David “Deacon” Kay, played by Jay Harrington, has long been a fan-favorite character in the hit police procedural S.W.A.T., and the possibility of his retirement in season 7 left many viewers feeling disappointed. As one of the Los Angeles Police Department’s most experienced and reliable S.W.A.T. members, Deacon’s calm leadership and unwavering loyalty have made him a cornerstone of the show since its debut. So, when the storyline hinted at his departure, fans were left on edge.
In the early days of the series, Deacon, despite being the most senior member of the team, was passed over for promotion to team leader in favor of Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson Jr., played by Shemar Moore. While initially disheartened, Deacon quickly proved his professionalism, becoming one of Hondo’s most trusted and loyal allies. Over time, Hondo regularly turned to Deacon for advice, and when higher-ups attempted to undermine Hondo’s leadership, Deacon fiercely defended him, showing his deep commitment to the team. Naturally, when season 7 teased Deacon’s retirement, viewers were upset at the thought of losing such an integral character.
Season 7: Deacon’s Retirement Drama
Season 7 introduced the possibility of Deacon’s retirement, leaving fans to wonder if the beloved character would be exiting for good. In early episodes, it’s revealed that Deacon had been contemplating retirement, with Hondo learning from Deacon’s wife that he had been talking more and more about stepping away from the dangerous job. After a harrowing hostage situation in episode 8, titled Family Man, the emotional toll of the work began weighing heavily on Deacon.
By episode 10, titled SNAFU, Deacon opens up to fellow team member Victor Tan (David Lim), revealing that he’s preparing to retire and wants Tan to take over as the instructor for the S.W.A.T. academy class. By the episode’s end, Deacon hands in his badge and clears out his locker, signaling his departure from the team.
Deacon’s absence was felt in episode 11, but in a surprising turn of events, he returns in the final two episodes. When a group of violent eco-terrorists stages a kidnapping, Deacon is called back to duty, realizing by episode 13 that he cannot bring himself to retire just yet. This decision thrilled long-time fans, who cherish Deacon’s role as one of the last remaining original characters, providing continuity and emotional depth to the series.
Behind the Scenes: Why Deacon’s Retirement Was Reversed
The sudden shift in Deacon’s retirement storyline may have stemmed from S.W.A.T.’s original cancelation in 2023. Due to licensing issues between CBS and Sony, the network initially announced that season 7 would be the show’s last. Given this, the writers likely planned for Deacon’s retirement as part of the series’ final farewell. However, in a twist of fate, the show’s ratings surged in season 7, leading to CBS reversing its cancelation decision and renewing S.W.A.T. for season 8.
With the show saved, the creators had to quickly pivot, reversing Deacon’s retirement plot to keep him in the series. Jay Harrington was vocal about his excitement for the renewal, posting on Instagram about his joy that S.W.A.T. would continue. When asked about his character’s role in the upcoming season, Harrington playfully dodged specifics but assured fans, “I’m not going anywhere.”
Deacon’s Future in Season 8
As S.W.A.T. prepares for its eighth season, the decision to bring Deacon back feels like a necessary move to maintain the heart of the show. Although his retirement storyline now seems a bit unnecessary, fans are undoubtedly relieved that Deacon remains a key part of the team. His steadfast presence and the dynamics he brings to the S.W.A.T. squad have been crucial to the series’ success.
While Deacon’s near-retirement added drama to the season, it also reinforced just how vital he is to the show’s core. With season 8 on the horizon, it’s clear that Deacon’s story is far from over, and fans can look forward to seeing him back in action, continuing to guide the team through whatever challenges lie ahead.
For now, viewers can rest easy knowing that S.W.A.T. and its beloved Deacon Kay aren’t going anywhere.
