Is Lina Esco leaving SWAT? Cast member Lina Esco is leaving the CBS drama after five seasons, saying it was “one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make.” Lina Esco originally appeared on S.W.A.T.
Christine “Chris” Alonso, a S.W.A.T. officer, informed her best friend, Jim Street, that she was resigning from the force to take over for Mama Pina, the woman who runs a local safe house for immigrant women who are fleeing dangerous situations and is currently in the hospital.
I love the Mama Pina storyline,” Esco told TVLine in March of that year. There are women who have no hope in other countries and are forced to flee for a better life in this woman’s safe house,” Chris says. Volunteering and being a part of it has become a big part of Chris’s life.
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And in the season finale on Sunday night, Chris worked her final day on S.W.A.T., giving Deacon, Luca, and the rest of the team meaningful gifts as she went. Chris had just spent the night with Street for the first time.
“Bringing to life a strong, smart, bisexual character like Chris Alonso has been both a pleasure and a powerful opportunity to increase visibility for diverse women everywhere,” said Esco, who this spring made her S.W.A.T. directing debut.
I’m stepping away from S.W.A.T. after five years to pursue new creative projects. The unknown fascinates Chris, and as an actor and director, I’m eager to step out of my comfort zone and embark on a new journey.
According to her, “that said, this has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make.” The S.W.A. T family – my fellow cast, writers and producers – provided me with an unforgettable experience. You, the S.W.A.T. fans, are the soul of the show, and we couldn’t do it without you. You’ve been there for me every step of Chris’ journey, and I couldn’t have done it without you!
For five seasons and 106 episodes, we have had the pleasure of watching Lina Esco bring Chris Alonso to life on S.W.A.T.,” the show’s producers said in a statement.
Knowing how beloved Lina had become to our audience when she first approached us about pursuing other interests a year ago, we all worked hard to give Chris a proper send-off over the course of the season. Lina has been a delight to watch this season, both as a performer and as a director.
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What Lina brought to the show and what Chris represented to our audience are hard to replace. In the end, we’ll miss Chris, but we’ll miss Lina the most. We wish her the best of luck in whatever she decides to do next.”
For the sixth season, SWAT is returning to its Friday night leadoff spot, where it will be followed by Fire Country and Blue Bloods, the latter of which is a returning favorite.
