Although CBS hasn't renewed S.W.A.T. for season 9 yet, the distinct possibility of the show continuing spells trouble for Hondo and one of his current glaring issues. Ahead of the season 8 premiere, CBS announced that Rochelle Aytes, who has played Nichelle Carmichael in the police procedural action-drama since season 3, wouldn't return as a series regular and would have a recurring role instead. The actress was cast in the new CBS show Watson, limiting her availability. However, Aytes has yet to appear in S.W.A.T. season 8 and likely won't due to her busy schedule.
S.W.A.T. season 8 hasn't done much to explain Nichelle's absence. She is still very much around and a part of Hondo's life in the episodes, but Aytes' character doesn't appear in any scenes. Instead, Hondo and Nichelle's home life happens offscreen. They remain married and are raising their daughter, Vivienne. However, most of S.W.A.T. season 8's story revolves around matters that don't concern Hondo's relationship with Nichelle. If the series is to continue with a ninth season, though, the writers will be forced to actually address why Nichelle is missing.
SWAT Season 9 Getting Renewed Means It Needs A Definitive Solution For Hondo & Nichelle's Situation
Rochelle Aytes Left SWAT During Season 8
According to Deadline, CBS will likely make a decision about S.W.A.T.'s future sometime in the spring of 2025. Until then, season 9 is simply a possibility, not a certainty. The police procedural action-drama seemingly has nine lives, though, and it wouldn't be surprising if the show were to continue beyond season 8. If it does, that's bad news for Hondo and Nichelle's story. S.W.A.T. season 9 means that the writers will have to explain Nichelle's absence as having her exist offscreen isn't sustainable long term.
S.W.A.T. Season 8 Cast | Role |
|---|---|
Shemar Moore | Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson |
Jay Harrington | David "Deacon" Kay |
David Lim | Victor Tan |
Patrick St. Esprit | Robert Hicks |
Anna Enger Ritch | Zoe Powell |
Niko Pepaj | Miguel Alfaro |
Annie Ilonzeh | Devin Gamble |
S.W.A.T. can't just keep saying Nichelle is around when there is no physical proof of her presence. She is an important character to the series and Hondo, and it will eventually be difficult for viewers to accept the show's current excuse for her absence. It's bad enough for Hondo's story that Nichelle is missing in S.W.A.T. season 8, meaning it will only get worse if CBS greenlights a ninth season.
SWAT Season 9's Renewal May Force Hondo & Nichelle's Split
The Show Can't Continue Ignoring Nichelle's Absence
A S.W.A.T. season 9 renewal (and a Watson season 2 renewal, which is likely) suggests Hondo and Nichelle's relationship is in danger. Aytes won't be able to return to the show if Watson continues, and S.W.A.T. can't go on without explaining exactly where Nichelle is in a potential ninth season. So, the writers might take the easy route and break Hondo and Nichelle up. Or, worse, they will kill off Aytes' character. Whatever the case, the chance of S.W.A.T. season 9 is exciting, but not for Hondo and Nichelle's future.
Source: Deadline
