In the S.W.A.T. episode "Quandary," team member Christina "Chris" Alonso, played by actress Lina Esco, upended her story arc when she made a major life decision that could mean the end of her character on the show. Called to the hospital bed of her friend and activist, Mama Pina, a woman she admired for her work with at-risk women refugees, Chris learned the woman was dying from cancer. This news placed Chris on the verge of a big decision, one that ended with her informing team leader Hondo, played by Shemar Moore, she was quitting S.W.A.T. to continue Mama Pina's work.
Chris has been at a crossroads on the show for some time, and has felt, as she put it, restless. Her spiraling crisis began with the on-the-job shooting death of fellow S.W.A.T. officer and friend, Erika Rogers, portrayed by Lyndie Greenwood, that sent her into self-destructive behavior. A training stint in Germany brought her more into focus, and for a time it appeared she was back on track. Yet, clearly, her character needed a change. So what does the future hold for Chris Alonso?
With S.W.A.T. renewed for Season 6, Chris could be returning or exiting the show, or even reduced to a recurring role. Whatever happens, her quitting the team will shift the dynamic of the show, but could finally open the door for a relationship change between Chris and Jim Street (played by Alex Russell), pulling the trigger on their simmering romance. It's clearly what Street wanted after encountering Chris and being informed she quit. Yet, she did not seem willing to commit, once again shutting him down on the possibility of them moving forward as a couple. This time, though, Street seemingly had enough, and he walked away with the words, "I'm done." Does that mean that the Chris and Jim romance is over for good?
Perhaps. These story changes could be warning signs of the character's imminent exit. With only two more episodes in Season 5, things don't look good for Chris' continued involvement in S.W.A.T., at least not as a regular presence. Indications point to the character of Alexis Cabrera, portrayed by Brigitte Kali Canales, being primed to replace Chris in 20-David Squad and on the show.
Yet, there's been no confirmation (or denial) that Lina Esco is leaving the show, and with Chris being a fan-favorite it's more likely she'll remain in the show in some capacity. The actress has directed episodes of S.W.A.T., so it's possible she'll be behind the camera more, or the writers could be taking the character in a whole new direction. Getting her involved in Nichelle's community outreach programs could be a good way to keep her involved with S.W.A.T. without her being on the team.
Fans will have to wait and see if Chris will be written out of the show permanently, and how the culmination of her relationship with Street will play out. If this is the start of a new chapter for the character in Season 6, then the show needs to embrace her new beginning and either commit to the Chris and Street romance or end the will-they-or-won't-they plot for good. Hopefully, that's what the remaining episodes will reveal and fans can get a conclusion to their storyline.
The last two Season 5 episodes of S.W.A.T. air May 15 and May 22 on CBS.
