Kenny Johnson Bids Farewell to SWAT’s Luca: A Journey of Emotion and Friendship
In a poignant farewell, CBS’s S.W.A.T. team said goodbye to original cast member Kenny Johnson and his character, Officer Dominique Luca, during the April 5 episode. Contrary to the dramatic promos that hinted at a grim ending, viewers soon learned that Luca survived the multiple gunshot wounds he sustained in the previous episode. However, after a time jump, he received devastating news from a doctor: an MRI revealed irreversible nerve damage from a bullet in his shoulder, rendering him unfit for duty.
Faced with this reality, Luca chose to retire rather than transition to desk duty, culminating in a formal ceremony attended by his fellow officers.
In an interview with TVLine, Johnson shared his reflections on Luca’s emotional sendoff and the feelings it stirred within him.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Johnson admitted that the promotional material caused quite a stir among fans, with many believing his character was dead. “Everyone was freaking out, thinking it was going to be a funeral episode,” he laughed. When asked who took the news harder, he responded, “I think Luca did.” The loss of his identity as a S.W.A.T. officer hit Luca deeply, and Johnson conveyed that the weight of that loss brought him to tears.
Johnson’s longstanding friendship with co-star Shemar Moore enriched the emotional depth of Luca’s farewell scene on the beach. They first met years ago at a party, developing a bond that has only grown stronger over time. “We were like soul mates back then,” Johnson reflected. This shared history added layers of meaning to their on-screen interaction, emphasizing the emotional turmoil Luca faced.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
Reflecting on the final ceremony, Johnson became emotional as he described standing on stage, surrounded by his castmates in dress blues. “It was tough because it’s Luca leaving, but for me, I’m losing these friends that I’ve bonded with for six years,” he said, highlighting the genuine connections formed on set. The farewell was both a goodbye for Luca and a heartfelt “I love you” to his fellow cast members.
A Legacy to Cherish
When asked how Luca ranks among the characters he’s played, Johnson placed him firmly in his top three. He reminisced about his favorite roles, including Lem from The Shield and Kozik from Sons of Anarchy, but noted the special connection fans have with Luca. “You would think we’re part of the Beatles!” he said, recalling the overwhelming fan response during his travels.
Additionally, Johnson shared a personal touch regarding his role on S.W.A.T.: he had the opportunity to work with his daughter, Angelica, who played his character’s daughter, Kelly. Executive producer Shawn Ryan crafted a storyline about dyslexia, knowing it resonated with Johnson’s own childhood struggles. “It’s pretty crazy how far we’ve come since then,” he remarked.
As Kenny Johnson closes this chapter with S.W.A.T., the legacy of Luca will surely resonate with fans and leave a lasting impact on the series.
