The highly popular action procedural SWAT has added a new main character for its final season. Created by the talented Shawn Ryan, known for his work on acclaimed dramas like The Shield and The Night Agent, SWAT has captivated audiences since its debut in 2017. With the availability of the show on Netflix in the United States, its reach and popularity grew even further. Initially canceled, the decision was ultimately reversed, leading to the upcoming seventh season which will mark the show's farewell.
TVLine has confirmed that Anna Enger Ritch, who portrays Zoe Powell on the show starting from season 5, will be upgraded to a main cast member for SWAT season 7, after having a recurring role in season 6. Ritch, also recognized for her appearances in NCIS: New Orleans and Chicago Med, shared her excitement about the news, revealing that she received the final confirmation right before production began, post the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
In the debut episode of the final season titled 'The Promise,' we will see Sergeant Hondo, portrayed by the talented Shemar Moore, along with Hicks (Patrick St. Esprit) and Powell, embark on a mission to Mexico City to apprehend a fugitive that Hondo lost track of a decade ago. However, Ritch tantalizingly hints at trouble ahead, with Hondo becoming increasingly desperate to fulfill his longstanding promise to bring the killer to justice.
Ritch has appeared in a total of 17 episodes throughout her time on SWAT, with Powell first gracing the screen in the season 5 episode 'City Foul.' In this episode, she is introduced during a training session with S.W.A.T. recruits, which is quickly interrupted by a critical incident that demands their immediate response. Despite receiving orders to stand down, Powell defies them and puts her own life at risk to protect civilians. In the end, although facing criticism from Hicks, Powell successfully completes the rescue mission and saves someone else.
Having overcome this initial setback, Powell graduates and joins the squad as they head towards the final episodes of the show. While the farewell season will undoubtedly focus on the beloved long-time characters, the thirteen episodes of SWAT will also provide a platform for newer characters such as Powell to shine and leave their mark.
Fans of the series can look forward to SWAT season 7, which premieres on Friday, February 16 at 8 PM ET on CBS. Get ready for an action-packed and emotionally charged season as we bid farewell to the gripping world of SWAT.
