Let’s be real — this one hurts.
We’ve followed the S.W.A.T. journey since day one. Through high-stakes missions, personal sacrifices, and tight-knit team dynamics, the original 20 Squad became more than characters. They became family — to each other and to us, the viewers.
So finding out they won’t be reuniting for the grand finale? Yeah, it feels like a slap in the face.
Why the Original 20 Squad Meant So Much
Hondo, Street, Chris, Luca, Tan, Deacon — That’s the Core
These weren’t just any characters thrown into a tactical vest. They had depth. They had history. They had chemistrythat made you believe they were fighting for more than just justice — they were fighting for each other.
It Wasn’t Just About Action — It Was About Bond
The 20 Squad wasn’t all explosions and takedowns. Their bond added heart to the show. From locker room talks to life-saving moments, their connection grounded every episode.
The Emotional Investment Runs Deep
Fans Have Stuck Around for Years
Eight seasons is no joke. We laughed with them. Cried with them. Watched them fall apart and come back stronger. To not have that full-circle moment at the end? It’s like reading a gripping novel and someone rips out the last chapter.
Chris and Street’s Exit Hit Hard — Now This?
We already had to say goodbye to Christina Alonso (aka Chris) and Jim Street. It wasn’t easy. But fans held on, thinking maybe… just maybe… they’d return for the finale. That dream? Gone.
Let’s Talk Missed Opportunities
No Full Squad Reunification Arc? Seriously?
Imagine it: Hondo calling in the OG squad for one final mission. Emotional callbacks. Old inside jokes. Heartfelt “one last ride” moments. This could’ve been epic. But instead? We’re stuck wondering what could’ve been.
Where’s the Fan Service When It Matters Most?
S.W.A.T. doesn’t owe us fan service every episode — but the finale? That’s the time for payoffs. The time to give fans something that feels earned. Instead, it feels like a chapter is being closed with several characters still off the page.
The Business Side: Why CBS Might’ve Dropped the Ball
Budget Cuts or Scheduling Conflicts?
Sure, maybe the decision was tied to contracts or budgets. Maybe certain actors weren’t available. But if there was anyway to make it work, you’d think the showrunners would move mountains to get them back — even for one final shot.
Did CBS Underestimate Fan Loyalty?
This isn’t just about characters. It’s about closure. The fact that this decision was made despite fans vocally asking for the return of the OG team? Feels like CBS misread the room — badly.
What This Finale Could Have Looked Like
A Tactical Team-Up
Hondo receives intel on a mission too big for his current squad alone. He calls the originals back in. Street, Chris, Luca, all stepping out of the shadows, suited up and ready.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
Post-mission, the team gathers. One final debrief. A toast. Silent nods between old friends. Maybe even a locker room scene that echoes the pilot episode. That’s how you honor eight seasons of storytelling.
But Instead, We Get… Silence?
There’s still no confirmed full reunion. And time’s running out. Unless CBS is hiding a massive surprise, it looks like the finale won’t include the full team that built this show from the ground up.
Fans Are Speaking Out — And Loudly
Social Media Reactions Have Been Brutal
Twitter (sorry, X) is flooded with comments like:
“What’s a S.W.A.T. finale without Street and Chris? Not my 20 Squad.”
“CBS had ONE job. Reunite the team. That’s it.”
Reddit Threads Are Calling for a Reshoot
Yep. Some fans are even suggesting CBS delay the finale and bring everyone back for a proper goodbye. That’s how passionate this fandom is.
How This Hurts the Show’s Legacy
The Final Chapter Defines the Whole Book
You can have eight brilliant seasons, but if you botch the ending? That’s what people remember. Without a proper send-off for the OG crew, S.W.A.T. risks ending not with a bang, but with a frustrated sigh from its biggest supporters.
Future Reruns Will Feel Bittersweet
Fans who rewatch the show in the future will do so knowing the ending didn’t include the reunion it so clearly deserved. That shadow will linger over even the best moments.
What Fans Really Wanted — And Still Do
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One last mission for the full team
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Closure for all major characters
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Acknowledgment of the original squad’s impact
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An emotional goodbye scene, not just a mission wrap-up
Is There Still Hope for a Surprise?
Never say never. Shows have pulled off last-minute reveals before. But as of now, the chances are slim. If the show does sneak in a cameo or a surprise return — even for a moment — it could salvage a lot of goodwill.
Final Thoughts: We Deserved Better
We invested years in this show. All we asked for was a chance to say goodbye to the characters we grew up with. The team that gave S.W.A.T. its soul.
Not getting that? It’s not just disappointing — it’s devastating.
Conclusion: The Finale Without the OG 20 Squad Feels Incomplete
Let’s call it what it is — a missed opportunity of epic proportions. The absence of the original 20 Squad in the final episode of S.W.A.T. is a gut-wrenching letdown for fans who stood by the show through every twist and turn.
Whether it was because of contracts, schedules, or something else behind the scenes, one truth remains:
We deserved a full-circle ending. One with heart. One with history. One with them.
The door may be closing, but that doesn’t mean the legacy of the original team won’t live on — in reruns, rewatches, and the hearts of fans who never stopped caring.
FAQs
1. Why isn’t the original 20 Squad returning for the S.W.A.T. finale?
While no official explanation has been given, it’s likely due to budget, scheduling conflicts, or creative decisions by CBS and the showrunners.
2. Which original members are confirmed to be missing?
So far, it appears that key characters like Jim Street, Chris Alonso, and potentially others won’t be present in the finale episode.
3. Is there any chance of a surprise cameo in the finale?
While unlikely, the door isn’t completely closed. Shows have pulled off surprise appearances before — fans are holding out hope for one last twist.
4. Has CBS responded to fan backlash about the finale?
As of now, CBS hasn’t made a public statement regarding the absence of the full original squad, despite vocal fan disappointment online.
5. Could there be a spin-off or reunion special in the future?
Nothing is confirmed, but if fan demand stays strong, it’s possible we could see a reunion movie or spin-off featuring the OG squad down the road.
