As it stands, season 8, episode 22, “Return to Base” serves as the series finale, and it brings the show to a heartfelt conclusion. The installment ends with Gamble deciding to stay on the team, and 20-Squad exiting headquarters to save the city. Ilonzeh reveals that the cast was aware of the cancellation when filming the final scene, making S.W.A.T.’s ending authentic and bittersweet.
The S.W.A.T. series finale promo trailer sees Hondo leading his team of misfits for one final time to save Los Angeles in an epic conclusion.
I caught up with Annie Ilonzeh about Gamble’s relationship with Hondo, what happened to Leon, hopes for S.W.A.T. season 9, and her upcoming horror film.
Ilonzeh Enjoys How Tough Hondo Is On Gamble In S.W.A.T.
“You can’t really have resolution without massive obstacles, and I like that.”
ScreenRant: Gamble was in a tough spot with her brother. Do you think there was a right answer in that situation?
I think that Hondo was pretty harsh on her. How did it feel for her to hear this leader she looks up to saying, “I’m disappointed in you”?
It feels like they’re stronger now for overcoming it.
Annie Ilonzeh: Yes, much stronger. And he divulges his breaking point and where he could have been better. And to see somebody like that in such a leadership role, maybe take the L or wave the white flag and say, “Here’s where I could have done better,” and learn from that situation is really cool. That’s also just a good person.
Ilonzeh Wants To Know What Happens Between Gamble And Leon After The Finale
“We leave it on such a cliffhanger with that relationship. What went on after that?”
There wasn’t much of a conclusion between Gamble and her brother. What do you think happened there?
Annie Ilonzeh: I am just as confused as the audience, literally. [Laughs] I’m like, “What happens?” We leave it on such a cliffhanger with that relationship. What went on after that? I’d like to see a family barbecue. Let’s just kind of paint the scene here.
I’d love to see a really dope family barbecue. Everyone’s getting along at first. Dad’s there, brother’s there, and then there is a blowout with Gamble and her brother. Leon and Gamble just get into it. I would love to see that. I think family mishaps and arguments are really interesting to watch.
Did you all get to keep the 20-Squad watches?
Ilonzeh Believes S.W.A.T. Still Has More Story To Tell
“When the fans watch the finale, they will absolutely agree, too, and know that there’s more to do.”
If this is the last of S.W.A.T., how satisfied are you with this ending? It sounds like you definitely want more.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
Annie Ilonzeh: Yes. I have a movie called Run that’s coming out in September. It is a scary movie, a horror film. To be on both sides of the camera, it’s really fun to see the veil lifted and how the movie magic is really made. We shot this film in Big Bear in the Woods, and it was actually during S.W.A.T.
I was off a few episodes, and I was able to just go shoot this movie really fast, directed by Chris Stokes, who’s one of my really good friends also, and we shot this horror film in the woods, and then there were fires that happened, so we literally had to escape and get out of dodge. It was wild. One minute, we’re shooting the scene, and then the next minute, we just see these plumes of clouds, and they start to get closer and closer.
And then you start to see embers coming down, and you’re smelling things burning and cars just flying by down the street, getting out, leaving, evacuating. And finally, we called it, and we were like, “We’ve got to go.” We were trying to collect everything that we could to get out of there, and thank God we did. We put our lives on the line for this film, so people need to go see it. [Laughs]
Inspired By The Television Series And The Feature Film
This action-packed series follows a specialized tactical unit in the Los Angeles Police Department, led by Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. The team tackles high-stakes crimes in the city while addressing issues of race, loyalty, and justice. The series is notable for its intense action sequences and the personal dramas of its members.
Check out our paired interview with Anna Enger Ritch and Annie Ilonzeh, as well.
