Season 7 of S.W.A.T. wrapped with a dramatic bang in the finale, “Twenty Squad.” Longtime viewers rejoiced when David “Deacon” Kay (Jay Harrington) made a return to the squad. But while nostalgic, many say it was a setup mistake that complicates character arcs and team dynamics. Here’s why that might be.
Deacon’s Journey—From Retirement to Rejoining the Ranks
After plotting his retirement due to family responsibilities, Deacon planned to pass the torch to Tan. However, a catastrophic gas pipeline crisis forced the team into crisis mode, and Deacon was pulled back in (“Crisis required all hands” due to I‑54 paperwork loophole) reddit.com+15looper.com+15parade.com+15aol.com.
Deacon’s wife Annie ultimately urged him to rip up the retirement forms—her sister would help with childcare—leading to his full-time return aol.com. Fans admired this heartwarming family resolution, but is it sustainable?
Why This Return May Be a Narrative Misstep
Undermining a Mature Arc
Deacon’s retirement was meant to signal a major shift—both professionally and personally. Bringing him back immediately makes it feel like his decision didn’t matter at all .
Rushed Resolution in Finale
Many believe the pipeline storyline was a rushed fix to reverse what was originally meant to be a farewell moment. Viewers complained the closing felt forced and disconnected tvinsider.com+15aol.com+15reddit.com+15.
Team Cohesion vs. Character Growth
Deacon’s comeback addressed team unity, but stalled character growth for others (like Tan and Alfaro), who finally found their footing during Deacon’s absence tvinsider.com+15en.manmankan.com+15forums.primetimer.com+15.
Behind-the-Scenes Why It Happened
Show’s Cancellation & Revival
Season 7 was penned as the final season; Deacon’s exit pointed toward closure. However, CBS reversed its cancellation, greenlighting Season 8, prompting narrative course corrections ew.com+5the-sun.com+5aol.com+5.
Producer Pressure to Keep Deacon
With the show spared, writers were under pressure to retain key cast members. Deacon’s return offered nostalgia and emotional impact, even if story logic took a hit reddit.com+15aol.com+15tvinsider.com+15.
Fan & Critic Reactions
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On Reddit, one user noted:
“I didn’t feel like the way old 20 squad went was good.. feels unfinished.”reddit.com+1reddit.com+1reddit.com+4reddit.com+4reddit.com+4
Another added:
“They just don’t gel anymore.” reddit.com -
Some appreciated the excitement:
“I almost cried. Seeing Deacon want to get back on 20-squad really warmed my heart.”tvinsider.com+8reddit.com+8looper.com+8
Opinions remain divided: emotional vs. structurally flawed.
Weighing Emotional Impact vs. Narrative Coherence
A Love Letter to Fans
Deacon’s return delivers a sentimental payoff. It acknowledges the show’s lasting chemistry and rebuilds 20‑Squad’s foundation.
But What About Story Realism?
The abrupt U-turn raises questions: Was Deacon’s retirement ever meant to stick? Does this make future arcs feel less impactful?
What Lies Ahead in Season 8?
With Season 8 confirmed, Deacon’s place in 20‑Squad seems locked—but now paths for other characters (e.g., Tan, Gamble, Alfaro) may take a step back, stalling their development.
Showrunner Andrew Dettman hinted there’s room for fresh faces—Hicks told Hondo he could pick a sixth team member—so Deacon’s return might be part of a rebooted squad balancereddit.com+12tvinsider.com+12forums.primetimer.com+12.
Final Take
Deacon’s return hit emotional chords—and may have saved team morale—but placed a band-aid over a retirement arc rushed due to production changes. As Season 8 rolls out, the real test will be whether writers can reconcile this decision and rebuild momentum for all characters.
FAQs
1. Why did Deacon retire in Season 7?
He chose family over duty, preparing to pass his role to Tan while focusing on his private security work looper.com.
2. Why did he come back in the finale?
A dire pipeline crisis required veteran leadership, reinstatement due to paperwork loopholes, and family approval via Annie’s sister helping with childcare looper.com.
3. Did fans like his return?
Reactions are mixed—some found it heartwarming, others viewed it as an overwritten plot arcen.manmankan.com+15reddit.com+15reddit.com+15.
4. Will Deacon stay in Season 8?
Yes—CBS renewed the show and confirmed Deacon remains part of 20‑Squad going forward reddit.com+15the-sun.com+15aol.com+15.
5. What challenges lie ahead with his return?
Writers must balance Deacon’s return against the growth of other characters and write logically to maintain narrative cohesion.
