‘S.W.A.T.’: Deacon Makes Decision About Retiring — Why That Could Still Change
Spoiler Alert
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for S.W.A.T. Season 7 Episode 8 “Family Man.”]
It looks like Deacon (Jay Harrington) has made his mind up about his future with S.W.A.T. after the Luca’s (Kenny Johnson) shooting and subsequent retirement left him questioning things. And while he had been waiting to talk to anyone except for Hicks (Patrick St. Esprit), he and Hondo (Shemar Moore) do have the conversation they probably should have had sooner in the latest episode.
It’s all because Deacon’s wife Annie (Bre Blair) spilled to Hondo’s wife Nichelle (Rochelle Aytes) about the plans. Just as Hondo’s lamenting the loss of the “core” group—while looking at a photo from back when Chris (Lina Esco, who exited in Season 5) was still on the team—Nichelle reveals that it really could be “the end of an era” if Deacon does retire, too. At first, Hondo doesn’t think it’s true, since Deacon hasn’t talked to him, but when he confronts him at work, he realizes he is planning to leave.
“It’s complicated. It’s something that Annie and I talked about before Luca got shot,” Deacon shares. “I know this is bad timing, but I wanted to honor my promise to Annie, and then with the uncertainty of Luca’s recovery, I put off saying something.” But as Hondo reminds him, “we are a family.”
Deacon just “didn’t want to burden you with losing another team member,” he explains. “I hate thinking I’ve created another problem for you to have to solve.” But since he’s not planning to stay, Hondo points out, “it’s something I still gotta deal with.”
After the case is wrapped—Deacon’s taken hostage at one point, but Hondo’s able to get a message through to him he knows he’ll understand to help them on the outside—the two do talk again, after Hicks talks to Deacon about people who always put everyone else first, something “you can’t do forever” because “it’ll eat you up from the inside.”
Deacon apologize to Hondo because he didn’t want him to hear from anyone else that he was retiring. But “that’s not what had me thrown,” Hondo says. “You were on this team when I joined. I don’t know what 20 Squad looks like without you on it.” For Deacon, “S.W.A.T. has been the priority in my life for a long time. It’s time to make a change.” He’s giving his formal notice, sticking around for a few weeks to help with the transition. Hondo doesn’t say anything after that, but when he goes home to Nichelle, he’s clearly upset. The episode ends on the photo of the old team.
But remember, this was planned to be the final season. CBS renewed it for an eighth season just one day before this episode aired, so it’s entirely possible that Deacon ends up changing his mind. Because let’s face it: Just like Hondo, we can’t imagine 20 Squad without Deacon.
What do you think? Do you think Deacon will really retire? Let us know in the comments section, below.
S.W.A.T., Fridays, 8/7c, CBS
Conversation66 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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O
Deacon needs to stay. He, along with Hondo, Is the glue that holds the team together. He and Hondo are close like brothers. They need each other, and the team needs their combined experience and wisdom.
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O
No, Deacon Has to stay and Street, Chris and Luca have to return, also. They are all what everyone fell in love with from the start.
31 1
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C
I hope he doesn't, there is hardly any original cast left. When you ha e watched the show from the beginning its hard not to stay attached to the original cast. Show already doest seem right the Luca , Street and Chris being off the show , now take Decan a d you only have Hondo left. I love all the original ones and hate seeing them all leave.
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Still have Tan
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G
I love the original cast of swat please stay Jay Harrington and please bring back cris and Luca the original cast is amazing 🥰❤️🌹
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B
I agree they need to bring back street and cris. And Luca, the team isn't the same without everyone. Don't retire Deacon. There are so many families with both parents working. Come on now!!
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C
Hire a babysitter for the kids. Let Deacon continue to work.
19
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O
The storyline behind him retiring is ridiculous. It's as simple as you stated, hire a babysitter!
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R
If there is no Deacon (Jay Harrington) next season they might as well end after season 7. I won't watch it without Deacon. They have already lost to many. But please not Deacon!!!
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G
I agree with you absolutely 💯 👍🏽
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C
Now that S.W.A.T. has been renewed for a season eight, I'm interested to see how they undo all of these goodbyes. This cast is what got the show renewed, so I don't think a whole new team is feasible. They can definitely explain this all away, as long as the actors are willing to return.
