Lina Esco's SWAT Departure: Why Chris Alonso Left the Team
Lina Esco Says Goodbye to SWAT: Why Chris Alonso Left After Season 5
Lina Esco, the awesome actress behind Christina “Chris” Alonso in SWAT, left the show after season 5. This was huge! Chris was a main character since the beginning and a total fan favorite; her departure seriously upset viewers!
Chris was an amazing character. She started as a canine officer before becoming SWAT's first female officer. And Chris's open bisexuality; those struggles faced both personally and professionally created that lasting impression which really helped create this incredibly memorable character for a significant number of viewers, becoming iconic throughout the show's duration! She really showed herself capable.
Her exit was during season 5, episode 22; this is a key event for many audience members; showing just how much was at stake. She left the LAPD to help undocumented immigrant girls seeking asylum; a fittingly heroic conclusion for a truly iconic character in a truly memorable police procedural that dealt with these incredibly difficult situations. However, her exit and the reasons are something far more complex.
Why Lina Esco Left SWAT: Pursuing New Creative Adventures
When Esco announced her departure in May 2022; that shocking decision was certainly something that many were anticipating! She confirmed she wanted to pursue different projects and move into a different creative direction. TVLine quoted her statement:
"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. Five years later, I am leaving SWAT to pursue new creative endeavors. Chris never backs down from the unknown and as an actor and director, I'm excited to step out of my comfort zone and embark on a new chapter, too. That said, this is one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make. I'm forever grateful to my SWAT family – my fellow cast, writers, and producers – for 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 for walking beside me through all of Chris' journey!"
The Impact of Esco's Departure: A Continued Romance
Chris's relationship with Jim Street was a major part of the storyline. Thankfully, Esco's exit didn't abruptly end it! The writers were smart about resolving that very tricky situation. They kept the romance alive; and the updates about that ongoing relationship continue. It happens off-screen. However, the offscreen development and story are far more enjoyable than making an incredibly unneeded breakup, which would ultimately undermine all that development during that timeframe.
Lina Esco’s Post-SWAT Career and Potential Returns
Fans haven’t seen Esco on-screen since SWAT. She does however have projects, even possibly a chance to return! The Summer Machine (a short film which might just be part of a new anthology from George R.R. Martin!), and that possibility is truly tantalizing. Even the possibility of a return SWAT! There have been those comments suggesting that the producers and production team is keen on her appearance; and a wedding scene was discussed. But those remain hopeful speculation.
Conclusion: A Farewell (and Possibly a Reunion) for Chris Alonso
Lina Esco's departure from SWAT was sad, especially for Chris fans, but her decision ultimately demonstrated those possibilities involved when choosing to focus on different paths throughout their lives, a very real, emotional journey to pursue.
While leaving SWAT was emotional and made many of her fanbase sad, she will eventually return someday. This remains one of her more well-known characters and it impacted her work in more meaningful ways than just financial support – this remains one of those great character moments that continues to resonate with others; and it showcases an example of creating such memorable roles. Even those changes later, she’s continuing that amazing legacy, which remains memorable long after her onscreen farewell. That possibility of revisiting that very iconic character continues that appeal!
