deserves?
Or is his loyalty to the team too strong to let go?
Final Thoughts – Not the End, Just a Cliffhanger in Disguise
The S.W.A.T. Season 8 finale was more of a whisper than a bang. No major deaths. No dramatic disbanding. Just a subtle shift… and a whole lot of questions.
For fans who’ve followed the team for years, that’s frustrating—but also kind of thrilling.
Because maybe… it’s not really the end.
Maybe the final mission is still unfolding—just not on our screens (yet).
FAQs
1. Will there be a S.W.A.T. Season 9?
No. Season 8 was officially announced as the final season. However, a spinoff, S.W.A.T.: Exiles, is in development with Shemar Moore returning.
2. Is Shemar Moore returning to the franchise?
Yes! Shemar Moore will reprise his role as Hondo in the upcoming spinoff series S.W.A.T.: Exiles.
3. What did “20-Squad stays liquid” mean?
It likely means the squad remains active, flexible, and ready—even if they’re no longer officially on the grid. It’s a symbolic way of saying the mission continues.
4. Are Street and Chris ever going to reunite?
Unclear. The show didn’t provide closure for their relationship, but there’s always hope in future cameos or the spinoff.
5. Is there any chance of a reunion special or movie?
There’s no official confirmation, but with the fan base still active and the cast involved in spinoff projects, a reunion isn’t out of the question.
The cases may be closed… but the questions? Wide open.
S.W.A.T. may be off the air, but the story isn’t over.
