No, but it’s complicated. In Season 8, Episode 18 (“Exploited”), Deputy Chief Leticia Bennett pushes Hicks toward the brink—threatening a reassignment to a lesser unit. Rather than accept the demotion, Hicks resigns from S.W.A.T.entirely. He chooses retirement, not reassignment, effectively ending his time with the unit. (turn0search1, turn0search6)
🧾 What Happened to Patrick St. Espirit’s Character?
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Deputy Chief Bennett grew hostile toward Hicks after he had earlier contributed to her husband’s job loss.
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She begins investigating SWAT and undermining Hicks’s command, pressuring him to either step aside or be moved to lead a new “art theft unit”—a role he finds beneath him. Hondo confronts Bennett to save Hicks, but the pressure proves overwhelming.
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Ultimately, Hicks resigns rather than burn out in a desk job. He vacates SWAT at the close of Episode 18. He’s written out just before the series finale. (turn0search7, turn0search1, turn0search6)
🧩 What Fans and Critics Are Saying
Character Impact & Fans’ Love
Commander Hicks has long been praised as a quietly powerful presence:
“Hicks is the one who keeps the team together behind the scenes… he cares about his officers.”IMDb+15Reddit+15olles.ru+15TheTimes.com.ng+5Screen Rant+5olles.ru+5Precinct TV+8Parade+8Screen Rant+8
Reddit fans express concern over his future fate, calling Bennett’s push against him unjustified, and worry that his career is ending under unfair conditions. RedditReddit
Critical Perspective: A Disappointing Farewell
Reviewers argue the timing was poor—since the show was canceled, the storyline around Hicks’s replacement never plays out. His resignation feels anti-climactic, robbing fans of meaningful closure. Screen RantScreen Rantolles.ruScreen Rant
🧭 Summary: Is Commander Hicks Leaving S.W.A.T.?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Hicks exit the show? | Yes—he resigns in S8 Episode 18 rather than accept reassignment |
| Was his exit voluntary? | Yes—he chooses retirement over a demotion or career derailment |
| Does he return before finale? | No—he doesn’t appear in further episodes, though Hondo and team address his departure |
| Why is his resignation controversial? | With no Season 9, there’s no payoff for the “new blood” storyline; fans feel it lacks closure |
✅ Final Take
Commander Robert Hicks isn’t leaving due to injury or illness—he resigns under pressure, rather than stay on in a diminished role. The storyline reflects internal politics (through Deputy Chief Bennett’s vendetta), but given S.W.A.T.concluded with Season 8, audiences never got to see new leadership or a transition arc payoff. Many feel this diminishes one of the show’s most steadying presences.
🙋 FAQs
Q1: Did Hicks retire or was he fired?
He resigned voluntarily, choosing retirement after Bennett’s attempt to demote him.Reddit+14Reddit+14Reddit+14IMDb+14Screen Rant+14olles.ru+14RedditReddit+1Reddit+1Parade
Q2: Does he appear in the final episode?
No—he’s written out in Episode 18 and doesn’t feature in the series finale. swatcbs.fandom.comolles.ru
Q3: Why was Deputy Chief Bennett targeting Hicks?
She blamed him for her husband losing his job and used her internal authority to force his reassignment or removal.Parade
Q4: Will S9 have been different for Hicks?
If S.W.A.T. had a ninth season, Hicks likely would have stayed as Commander or turned over to Garrison leaders like Hondo or Deacon. His arc would have had more closure. Reddit+15Precinct TV+15Screen Rant+15
Q5: What do fans think of his exit?
Many fans find his departure unfair and rushed, especially since the show ends immediately after, leaving little emotional payoff.
