The series “SWAT”, with Shemar Moore, returns this evening on TF1 for season 6, the first two episodes of which take place in Bangkok. Jay Harrington, Deacon’s interpreter, spoke to our microphone about this memorable shoot in Thailand.
A few months after the broadcast of season 5, which ended with the departure of a major figure in the casting, the SWAT series, led by Shemar Moore, returns this Tuesday, September 19 at 9:10 p.m. on TF1 for a new season 6 which promises many surprises and twists to die-hard fans of the adventures of Hondo Harrelson and his team.
The first two episodes of season 6, entitled “The Ghost Man” and “A Promise is a Promise”, take us to Thailand, to Bangkok, where Hondo will find himself in a very complicated situation.
While the entire SWAT team is traveling to Bangkok to train with the first SWAT team in Thailand, Hondo and his old military buddy Joe (Sean Maguire) stumble upon a large heroin trade linked to Los Angeles. The two friends then find themselves on the run to escape a powerful drug lord.
Jay Harrington (Deacon) has fond memories of filming in Thailand
This opening double episode of SWAT season 6 was actually filmed in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. This is not the first time that the filming of the series led by Shemar Moore has been relocated abroad since an episode of season 3 took the heroes to Japan, while season 5 started with Hondo in Mexico.
“We had been to Japan before, but it was very quick. I think we only spent four days there”Jay Harrington, Deacon’s interpreter, told us in an interview. “This time we stayed in Thailand for three weeks and we filmed two episodes there. I have fond memories of it, it was quite an experience”.
An experience which, at the time, still proved complicated for the actors and technical teams of the series who had to deal with weather conditions that were far from obvious during the filming of these two episodes during the summer 2022.
Jack Taylor/Sony Pictures Television/CBS
“It was very hot, it rained a lot, at the time it was complicated”continues Jay Harrington (who also came back for us on the departure of Lina Esco). “I remember we were like, ‘Oh my god, never again.’ But we knew that in hindsight we would realize what a great experience it was. And it was confirmed. We barely- We came back and wanted to go back (laughs)”.
“We filmed in Bangkok, but also in the north of the country. It was really magnificent. It’s a very beautiful country, we were amazed. And the rendering of the episodes is quite breathtaking, I think”.
An episode soon to be filmed in France? Jay Harrington is in!
After these two episodes in Thailand, could SWAT one day set up its cameras in France? After all, an episode of season 2 taught us that Deacon spoke French fluently (which is not at all the case for his interpreter).
“The series is very popular in France so, why not, with pleasure, I would love to come and film for you”Jay Harrington told us when we asked him the question. “I wouldn’t be against a few weeks of filming in Paris (laughs)”. But obviously, the writers have to find the right idea to justify such a trip abroad.”.
The actor in any case suggests that the production of SWAT is considering other episodes filmed abroad. “After Mexico, Japan and Thailand, we discussed the idea of an episode in Europe. Or in South America, in Argentina or in Brazil. It has to make sense in terms of the history of the series and what we could tell through the chosen country. You have to find the right timing too. But everything is possible”.
Comments collected in December 2022 and which may no longer be completely relevant since SWAT was initially canceled last May at the end of its season 6, before finally being resurrected for a seventh and final season. So not sure that CBS has plans for a new (expensive) trip abroad between now and the end of the series.