📢 Introduction: Deacon Caught Off Guard
When S.W.A.T. wrapped its eighth season, fans expected news of a spinoff — but only Shemar Moore was announced as returning. Jay Harrington, the face of Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay for eight years, was blindsided. His words stung: this move “wasn’t on my bingo card.” Let’s dive into his reaction.
A Surprise During the Finale Aftermath
Harrington told TVLine he had no idea about Exiles until Shemar Moore reached out personally—the day before the news brokeen.pressbee.net+12collider.com+12ground.news+12ground.news+6geeksided.com+6screenrant.com+6kulr8.com+4cirrkus.com+4timesng.com+4.
“No. No. Not once,” Jay emphasized when asked if spin-off talks ever happened during Season 8 filmingolles.ru+3kulr8.com+3nypost.com+3.
From Deacon’s perspective—and many fans’—this felt like being chair-side during a big pivot…and not getting a seat.
The “Bingo Card” Quote That Spoke Volumes
Jay used a striking metaphor, saying a spin-off after eight ups-and-downs of S.W.A.T. might happen—or that maybe it was really over—but a solo Hondo show?
“Not on my bingo card, for sure.”
That quote cuts deep—this wasn’t unexpected, but unexpected-exclusive.
Hurt, But Not Angry—Understanding His Partnership With Moore
Jay admits he was “stung”:
“As a human being, of course you’re going to feel stung… but it’s show business.”en.pressbee.net+10kulr8.com+10cirrkus.com+10
He doesn’t blame Moore. In fact, he respects Moore’s outreach, calling them “brothers for years.” And still, Shemar texted EVERYONE, ensuring the cast wasn’t blindsided publicly toofab.com+7screenrant.com+7kulr8.com+7.
Boundary Between “Owed” and “Courteous”
Jay revealed he understands it’s a business.
“You don’t get ‘owed’ things just because you put in your time… it’s just a fine line between ‘owed’ and ‘just let me know.’” cirrkus.com+2timesng.com+2nypost.com+2nypost.com+5collider.com+5screenrant.com+5
He just wishes the studio had given them a heads-up—not by entitlement, but by basic respect.
But Jay’s Door Isn’t Closed—Hope Still Exists
Despite his disappointment, Jay says he’s open to returning:
“You never say never. I’d be interested to see if that’s the direction they go… I’ve also had a great time directing over the years.”timesng.com+3geeksided.com+3nypost.com+3collider.com+2kulr8.com+2nypost.com+2
So don’t be surprised if Deacon appears—on-screen or behind the camera.
How David Lim Feels Too
Jay isn’t alone. Fellow cast member David Lim—who played Tan—also shared in a People statement:
“…the rollout… didn’t sting. …it felt like we were brushed aside…”olles.ru+1nypost.com+1nypost.com+2collider.com+2cirrkus.com+2
Final Takeaway
Jay Harrington’s reaction is real and relatable. No bitterness, just disappointment. His words underscore something many fans sensed: Exiles isn’t just a spinoff—it’s a soft reset. But Jay remains professional and hopeful, which shows the kind of loyalty that made S.W.A.T. special in the first place.
🙋♂️ 5 FAQs
1. Did Jay know about the spinoff before the finale?
No—he learned about it only after Shemar Moore personally informed him the day before the public announcementen.pressbee.net+11kulr8.com+11geeksided.com+11.
2. Why does he say it wasn’t on his “bingo card”?
Because after two past cancellations, a season 8 revival was possible—but a spin-off centered only on Hondo wasn’t even in his mental scenario kulr8.com+5collider.com+5geeksided.com+5.
3. Is Jay mad at Shemar Moore?
Not at all. He praised Moore for being the one to tell the cast in person—and checked in afterward kulr8.com.
4. Could Jay return to Exiles?
Yes. He mentioned he’s open to a cameo or even directing episodes timesng.com+2kulr8.com+2nypost.com+2.
5. How did David Lim react?
Lim said the announcement “stung” and that cast members felt “brushed aside” after eight years of commitmentground.news+8collider.com+8cirrkus.com+8.
