SWAT has been on the ropes before. Twice, actually. The procedural drama has done the nearly impossible two separate times, which is secure renewal after being canceled. It does not, however, look like the third time will be a charm.
CBS has canceled SWAT again, and barring some massive changes, the upcoming finale will double as the show's series finale. It may very well be the last time we get to see our favorite characters. To make matters worse, one of its stars, Anna Enger Ritch, claimed that fans will get to the credits and want so much more.
Anna Enger Ritch teases a "personal" final episode
The actress, who plays Officer Zoe Powell, told TV Line that the series finale will blow fans away, in the sense that it will tee up so many potential storylines for the franchise's future. A statement that now scans as bittersweet, given that we will likely never see these storylines fleshed out.
"I'll say this: It will make you not want this show to end," Ritch said. "You’ll want to keep watching what happens. There are so many avenues and directions to go, so many stories to tell, so many personal things…. It will leave you wanting so much more."
We believe her. If there's one benefit to almost being canceled twice, it's knowing that every season finale has to serve the potential dual purpose of being a satisfying series finale. It's not easy on the SWAT writers, but it's something showrunner Andrew Dettmann confirmed during a separate chat with the outlet.
SWAT boss ensured finale will work on two levels
"We designed the season finale keeping in mind that it could be the series finale," he explained. "And wanting to go out on a high note either way, we’re not buttoning anything up in a manner that would put an end to 20-Squad."
Dettmann made his disappointment with CBS' cancelation decision known. The showrunner told fans that he wanted to continue working the members of SWAT family as long as possible. Still, he made a point of praising his stars and the fans for their unwavering support. It's a sad note to end on, but it's a note that could have arrived years earlier.
"They are truly an extraordinary group of people who have all worked so hard and have been so dedicated for all these eight seasons, overcoming countless challenges," he asserted. "I can’t give them enough credit." We'll enjoy the rest of season 8 as much as possible, and we are eager to see whether Ritch's comments about the finale prove true. We have a feeling they will.