CBS’ S.W.A.T. wrapped its seven-season run this past year, and while the show’s upcoming spin-off is going to bring back some of the core characters, there are several mysteries that the new series isn’t likely to touch on. Shemar Moore’s Daniel “Hondo” Harrison, who was the central figure of SWAT throughout its run, will be returning for the spin-off, but he’s the only name permanently attached.

While SWAT season 8 worked hard to ensure that many of the characters that viewers had gotten to know over the years had the majority of their loose ends tied up, the series wasn’t certain on whether it’d be picked up for another season. After two separate cancelations, SWAT was actually canceled at CBS after its recent season, meaning the series finale wasn’t technically planned.

Though the finale was able to clean up the loose ends of the series in some ways, it wasn’t able to ensure that every unfinished story was revisited while also providing an interesting case for 20-Squad. Allowing the series to do what it does best by Hondo and the rest of 20-Squad working through a high-stakes case was more important than revisiting the past.

As SWAT fans prepare to see how SWAT Exiles evens out, it’s clear that the show is planning to focus on the new squad of SWAT team members than on the past cast members from the CBS series. While Moore will return, along with what appear to be shorter appearances by Jay Harrington and David Lim, who played Deacon and Tan, others aren’t slated yet.

SWAT had eight seasons worth of story to tell, bringing viewers into a universe for long stretches where they got to know the members of 20-Squad. Although things changed for some, like Dominique Luca (Kenny Johnson) or Jim Street (Alex Russell), their stories were still important to SWAT fans. Unfortunately, many loose ends may not be tied up by the new spin-off.

6What Happened to Luca After His Retirement?

Luca Likely Won’t Return On Exiles

While Luca’s time on SWAT wasn’t short, it was clear that by the end of his time on the series, there were some underlying issues that may have been pushing Johnson away from the show. Even so, Luca’s exit was traumatic to SWAT fans and 20-Squad. After a serious on-duty shooting where he was hit multiple times, Luca suffered permanent nerve damage.

Deciding that he wasn’t interested in sticking to administrative work, Luca chose to take an early retirement from the LAPD. Despite being a legacy member of SWAT who had struggled for years carrying around the weight of being a generational team member, Luca chose to end his career honorably and move on to something new.

Though Luca’s decision made sense due to his injury, it was difficult for fans to get behind, especially knowing that he was one of the most consistent SWAT team members on the show. Steady and loyal, Luca’s departure was hard on everyone. While Luca could appear on SWAT Exiles, it’s not likely that his whereabouts or current state will make it to the spin-off.

5Where Did Cortez Go After SWAT?

Her Early Exit Has Always Sparked Questions

Early on in the SWAT canon, Jessica Cortez (Stephanie Sigman) was one of the central figures of the show. Her relationship with Hondo framed the first dramatic arc of the series, and though things fizzled out with their romance quickly, there was always a question lingering within the first seasons about the show choosing to revisit their romantic relationship someday.

Although Cortez was a big part of the first seasons of the series, her quick exit from the show was a shock to the system. At the end of SWAT season 2, it’s revealed that Cortez is taking on an undercover assignment with the FBI. The assignment, which was meant to be temporary at first, ultimately becomes a long-term position.

Though Sigman was pregnant and left the show, the explanation for Cortez’s disappearance often left SWAT fans at a loss. It was clear she wouldn’t be returning, but leaving the door partially open and never really replacing her was a tough pill to swallow. It’s unlikely that Exiles will choose to revisit Cortez or give updates on what she’s been up to.

4What Happened With Hicks’ Role After Bennett’s Discipline?

His Story Felt Incomplete

While Commander Robert Hicks (Patrick St. Esprit) became a major piece of SWAT’s puzzle after Cortez’s departure, he’s always been an incredibly difficult character to watch. Hicks, who’s dealt with family issues throughout his time on SWAT along with his professional problems, made it clear that he wasn’t going to deal with either as he navigated tricky business with 20-Squad.

SWAT season 8 saw Hicks facing professional trouble as he worked through a tough case with Deputy Chief Bennett (Merrin Dungey) keeping a close eye on his work. After what Bennett deemed a slip up, Hicks was put on suspension, but after he helped the team with another critical case, she chose to keep him in his role, valuing his contributions.

Though Hicks was ultimately not ousted from SWAT and kept in his role, it was clear that the fallout from Bennett’s disciplinary action was taking a toll on the leader as the season came to a close. While Exiles may give an update on what happened to Hicks after SWAT came to a close, the spin-off isn’t likely to be as in-depth as viewers would like.

3Would Street & Chris Have Ever Returned To SWAT?

They Were Last Said To Be Engaged

SWAT’s biggest romantic storyline focused on Street and Chris Alonso (Lina Escola) throughout the first five seasons of the series, but the show left them off on a confusing note. While Chris and Street spent years dancing around each other’s feelings, it was clear that the pair were going to wind up together from nearly the beginning of the show.

Even so, Chris and Street’s relationship was never easy. By the time they finally got together, Escola was exiting the show and, ultimately, left Street on his own, mentioning that they were still together from time to time. Russell, who spent SWAT season 6 preparing for his own exit, ultimately left the show on a high note, revealing he was proposing.

SWAT fans have long since believed that Street and Chris, either engaged or married, would be returning to the show for its end, but with sudden cancelation after sudden cancelation, SWAT never had the chance to bring them back. Now, while the couple is presumably together, it feels unlikely that SWAT’s spin-off will explain what happened to the pair or bring them back.

2What Happened With Alfaro & Powell?

Their Relationships Were Just Taking Shape