S.W.A.T. showrunner Andrew Dettman has offered insights into a key character’s return following the Season 7 finale. The action-packed drama, which centers on LAPD Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (played by Shemar Moore) and his elite tactical unit, faced an unexpected twist when CBS decided to renew the series for Season 8 after initially announcing Season 7 as its last. While some characters had already made their farewells, one original team member will be sticking around.
In an interview with TVLine, Dettman confirmed that Sergeant II David “Deacon” Kay (played by Jay Harrington) would return for S.W.A.T. Season 8. Dettman revealed that he had initially questioned the decision to write Deacon’s potential retirement into the storyline, especially after the show had already lost two main cast members, Alex Russell (Jim Street) and Kenny Johnson (Dominique Luca). However, Deacon’s return was ultimately confirmed, ensuring his presence in the upcoming season.
“Yeah, he was always going to be there. We knew Jay [Harrington] would be around,” Dettman explained. “I questioned myself a bit with the storyline of him retiring and coming back. After losing Street and Luca, even pretending to lose Deacon felt risky. But I’m hoping it didn’t turn people off—and I don’t think it did. Deacon’s back and is part of the team moving forward.”
Deacon’s Return Follows the Exit of Other Key Characters
In S.W.A.T. Season 7, Deacon’s character experienced a significant internal conflict between his job and his family. Initially, he planned to retire in agreement with his wife, Annie (played by Bre Blair), but he found himself front and center in the season’s final episodes. A major threat to Los Angeles required all hands on deck, and Deacon postponed his retirement due to a delay in processing his paperwork—something Hondo humorously appreciated.
By the end of the Season 7 finale, Deacon and Annie renegotiated their agreement. She recognized that her husband wasn’t ready for retirement just yet, and they reached a compromise that would allow Deacon to continue his role while giving Annie space to focus on her own career. This resolution came after the loss of Jim Street, who had moved on to lead another team, and Luca, who retired due to injuries sustained on the job.
Potential for Guest Appearances by Russell and Johnson
Dettman also hinted at the possibility of Alex Russell and Kenny Johnson returning in guest roles for S.W.A.T. Season 8. While both characters were given fitting send-offs, they are still alive in the show’s universe, leaving the door open for their potential return in future episodes.
For now, fans can rest assured that at least one original member of the team, Deacon, is sticking around for more action in the upcoming season.
