In a new interview, S.W.A.T. executive producer Andrew Dettmann reveals that the two-part series finale will push Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson—and his team—to their absolute limits. After eight seasons, the bonds of 20‑Squad are strong, but finale adversity may fracture them—unless Hondo steps up as the glue holding everything together.Nypost+14SoapCentral+14IMDB+14
High-Stakes Threats Put Team Bonds to the Test
Hostage Situation, Hijacked Truck, Russian Mercenaries
The finale packs adrenaline with multiple crises: a hijacked auto carrier, a tense Los Angeles hostage incident, and a climactic showdown against Red Sword, a ruthless group of Russian mercenaries. Dettmann teased explosive armored-vehicle and car stunts potentially topping the entire series. EW.com+2SoapCentral+2People.com+2
Will Family Fracture or Family Forever?
Character Arcs Reach Their Emotional Peaks
Each squad member faces pivotal moments:
-
Deacon gets clarity on his future with S.W.A.T.
-
Tan considers a new LAPD role.
-
Powell and Alfaro solidify their friendship bond.
-
Gamble makes a life-changing decision impacting her place on the team.People.comWikipediaPeople.com+3SoapCentral+3Cinemablend+3
With the fabric of their family threatened by outside forces and internal conflict, Hondo must reaffirm that 20‑Squad is more than co-workers—it’s home.
Hondo’s Evolution in Leadership
Learning from Hicks, Leaning on Team
In these final episodes, Hondo isn’t just acting on instinct—he’s learning from his mentor, Commander Hicks, and putting it into practice under duress. As the stakes rise, his real test becomes keeping everyone from falling apart.People.com+13Cinemablend+13IMDB+13
Final Episode Format & Tone
Two-Part Blockbuster Finale
The finale airs Friday, May 16, 2025, as a back-to-back event. Don’t expect a neat ending—executive producers describe it as emotionally powerful yet open-ended, hinting that 20‑Squad’s bond will endure beyond broadcast.Cinemablend
Finale Highlights Fans Are Buzzing About
-
Epic car and armored-vehicle stunts
-
Bombardment by drone-launched explosives
-
Captain Gamble risking everything to save Hondo
-
Deacon gifting team watches—a symbolic “stay liquid” tribute to unity
People.com+1EW.com+1People.com+4Cinemablend+4EW.com+4
Final Thoughts—Unity or Breakdown?
Dettmann promises a finale that’s explosive yet heartfelt. S.W.A.T. built its legacy on loyalties tested in high-pressure scenarios. The finale will challenge whether those bonds are unbreakable—and whether Hondo, as the emotional and tactical leader, can steer them through.
❓ 5 Unique FAQs
Q1: When does the finale air?
The two-part series finale premieres May 16, 2025, airing back-to-back on CBS.
Q2: What major threats face the team?
They’ll tackle a hijacked truck, a high-stakes hostage crisis, and a showdown with Red Sword mercenaries using drone-bomb threats. People.com+13SoapCentral+13Cinemablend+13People.com+1EW.com+1
Q3: Will the finale wrap up every character’s arc?
Not completely. While some arcs conclude, others—like new roles, bonds, and Deacon’s growth—highlight future possibilities.
Q4: Is this a definitive ending?
The finale delivers emotional closure and explosive drama, but leaves the door open with an iconic final mission—suggesting the squad lives on. People.com
Q5: How will Hondo’s leadership be defined?
Hondo must save his team from external threats and internal fractures. True leadership, he learns, lies in preserving unity as well as lives.
Custom Message:
Thanks for sticking with Hondo and 20‑Squad through every threat and triumph. Here’s to their biggest test yet—and the strength of the bonds that have kept them together.
