The S.W.A.T. team is back in action with the premiere of S.W.A.T. Exiles, featuring Shemar Moore as Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson. The show marks a new chapter after its long run on CBS, now streaming on STARZ.
Why it matters:S.W.A.T. Exiles continues the legacy of the original series, exploring themes of redemption and leadership within a changing team dynamic. With Hondo at the helm, viewers can expect a fresh take on police procedural dramas.
The show debuted after the original series’ cancellation, moving from CBS to STARZ.
Moore reprises his role as Hondo, who now leads a younger, inexperienced team.
Showrunner Jason Ning drew inspiration from U.S. Navy SEALs integrating Gen Z into their ranks for the new storyline.
Driving the news: The series premiere, titled 'Clean Entry', sets the stage for Hondo's complex redemption arc following a botched operation that resulted in tragedy.
Hondo left the LAPD after a failed entry led to the death of rookie officer Nico and the turning off of body cameras.
After leaking footage of the incident, Hondo was disgraced and took a job providing security for tech entrepreneurs.
Commander Hicks persuades him to return to the force, giving him the opportunity to rebuild the division.
State of play: Hondo faces numerous challenges as he attempts to regain his footing and lead a team filled with potential washouts.
He struggles with anger and jadedness, prompting recruits to question his leadership.
Malik, one of the recruits, leaves the team, adding pressure to Hondo's already difficult situation.
The first call for the team presents a chance to take down a major cartel, requiring Hondo to unite his team effectively.
The big picture: The series aims to offer a more complex narrative than typical police dramas, highlighting the difficulties of redemption in a high-stakes environment.
Hondo’s path to redemption is complicated by the dynamics within his team, including Malik's desire for revenge related to the past incident.
The show promises a mix of intense action and emotional depth, distinguishing it from standard procedural fare.
Executive producer Pavun Shetty emphasizes the need for the spin-off to establish its own identity, with Hondo remaining the heart of the story.
What they're saying: Cast and crew have shared insights into the show's direction and character development.
Ronen Rubinstein, who plays Jude Callan, noted his character's struggles throughout the season, saying, "He’s gone through so much for such a young man."
Moore described the new series as darker and grittier, promising plenty of action: "Motorbike chases, hand-to-hand combat, buildings blowing up…the whole thing."
He also hinted at the new team dynamic, stating, "I wouldn’t trust Lucy Barrett with my phone, but I’d trust Freddy Miyares with my life."
By the numbers: The transition from CBS to STARZ marks a new era for the franchise.
The original S.W.A.T. series ran for eight seasons, gaining a loyal fanbase.
Now, with S.W.A.T. Exiles, the show aims to attract a new generation of viewers.
The series premiere has already sparked discussions about its unique approach to storytelling.
What's next: Viewers can look forward to more episodes that explore Hondo’s challenges and the dynamics of his new team.
The series will continue to develop its characters, particularly the tension between Hondo and Malik.
Future episodes are expected to deepen the exploration of themes like teamwork, trust, and redemption.
S.W.A.T. Exiles is now available for streaming on STARZ, inviting audiences to engage with its gripping narrative.