You Won’t Believe How S.W.A.T. Season 8 Ends and What’s Next for Hondo and 20-Squad!

Heed this warning: The following discussion includes plot points from S.W.A.T.’s eighth season, episodes 21 and 22, which served as the series’ two-hour finale. In these episodes, the SWAT team confronted two intense missions that jeopardized lives. Simultaneously, they faced crucial choices about careers and finances while attempting to wrap up loose ends, given there was obviously more story to tell. Although 20-Squad successfully resolved the situations to conclude S.W.A.T.’s eighth season, it’s evident that everyday life continues, and professional duties remain essential.

As a devoted fan, I found the recent episodes brimming with pivotal moments for our beloved characters, offering some closure since there’s no Season 9 of S.W.A.T. on the horizon. Gamble (Annie Ilonzeh) was grappling with two families, while Deacon (Jay Harrington) and Tan (David Lim) were faced with significant choices regarding their futures. To add to the excitement, rumors swirled about a S.W.A.T. spinoff featuring Shemar Moore, leaving us all wondering what lies ahead in the series’ future.

Gamble Struggles To Be A Good Sister And A Good Cop In S.W.A.T. Season 8, Episode 21

Gamble Makes A Questionable Choice

In the final episode of the S.W.A.T. series, Gamble seeks advice from her brother due to a lead. Unbeknownst to everyone, a car thief that Hondo (Shemar Moore) and Deacon had encountered in their past was alive, despite being assumed dead for a decade. Since Gamble’s brother is involved in the auto industry, there might be information he has overlooked. However, he deceives her by claiming ignorance about the situation. Eventually, one of the stolen luxury cars is discovered in his backyard, placing Gamble in a tough spot as she must decide whether to arrest her own brother.

Ultimately, she decides against it, and informs Hondo that she finds it impossible to juggle being a good sibling and a competent police officer. Despite her efforts to maintain distance between her two families, this turns out to be unattainable. Consequently, she applies for a transfer to Oakland. At first, Hondo consents, given his doubts about her loyalty. However, as time goes by, he recognizes her value as a team member and makes it clear that he won’t endorse her transfer.

S.W.A.T. Targeted In The Series Finale Explained

HQ Becomes The Main Target In The S.W.A.T. Series Finale

In the 22nd episode of season 8 on S.W.A.T., it was discovered that a gang of Russian criminals had secretly planted explosives across Los Angeles with the intention of rescuing one of their members, Dmitri Rykov, from prison. However, Hondo soon understood that this wasn’t an escape plan at all. Upon learning that Rykov was to be traded for an American prisoner in Russia, Hondo deduced that he had information crucial to the Russians, which made them a target.

After Rykov returned to S.W.A.T. Headquarters, it drew the attention of the mobsters, culminating in a gunfight at the headquarters that involved every member of Squad 20, including Gamble who had come to pick up her things and just happened to be present during the ensuing chaos. Rykov, a former member of Squad 20, betrayed the team in an attempt to flee but was re-captured. The remaining mobsters were either killed or apprehended. Although HQ sustained damage, everyone inside remained safe, and Deacon emphasized that this was all that truly mattered.

How Deacon’s Unexpected Wealth Impacts Hondo’s Team

Deacon Buys A Meaningful Gift For Himself And Others

At the start of season 8 and finale of S.W.A.T., it came to light that Deacon had given $50,000 to a charity. His substantial signing bonus for the mall security job allowed him to clear his mortgage, fund his children’s college education, and contribute to charitable causes. Naturally, the 20-Squad suggested Deacon splurge some of the money on himself, but he’s not one to do that.

In the end, he managed to find something significant to purchase, not just for his own sake. Instead, he decided to treat the entire team by purchasing Rolex watches, each one inscribed with “20-Squad, Stay Liquid.” My only critique is that there was no mention of watches for Luca, Chris, and Street, who are equally valued members of our team, but it was still a heartwarming gesture.

In the meantime, Heather escalated her harassment by involving Deacon’s children, prompting him to seek a restraining order. With Annie and the kids away from home, Heather chose to intrude into Deacon’s residence. This action led Deacon to request assistance, and he and Hondo were successful in apprehending Heather to ensure the safety of Deacon and his family.

Tan Gets A New Job Offer (But He Doesn’t Initially Want It)

Tan’s Task Force Is Shut Down

Regrettably, Tan’s task force came to an end in the series finale, not due to poor performance on his part. Hicks clarified that the criminal their squad was pursuing had been apprehended, which eliminated the necessity for the task force altogether. It seems that these regular traffic stops are far more efficient than task forces when it comes to catching criminals.

In the show’s finale, Hicks proposed another position to Tan – the role of Mayoral Liaison for S.W.A.T. Initially, Tan was reluctant, expressing his preference for fieldwork and his intention to remain there. However, Deacon managed to persuade him, highlighting the potential risks but also emphasizing the career advancement this opportunity represented. As a result, we find out that Tan accepted the offer, yet he continues to work with 20-Squad.

How S.W.A.T. Season 8 Finale Sets Up Season 9 & Hondo’s Spinoff

It’s Not The End of S.W.A.T.

Following the conclusion of the S.W.A.T. series, it was announced unexpectedly that a S.W.A.T. spinoff featuring Shemar Moore would be produced. In this new series, Moore will return as Hondo, stepping out of enforced retirement to mentor and lead the upcoming group of officers. The final episode of S.W.A.T. subtly hinted at this development by demonstrating that Hondo is committed to nurturing and training new team members. However, it’s worth noting that in the finale, Hondo didn’t actually retire, so the spinoff will likely address this at its onset.

In a sense, the finale subtly hinted at a possible ninth season of S.W.A.T., by suggesting that there are still tasks to accomplish. Unlike many other series finales, this one didn’t bring an absolute conclusion to all storylines. Instead, Miko, Powell, Gamble, Tan, Deacon, and Hondo were shown departing from the headquarters to tackle a new case, potentially setting up a return or even a spinoff for any of them, or perhaps a revival of S.W.A.T. in the coming months.

2025-05-19 22:40