When CBS confirmed a new spinoff centered on Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, S.W.A.T. fans were excited but cautious. Shemar Moore has been the face of the franchise since its revival in 2017, carrying six intense seasons of action, family drama, and squad loyalty. But with S.W.A.T. officially closing its chapter, the big question remains: Can Hondo’s spinoff stand tall without the presence of familiar faces from 20-Squad?
The answer is simple: it shouldn’t. For Hondo’s new series to succeed, it needs at least a couple of original characters to carry the emotional weight, maintain continuity, and honor the legacy of S.W.A.T.. Here’s why.
The Importance of Continuity in a Spinoff
Spinoffs live or die by their connection to the original. If Hondo’s new series wants to capture longtime viewers, it needs more than just action-packed shootouts and new recruits. Continuity ensures fans don’t feel like they’re starting from scratch but rather continuing the journey they’ve already invested years into.
Hondo’s Story Can’t Exist in a Vacuum
Hondo is a leader defined by his relationships. His bond with Deacon, his mentorship of Street, and his brotherly connection with Luca gave S.W.A.T. its emotional backbone. Removing all those connections risks making the spinoff feel hollow. Audiences want to see how these bonds evolve, even if only a couple of squad members stick around.
Familiar Faces Keep Fans Engaged
Think about shows like NCIS or Law & Order: SVU. Their spinoffs worked because they kept a mix of old and new characters. Dropping Hondo into a completely fresh setting without familiar teammates might alienate longtime fans who tuned in every week for the family dynamic as much as the action.
Which Characters Should Return?
While not every original character needs to be a series regular, a few strategic appearances would anchor the spinoff.
-
Deacon (Jay Harrington): The moral compass and Hondo’s right-hand man. Even a recurring role keeps the show grounded.
-
Luca (Kenny Johnson): The heart of the team, Luca adds both levity and loyalty. Fans would revolt if Hondo’s story moved on without at least a nod to him.
-
Street (Alex Russell): A younger member who grew tremendously under Hondo’s mentorship—his presence highlights Hondo’s legacy as a leader.
These characters don’t need to overshadow new additions, but sprinkling them in allows the spinoff to blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling.
Honoring the Legacy of 20-Squad
The whole appeal of S.W.A.T. has always been about more than tactical gear and police action—it’s been about brotherhood, loyalty, and sacrifice. Completely erasing 20-Squad from Hondo’s journey would undermine the years of storytelling that built the franchise. By bringing back at least a couple of team members, the spinoff acknowledges where Hondo came from while pointing to where he’s headed.
Balancing Old and New Characters
No one wants a carbon copy of S.W.A.T.. The spinoff should introduce new faces, new challenges, and perhaps even a different location. But blending fresh recruits with trusted veterans creates a balance—fans get the comfort of familiarity alongside the thrill of the unknown.
What Happens Without Original Characters?
Without connections to the original series, Hondo’s spinoff risks becoming just another action procedural. Stripped of continuity, it could feel generic, losing the very heart that made S.W.A.T. stand out in a crowded genre.
The Emotional Payoff Fans Deserve
Fans who followed S.W.A.T. through highs and lows don’t want closure—they want continuation. They’ve seen these characters grow, sacrifice, and suffer together. Cutting them off entirely would waste years of development. Including a couple of original characters ensures emotional payoff, allowing the story to honor its roots while breaking new ground.
Conclusion
Hondo is strong enough to lead his own show, but even the best leaders need their team. A successful S.W.A.T. spinoff should keep at least a couple of original characters—whether recurring or full-time—to give fans the continuity, emotion, and loyalty they’ve come to expect. By honoring the bonds of 20-Squad while embracing new stories, the series can strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation.
FAQs
1. Will the new Hondo spinoff bring back original S.W.A.T. characters?
Nothing is confirmed yet, but fans are hopeful key squad members will return in some capacity.
2. Who is most likely to appear in the spinoff?
Deacon, Luca, or Street are top contenders since they have the strongest ties to Hondo.
3. Can the spinoff work without old characters?
It could, but it risks alienating fans who expect continuity with S.W.A.T..
4. Will the spinoff be set in Los Angeles like the original?
That hasn’t been revealed, but a new location could refresh the story while still featuring familiar faces.
5. Why is continuity so important in spinoffs?
Because fans want a bridge between the old and the new—they need to feel like the story continues, not restarts.
Custom Message:
This article was written with passion, precision, and a fan-first perspective to highlight why Hondo’s spinoff must honor the S.W.A.T. legacy by featuring at least a couple of its original characters.
