S.W.A.T. star Shemar Moor will return to the franchise, as his character Hondo is set to star in spinoff show S.W.A.T. EXILES. Hondo temporarily ended his franchise story with the conclusion of S.W.A.T. season 8, which closed out the CBS flagship series in fitting style, However, it seems that the character's story is far from over, as he is set to return to the S.W.A.T. universe, leading a spinoff show of entirely new characters.
Per TV Line, Hondo's S.W.A.T. journey will continue with the character set to head up spinoff show S.W.A.T. EXILES, which will introduce a new generation of characters. Sony Pictures Television confirmed development of the show on Sunday (May 18) night, which will see Hondo pulled out of forced retirement to lead an experimental unit made up of untested young recruits, following a high-profile mission going wrong. Production on the 10-episode first season is set to begin this summer in Los Angeles, with Jason Ning serving as showrunner.
What This Means For Hondo's S.W.A.T. Story
Hondo is Back Protecting The City & Saving The S.W.A.T. Program
For eight seasons, Hondo was one of the most complex and layered S.W.A.T. characters, and his journey of redemption and self-discovery was central to everything the show tried to do. To thrust him back into the fold with a new, untested team of younger members will be exciting for viewers, whilst also presenting a myriad of problems for the grizzled professional. S.W.A.T. EXILES is set to be a series that will help explore generational gaps, and allow Hondo to impart his wisdom to an entirely new team.
Whether or not S.W.A.T. EXILES is a long-term success for the S.W.A.T. franchise remains to be seen, but there is no doubt it will be an important chapter in Hondo's continuing journey. Allowing him to lead a green, inexperienced team offers him the opportunity to rectify past mistakes he might have made, as well as gives him the opportunity to mold the team in his image. Protecting LA at all costs became an obsession for Hondo and being able to nurture others in his image will help him implement his occasionally unorthodox methods with fewer sticking points.
Our Take On S.W.A.T. EXILES
The Show Has A Chance To Shake Up The S.W.A.T. Formula
Despite three cancelations during its run, S.W.A.T. managed to be a successful flagship show for CBS, and S.W.A.T. EXILES getting the greenlight suggests there are more stories to tell. This will very much serve as the next chapter in Hondo's story, and his character would be expected to influence the direction of the show. EXILES has the opportunity to shake up the formula, and focus on inexperienced, possibly unskilled, agents in a similar vein to the Slow Horses' Slough House team. And the way Hondo shapes his new team will have a big impact on the show, and on his character.
Source: TV Line
