The fact that the cast of a series changes over time is nothing new. Still, it’s hard for fans to accept that SWAT favorite Lina Esco decided to leave between the 5th and 6th seasons of the action series. Luckily, Esco went to the series executives early so they had enough time to add a storyline that would explain Chris’ absence. Here you can find out why Lina Esco left.
The 6th season of SWAT has been available to stream in its entirety on Netflix in Germany since December 1st. It also streams on WOW at a flat rate, where the 8th season is currently running.
SWAT season 6 on Netflix without Lina Esco: That’s why she left
The fact that Esco didn’t leave a scorched earth behind or fall out with the network can be seen in the way her character was handled. Chris was given a storyline where she leaves the SWAT team without burning ties with the series.
Here’s how the character Chris Alonso leaves SWAT: At the end of season 5, Chris leaves her beloved team to run a local safehouse for immigrant women. Not only does this allow her to continue living off-screen, but it also allows her to continue her relationship with co-lead Jim Street (Alex Russell). Through Street we were able to find out in a very casual way in season 6 that the two of them didn’t break up, as would happen in many other series.
In a statement reported by TV Line 2022, Lina Esco explains her decisionto leave SWAT behind and remembers her figure with praise:
Bringing a strong, smart, bisexual character like Chris Alonso to life was both a pleasure and a great opportunity to increase the visibility of diverse women around the world. After five years, I’m leaving SWAT to pursue new creative endeavors.
She wants to tackle new projects and points to them Parallel between her and Chris there:
Chris never shys away from the unknown and as an actress and director, I’m excited to step out of my comfort zone and start a new chapter as well.
According to Screen Rant, she was cast in the short film The Summer Machine a while after her exit. This is said to be part of an anthology series produced by George RR Martin.
Will Lina Esco return to SWAT at some point?
After Lina Esco didn’t return in season 6, some fans hoped to see her make a guest appearance in season 7 or 8. There are possibilities for a cameo in season 8, but so far there have been no clear hints or official announcements.