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‘SWAT’ Season 8 Episode 20 Preview: Alex Russell Returns

CBS’s SWAT season eight episode 20 welcomes back former series star Alex Russell, but not as Jim Street. Russell returns to direct episode 20, “Devil Dog,” airing on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 9pm ET/PT.

“Devil Dog” Plot: When Hondo’s ne’er-do-well cousin, Andre, goes AWOL from his Marine base during basic training, Hondo, Deacon, and Daniel Sr. take a road trip to get the kid in line. But when they learn that Andre witnessed an illegal arms deal involving stolen military weapons, Hondo realizes there’s a darker explanation for Andre’s disappearance. And Alfaro plots to work outside the law when he discovers that his mother’s long-ago abusive ex is back in her life, repeating the violent ways of the past.

Season eight stars Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay, David Lim as Victor Tan, Patrick St. Esprit as Commander Robert Hicks, and Anna Enger Ritch as Zoe Powell. Annie Ilonzeh is Devin Gamble and Niko Pepaj plays Miguel “Miko” Alfaro.

Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay and Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in ‘SWAT’ season 8 episode 20 (Photo: Bill Inoshita © 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)

SWAT Description, Courtesy of CBS:

S.W.A.T. stars Shemar Moore as a former Marine and locally born and raised SWAT sergeant tasked to run a specialized tactical unit that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue, Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson strives to bridge the divide between his two worlds.

Committed to the job, Hondo is equally devoted to his marriage and fatherhood. The other members of Hondo’s elite S.W.A.T. unit include David “Deacon” Kay, an experienced S.W.A.T. officer and dedicated family man who always puts the team first; Victor Tan, who started in the LAPD Hollywood Division and uses his confidential informants in the community to help the team; Zoe Powell, a tough and loyal team member trying to reconnect with the son she gave up for adoption as a teen; and Miguel “Miko” Alfaro, a headstrong officer who overcame a troubled childhood, and is now a trusted 20-Squad addition following a rocky transfer to Los Angeles S.W.A.T.

Responsible for the management of all Metro Division S.W.A.T. units is Commander Robert Hicks, a senior LAPD official with the Special Operations Bureau. With Hondo leading the charge, these dedicated men and women bravely put themselves at risk to protect their community and save lives.

Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay, and Director Alex Russell on the set of season 8 episode 20 (Photo: Bill Inoshita © 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)
Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay and Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in the
“Devil Dog” episode (Photo: Bill Inoshita © 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)
Director Alex Russell, Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay, and Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson on the set of season 8 episode 20 (Photo: Bill Inoshita © 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)
Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay in season 8 episode 20 (Photo: Bill Inoshita © 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc)



This post was last modified on May 15, 2025 6:10 pm

Rebecca Murray: Journalist covering the entertainment industry for 23+ years, including 13 years as the first writer for About.com's Hollywood Movies site. Member of the Critics Choice Association (Film & TV Branches), Alliance of Women Film Journalists, and Past President of the San Diego Film Critics Society.
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