As S.W.A.T. gears up for its seventh and final season, fans can expect some significant shifts in the show’s dynamic. With the conclusion of beloved character arcs on the horizon, not all cast members will make it to the series finale.
According to TVLine, original cast members Kenneth “Kenny” Johnson, who portrays Dominique Luca, and Alex Russell, known for his role as Jim Street, have been demoted to recurring roles for the upcoming season. This surprising move comes as both actors have been with the show since its debut in 2017.
Showrunner Andrew Dettmann explained the reasoning behind this decision, attributing it to the show’s limited 13-episode order for the final season. He emphasized that this format allows for more focused storytelling, with episodes dedicated to the development of their characters and storylines.
With a large ensemble cast, wrapping up all character arcs presents a unique challenge. However, the show’s finale is expected to be more gradual rather than rushed, allowing for a more thoughtful goodbye. Dettmann expressed the importance of giving each character a proper farewell, ensuring none feel “underserved.”
Interestingly, the future of S.W.A.T. was once uncertain. CBS had initially decided to cancel the show, only to reverse the decision and grant it a final season to tie up loose ends.
While the showrunner seems content with the series’ conclusion, star Shemar Moore remains optimistic about a potential revival. He hinted that the door might still be open for S.W.A.T. to return, suggesting an ambiguous ending that could lead to future possibilities.
In other casting news for Season 7, Anna Enger Ritch has been promoted to series regular, taking on a more significant role as Officer Zoe Powell. She will join Moore, Jay Harrington (David Kay), David Lim (Victor Tan), and Rochelle Aytes (Nichelle Carmichael) as part of the main cast for the final season.
As fans await the premiere, set for later this month, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. With the promise of focused character development and emotional farewells, the final season of S.W.A.T. is sure to leave a lasting impression.
