Original member of CBS’ SWAT Leave the show. Actress Lina Esko confirmed, on Sunday, that she will leave the series after five seasons. Esco has portrayed Kristen “Chris” Alonso, an intersex member of the SWAT cast, on the show since its inception. SWAT was laying the groundwork for Kris’ departure across the final episodes, with the character revealing that she’ll be taking over the safe house run by Mama Pina. SWAT It was renewed for a sixth season last month.
“I love the Mama Pena story,” Esco told TVLine earlier this year. “This resonates with Chris because this is a woman who is providing a safe home for women who have no hope in other countries and are fleeing for a better life. Chris has become very invested in volunteering and being a part of that.”
Alonso took to Instagram to confirm the departure, expressing that it was “a great pleasure and opportunity” to portray the character.
“Reviving a strong, intelligent, bisexual character like Chris Alonso was both fun and a powerful opportunity to increase the visibility of diverse women everywhere,” Esco wrote on Instagram. “Five years later, I’m leaving SWAT to pursue new creative endeavors. Chris never backs down from the unknown and as an actor and director, I’m excited to break out of my comfort zone and embark on a new chapter as well.”
However, I continued, ‘This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I am forever grateful to my SWAT family – my fellow actors, writers, and producers – for such an incredible journey. To the amazing SWAT fans, you are the heart of the show. I can’t thank you enough for your support and walking by my side through my whole Chris journey! “
Inspired by the TV series and feature film, SWAT It stars Shemar Moore as a native-born and SWAT-raised former Marine sergeant, tasked with running a specialized tactical unit that is the last leg of law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to the place he grew up in and loyalty to his brothers in the blue, Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson seeks to bridge the gap between his two worlds. However, Hondo is forced to question his professional identity when he is demoted from Squad Leader after he goes public with exposing racial corruption within the LAPD. Other members of Hondo’s SWAT unit include David “Deacon” Kay, an experienced SWAT officer and dedicated family man who always puts the team first; Christina “Chris” Alonso, a skilled officer and dog trainer for the team; Dominic Luca, expert driver who gets them in and out of high-risk situations; newlywed Victor Tan, who begins work in the Hollywood department of the Los Angeles Police and uses his undercover informants in the community to aid the team; and Jim Street, the newest cocky member of the team. Responsible for managing all SWAT units of the Metro Division is Commander Robert Hicks, a senior LAPD official in the Office of Special Operations. With Hondo no longer Leading this mission are these devoted men and women facing an uncertain future as they bravely put themselves at risk to protect their community and save lives.
What do you think of Asco’s departure? SWAT? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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