The new star ofS.W.A.T.season 8 is sticking around, getting promoted to a series regular ahead of the show’s midseason finale. The long-running CBS action drama has seen some changes to its cast recently, with the exits ofJim Street (Alex Russell) and Dominique Luca (Kenny Johnson). But the Shemar Moore-led procedural has adjusted to the departures, upgrading recurring characters and introducing new faces that complicate the story.
TVLinereports thatAnnie Ilonzeh has been upgraded to a series regular inS.W.A.T.season 8. Introduced as the recurring character of Devin Gamble, theChicago Firealum was one of the key changes for the current installment of the CBS series. The other involved Niko Pepaj, who plays Miguel Alfaro, becoming a main cast member. The news about Ilonzeh comes ahead of a midseason finale that will put a special focus on her character.
What The Latest Cast Promotion Means For S.W.A.T.
Devin Gamble Has A Complicated History
Although she never wanted to be defined by her family ties,Devin was born into a life of crime. She hoped that she could go on her own by being a standout rookie in the LAPD. But becauseher dad killed a cop,she gets off to a rough start with her new teammates. At one point, her windshield is adorned with the words “cop killer.” Hondo sticks up for Devin, though, since he’s the one who recruited her. Devin has also bonded with other team members, including Deacon (Jay Harrington).
After the midseason finale,S.W.A.T.season 8 will return to CBS on January 31 but in a new timeslot: 10 PM ET on Fridays.
In the midseason finale, which airs Friday, December 13 on CBS,Devin gets an unexpected visit from her dad Ernie(played byGeneral Hospitalactor Rif Hutton). It’s likely to cause stress and bring the still simmering tensions back to the forefront. But perhaps after the midseason finale, Devin could be fully welcomed after thedeparture of severalS.W.A.T.characters.In any case, it will be a chance for the show to examine the hypocrisy of Devin’s teammates and put the story to rest.
Our Take On The Latest Cast Change For S.W.A.T.
It’s How The Show Moves Forward
S.W.A.T.season 9has not yet been confirmed. But one way that it could happen, both creatively and financially, is for the CBS series to swap out veteran cast members with newer additions. It has an impact on the show’s budget and, on a story level, allowingS.W.A.T.to stay fresh and try out different narrative approaches.
S.W.A.T.
Cast
S.W.A.T. (2017): This crime-action series follows a locally born S.W.A.T. lieutenant in Los Angeles who must navigate his loyalties between the streets and his duty to commanding a highly-trained unit responsible for resolving challenging crimes. The series explores themes of allegiance, justice, and responsibility within law enforcement.
