S.W.A.T.‘s latest addition to the cast is great for Hondo after the major character exits in season 7. Season 7 saw Kenny Johnson and Alex Russell leave the show. The two actors played Dominique Luca and Jim Street, respectively. Their exits were significant because they were two original S.W.A.T. cast members who had been on the series since 2012. There is no doubt that the S.W.A.T. team will be different once they are gone, but the newest member to join the team will hopefully make up for their exits.
S.W.A.T. season 8 has also come as a refreshing surprise after there were worries that S.W.A.T. season 7 would be the last. Season 8 will have a smaller S.W.A.T. team than in previous seasons, but the cast will still feature strong actors that have made the show so enjoyable and will include new faces as well. Hondo’s team will surely be strengthened by S.W.A.T.‘s latest arrival.
What We Know About Devin Gamble, Annie Ilonzeh’s New S.W.A.T. Character
Gamble And Hondo Have A Significant Past
The cast of S.W.A.T. season 8 will be joined by Annie Ilonzeh, who will play Devin Gamble. Gamble is described as hardworking and devoted. She also has a criminal connection through her father, which adds a sense of internal struggle to her character. While it will likely take time for her to earn the trust of her fellow teammates, her personal struggles and dedication to justice will hopefully ease the transition.
Her arrival at S.W.A.T. is especially significant due to her connection with Hondo. The two first met when both of them were officers with the LAPD and Hondo quickly moved in to protect Gamble when Gamble’s complex family history posed a threat to her. Having Gamble join the team will be refreshing after the exits of Luca and Street because she already has a strong bond with Hondo. She will ease into the team easily with his support.
S.W.A.T. Season 8 Needed A Major New Character After Season 7’s Exits
Season 7 Saw Two Original S.W.A.T. Members Leave
The announcement that Ilonzeh was joining the cast came as great news after both Johnson and Russell left the show. With two major characters gone, there was room for new recruits. Even Jay Harrington’s David “Deacon” Kay almost left S.W.A.T. Deacon’s season 8 exit would have made even more room for new characters and left the team feeling empty. The character exits and arrivals likely stem from the fact that S.W.A.T. was almost canceled after season 7.
Ilonzeh’s Gamble will make a great addition to S.W.A.T., especially as the team needs a new member to help fill the role of Luca and Street. Gamble’s family history and personal struggles will also make for interesting storylines and plots that will propel season 8 and maybe make it the most exciting season yet. Her relationship with Hondo and growing relationship with the other team members will also be something to look forward to.
