Luca’s Journey: A Tough Goodbye on S.W.A.T.
The good news is that Luca (Kenny Johnson) survives a gunshot wound to the chest. The bad news? His time with S.W.A.T. has come to an end.
In his final episode, Luca learns he suffers from permanent nerve damage, making it impossible for him to continue in the field. S.W.A.T. has defined his life, and a desk job just won’t do. After a heartfelt chat with Hondo (Shemar Moore) on the beach, Luca decides to retire.
Kenny Johnson reflects on the emotional journey as Luca faces the reality of leaving S.W.A.T.
Accepting Change Kenny Johnson shares how hard it is for Luca to accept that he can no longer serve in the field. “That’s a tough pill to swallow,” he admits. “Luca can’t imagine doing anything else. He’s devoted his life to saving and protecting others. He feels he has to be out there, even if it means risking his life.”
Johnson compares this goodbye to his previous experience on The Shield, where he faced a similar loss. “It was crushing,” he recalls. “You build strong bonds over the years, and saying goodbye is never easy. But sometimes, it’s necessary for the story.”
Filming the Goodbye Shemar Moore and Johnson share a deep bond, having known each other for decades. When it came time to film their final scene, Johnson felt the weight of their connection. “It felt very real and beautiful,” he says. The two actors brought their genuine friendship into the scene, capturing a moment of heartfelt transition.
An Emotional Farewell Saying goodbye after seven years was particularly emotional for Johnson. “When you look into the eyes of your co-stars, it’s overwhelming,” he explains. “We’ve spent countless hours together, and the love is genuine. It made the farewell even more poignant.”
Bill Inoshita/Sony Pictures Television/CBS
What’s Next for Luca? As for Luca’s future, Johnson expresses uncertainty. “He never planned on leaving S.W.A.T.,” he notes. “Luca has always known his purpose, and now he’s lost in a way.” With options like surfing or starting a food truck, the thought of moving on seems daunting.
A Family Affair Johnson also shares the experience of working with his daughter, Angelica, on the show. Their bond made their scenes together meaningful, especially the emotional moments surrounding Luca’s injury. “Angelica brought so much depth to her character,” he says. “It was incredible to watch her connect with the material.”
His mother, however, had a different perspective. After seeing a promo, she expressed concern over the impact on Angelica. “Mom, it’s just acting!” Johnson reassured her.
In the end, both the character and the actor face a significant change, but the love and memories remain, creating a bittersweet chapter in the journey of S.W.A.T.