18 1
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G
Exactly!
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B
I think that his wife Annie should stop making him feel guilty about being SWAT so him quitting to stay home with the kids wasn’t what was agreed on! When Annie was sick he held it down, now she wants a career at the expense of her man and the job that held them down….I THINK they need to find another way that accommodate them both cause her being a lawyer isn’t a bad thing but Deacon leaving SWAT is, because he is not ready and neither is HONDO he is losing everyone I’m sure that was only because it was being canceled but now that it’s not get some fresh writers and add some new actors to the menu and GIVE LOU FERRIGNO JR more screen time Gay or not he is a great actor on 911 as well.
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Agreed!!! I was actually a bit upset that Anne hit him so hard because he didn't answer the phone when she called when their son was sick at school etc. She has family to call. There's always ways to work around. Hope Deacon stays!!!!
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O
😡Don't understand why there is a season 8. Without Street, Luca and Deacon, it's not worth watching. The characters made the show. CBS should have ended it.
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G
Please let Deacon stay!!!!❤️
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P
I don't want jay to leave he's my favorite it will not be the same I hope they change his mind
5
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B
Deacon needs to say and please bring back Street and figure a way for Luca to return (maybe an innovative medical procedure)
4
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R
Deacon must stay! It wouldn't be the same without him. Actually need to bring everyone back!
4
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B
We love SWAT we miss Street and Luca please dont.Deacon
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G
I don’t think deacon would leave I hope he decides to give hondo one more year then retire please Jay give shemar one more year ❤️🥰🌹
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O
I love swat. I would hate for the show to end.. I don’t want any of them to go. They are a team……
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B
Deacon needs to stay for the team and for mancandy fans!
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S
No no no to his retirement! Love him & Hondo. Its bad enough that the show has let go of many on the team! So happy it was renewed. Dee plz do not retire! Wifey knows you are Swat’s glue!
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O
Don’t want Deacan to retire . Show would not be the same without him . Done loss 2 don’t want to lose him too. Love this show .
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S
They have actually lost THREE! Chris, Street, and Luca. If they lost Deacon, that would be 4, and we just can't have that!!!
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G
Since show renewed for another season -I bet he stays!
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C
No deacon will stay
I know why but will keep it to myself
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C
I think Deacon will stay, as well as Street returning. Great show!
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O
As various have written, 'cause this was considered last season those that started & made the show( minus Hondo) have exited. The show will never be the same. After Luca left, resigned the fate of the show. Now Deacon?, not'ing left except Hondo(& Tan).
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R
I am so disappointed with CBS. It has been the reason I have put off buying apps. CBS WAS the Tiffany Network for a REASON!!! I have watched ALL THE NCIS PROCEDULES NCIS: NEW ORLEANS & NCIS:LA....THEY CANCELLED LL COOL JAY? WHO DOES THAT? CBS. They have cancelled THEM ALL except the original...so glad they have kept original one. I just can't imagine that you cancel when the NCIS BRAND HAS BEEN #1for over 20 yrs. So, I've moved to the CHICAGO ONE BRAND AT NBC.....I NEVER WATCHED NBC before but they seem to be smarter about their brands. SEAL TEAM WAS GREAT & THEY CANCELLED IT!!!
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G
I really hope Deacon does not retire, the show will not be the same without him, it's already a loss without Lucas, the show will definitely not be the same sad 😢
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G
I hope Deacon stays and Chris, Street and Luca return, they're the ones who made S.W.A.T so popular and real. They're the team that Hondo built and this is my favorite show of all times. I watch it on CBS and Netflix every week. Thanks for giving the team another season and hopefully many more to come.
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O
Get rid of Cabrera and Zoe and keep Deacon.
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O
I pray he doesn’t retire! Hire someone to help out at home with the kids! And Luca can come back to at least drive Black Betty and work in control room!!!
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P
I think and hope Deacon changes his mind. Already miss Lucas and Street! Love this show and there aren’t as many wonderful shows like this anymore.
