Kenny Johnson, who played Luca on S.W.A.T., wasn’t the only one grappling with the emotional weight of saying goodbye. The series, inspired by both the 1975 show and the 2003 film, follows a dedicated S.W.A.T. team navigating chaotic situations across Los Angeles. Premiering in 2017, the show faced cancellation by CBS after its sixth season, but an outpouring of fan support led to a seventh season renewal, which is expected to serve as the show’s finale. Unfortunately, Johnson’s character was forced to exit early due to injuries that led to Luca’s retirement.
The entire cast is preparing to leave the show, but Luca’s departure stands out. In an interview with TV Insider, Johnson opened up about the emotional turmoil his character faced during his retirement ceremony. With immense pressure weighing on him, Luca found it difficult to transition from fieldwork to a desk job, ultimately leading to his decision to say goodbye.
“It’s a tough pill to swallow,” Johnson shared. “I can’t do a desk job. Luca struggles to emotionally accept that he can’t be out there giving his all. He was born into S.W.A.T.; it’s all he’s ever known. His heart and conscience are all about giving, saving, and protecting.”
Johnson reflected on Hondo’s attempts to encourage Luca, saying, “Hondo tells him, ‘You can go out there and meet someone new. You can surf the biggest waves.’ But for Luca, it’s not funny. All I know is it’s being taken away, and I have to accept it.”
Why Did Luca Leave S.W.A.T.?
In the sixth episode of Season 7, titled “Escape,” Luca’s journey takes a tragic turn. After taking Kelly for ice cream, a casual outing ends in disaster when a sudden attack leaves Luca with multiple gunshot wounds and irreversible nerve damage. Unable to secure approval for fieldwork, he faces the choice of a desk job or leaving S.W.A.T. entirely. Unable to reconcile this with his identity, Luca opts to retire after a heartfelt ceremony.
Luca’s early departure is particularly surprising given his longstanding presence on the show. He has been part of S.W.A.T. since its inception, and his exit before the series finale means he was downgraded to a recurring character. This not only ends Luca’s career but also his role in a legacy of S.W.A.T. team members, making his farewell all the more poignant.
The decision to write Luca out early ultimately allowed for a fitting tribute to his character. After the initial cancellation, the renewal provided the opportunity to give each character a proper sendoff. With Hondo likely to take center stage in the final episode, Luca’s earlier departure allows his story to receive the spotlight it deserves. Though tragic, it offers S.W.A.T. a chance to honor his character before the series finale.
