One of the former S.W.A.T. cast members has stated that the new spin-off, S.W.A.T. Exiles, must resolve a specific storyline from the past. The original series began in 2017, featuring an LAPD SWAT team navigating high-pressure missions.
In the most recent episode of Debunking AI by ScreenRant, Annie Ilonzeh, a former member of the S.W.A.T. cast, who portrayed Devin Gamble, discussed the need for the spin-off to resolve the cliffhanger with Devon’s brother, Leon. She says that many of her interactions with fans revolve around conversations about the twins. Ilonzeh also says she would be open to returning to explore the relationship further.
ScreenRant: Was Devin Gamble’s storyline resolved within the last season of S.W.A.T., or do you hope to see more of her story?
Annie Ilonzeh: The show did leave on quite the cliffhanger! Her brother [Leon] really disappointed her, lied, and ended up being shady. I think he’d really have to prove himself to her that he’s not mixed up in the shady stuff. I mean, it calls his name, and they’re twins. Not only is that her brother, but they are from the same [womb]. So, she was heartbroken, for sure. It would be really nice to explore that as those two.
As I’ve moved around in the world and just talked to people who have seen the show, they really love that dynamic between Devon and her twin brother, so it would be so nice to explore that even more. We don’t really know where those two will go, in terms of family or friendship, so it would be nice to explore that, for sure.
ScreenRant: Would you be open to returning, either if the series gets an unexpected revival or through the upcoming spin-off project?
Annie Ilonzeh: Yeah, I’ve said it so many times, and I’ll continue to say it. It was one of my favorite projects to work on and one of my favorite shows. The cast, the crew, the storylines, the character, the action, the impact that it has on the viewers – on me and even my family, personally. They really loved watching this show too, as a whole, not just because I was on it.
Whichever form it returned in would be something that I would jump on for sure to get back into gear and do my thing.
What Annie’s Comments Mean For The S.W.A.T. Spin-Off
Annie’s statement suggests that even the former cast members of the original show have high expectations for the spin-off, S.W.A.T. Exiles. Fans may also hope that the upcoming spin-off addresses the lingering character arcs from the finale of S.W.A.T. season 8.
Utilizing these unresolved plot points could help build excitement and momentum for S.W.A.T. Exiles, potentially attracting a larger audience. By addressing past cliffhangers and concluding certain character arcs, the writers could secure a strong viewership for the new spin-off.
Production for S.W.A.T. Exiles is planned to begin in late August 2025.
S.W.A.T. has always been known for its tactical action. However, the writers have the opportunity to make S.W.A.T. Exiles different by incorporating character-driven drama from the start, giving viewers what they desire. Annie’s remarks may also be seen as a hint of things to come.
Our Take On Exploring The Dynamic Between Devin & Her Twin Brother
It’s understandable why Annie wants a conclusion to the storyline in which she was involved. The popular actress has a deep attachment to the S.W.A.T. universe and regards it as one of her favorite shows. She is eager for the show to bring closure to the journeys of her character, Devin, and her twin brother, Leon.
The fact that their character arcs weren’t resolved in the original show leaves her feeling that there is more to be told. It would be amazing if the writers took her concerns into account and resolved some of the remaining plot points and cliffhangers in the S.W.A.T. spin-off.