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R
I hope the original team comes back also, they can make like Luca is secretly doing rehabilitation on his own and gets mobility back in his arm and shoulder. If the 8th season turns out to be the last , we as TRUE FANS would the old squad back TOGETHER.
#GLAD2HAVEANOTHER SEASON
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O
I want Deacon, Cris and Lucas to stay on
the show. I have watched from the beginning. Please keep the original cast.
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B
Why should Deacon have to retire because Annie wants a career! Get a babysitter like other people do! SWAT won't be the same if Deacon goes. It's bad enough that the other characters have left
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G
I hope he stays on.
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O
I hope they can find a way to bring back the cast. I can't imagine the show without Street, Luca, or Deacon.
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G
I think they should bring back Luca & Street. Deacon should stay too.
It won't be the same without them all.
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O
I want
Deacon (Jay Harrington) to stay with SWAT.
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O
Deacon needs to stay, show would not be the same without him
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O
Deacon will be back. I think his wife will realize that after some stressful and dangerous cases she takes on she realizes she is not cut out for it and will return home where she realizes she belongs.
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R
Get rid of Hodos Significant other She's not worth nothing
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R
If you writer want to get rid of all the good ones that make the show, then go ahead and end the show altogether yawl are ridiculous dude! And Annie she is a selfish piece of work let me yell you, I agree with everyone about her, Deacon was there held down the fort when she was very sick worked took care of the kid's. Get somebody in the house to help you or put your foot down to Annie STOP being afraid to stand your grand with her just because you love her! Maybe it's time to leave her selfish human being. Bring back Street and Chris and do not let Lucca GO!!
YOU Writers need to think and your not...
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O
Bring back Luca and deacon should stat, don't mess up a good show.
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G
Way too good of actor to let him retire yet. This show depends on Hondo and Deacon. I just hope they keep the show running for a few more years if enough people support it.
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O
Deacon should stay. Should bring Luca back at least. Shouldn't have let them go in the beginning. Chris & Street too.
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R
I hope Deacon changes his mind with the show renewal. Losing 3 main characters at one time is not realistic.
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O
Show not good without Deacon, he gas to stay on.
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O
Yes, I think Deacon should stay for another season.
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O
No he cant retire and why the f luca get shot? Everyone leaving and its made me real sad. This show needs to continue for many more seasons
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G
Can’t have Swat without Deacon. Maybe even Luca will have a miracle and come back…. Love them both!!
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G
want the old cast to return
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B
I really hope not it won't be the same I don't think he will retire
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G
Deacon needs to stay, and bring back street, and Luca!!! Love the core of them. Love the show!!
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O
Keep Deacon, and bring back Street, Luca and Chris! The original cast made the show. I agree with all the other people that commented.
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B
Annie has become a whiner. Now that she has a career she wants Deacon to retire from his. Makes no sense. I think they'll find a way to keep him and Luca will come back in administration perhaps. I was resigned to the cancelation but they will need to OGs to keep it going. Do not like Nichelle since she first showed up.
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G
I think it’s sad that they didn’t wait longer to kill off Luca. Just one episode later they get renewed for an8th season. Deacon can retire for all I care and Annie can go with him didn’t like either of them, bring back Luca, have him fall in love with Kelly’s mom and they can run the food truck and Luca can take over as Commander.
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G
What is happening? First Chris I think that's her name. Then Street, Luca and now Deacon. It makes no sense because now that the show has been renewed for another season. Why would they leave? I love the show. I would love for the original cast to stay and return.
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S
Just keep in mind that they wrote and filmed all of this when they thought that this was their final season, but since they just got renewed for an additional season, they might find a way to bring them all back! Fingers crossed!!
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N
I think Deacon will reconsider. I hope They bring Street back from the Long Bch S.W.A.T. This all was because S.W.A.T. was ending but it’s not. Whats S.W.A.T. without Deacon & Hondi needs Deacon too.
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R
I love watching SWAT Deacon he's amazing person I think Deacon should get the position hondo had because Deacon was next in line I don't understand hondo except it I think Deacon was the best person for it I love you Deacon you my favorite person on the team you handsome man very loving and very special person ❤️ ❤️ I wish I good meet you in person get your autograph take pictures you just amazing person in SWAT
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I saw the show. 20 David Out
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