Introduction: The S.W.A.T. Franchise’s Legacy
Since its debut in 2017, S.W.A.T. has captured the attention of viewers with its thrilling blend of high-octane action and deep, character-driven drama. The show follows Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (played by Shemar Moore), an ex-marine turned LAPD officer, as he leads a newly-formed Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team in the face of various dangers and challenges. Yet, while the show has carved its own path, it shares a surprising and often overlooked connection to the 2003 S.W.A.T. movie starring Colin Farrell.
In this article, we’ll explore the intriguing relationship between the 2017 S.W.A.T. series, the 2003 S.W.A.T. film, and the original 1970s TV show. Is the 2017 series a remake, or does it stand on its own as a modern reimagining? Let’s break it down.
A Closer Look at the S.W.A.T. Legacy
The 1975 S.W.A.T. TV Show
To understand the evolution of the S.W.A.T. franchise, it’s essential to begin with the 1975 TV show. Created by Robert Hamner and featuring a gritty depiction of an elite police unit, the original S.W.A.T. series introduced viewers to a tough, action-packed world where the heroes fought against organized crime and terrorism. At its core, it was a story about the Special Weapons and Tactics team, led by Lt. “Hondo” Harrelson, played by Steve Forrest.
Although S.W.A.T. ran for only one season, it established the foundation for everything that followed. It introduced key characters, such as Jim Street and Deacon Kay, who would go on to become fan favorites in future iterations.
The 2003 Movie: Reviving the Brand
Fast forward to 2003, when the S.W.A.T. franchise was brought back to the big screen. Directed by Clark Johnson, the film starred Colin Farrell as Officer Jim Street and Samuel L. Jackson as Hondo. While the movie was action-packed and intense, it also marked a significant shift in tone and setting compared to the 1975 TV series. Set in Los Angeles, the film followed a group of S.W.A.T. officers tasked with transporting a notorious criminal who promises a hefty reward for his release.
This film served as a modern reboot, incorporating familiar characters from the original series but in a new context. It’s worth noting that the movie’s portrayal of Hondo (now played by Samuel L. Jackson) was a stark departure from the original version. Not only was Hondo now portrayed by a Black actor, but the film also dealt with themes of loyalty, trust, and personal redemption—complex topics that resonated with a contemporary audience.
The 2017 S.W.A.T. TV Series: A New Chapter
When the S.W.A.T. franchise was revived in 2017 as a TV series, the production took cues from both the original 1975 series and the 2003 movie. While the show retained the core concept of a Special Weapons and Tactics team tackling high-stakes situations, it incorporated modern sensibilities and a diverse cast. Shemar Moore was cast as Sergeant Hondo Harrelson, marking a pivotal change in the character’s portrayal compared to previous iterations.
The 2017 series doesn’t simply rehash the previous versions; it builds on them, bringing together elements of the past with a fresh, contemporary approach. The show focuses on Hondo’s leadership and his efforts to navigate the complexities of modern policing, all while tackling issues like racial tension and systemic corruption within the police force.
The S.W.A.T. Movie Influence on the 2017 Series
Character Connections: Hondo and More
One of the most obvious connections between the 2003 S.W.A.T. movie and the 2017 TV series is the character of Hondo Harrelson. In both iterations, Hondo is portrayed as a strong, capable leader with a troubled past. However, the 2017 version of Hondo, played by Shemar Moore, adds layers to the character by exploring his complex relationship with both his team and the community he serves.
Another important character connection is Jim Street, who appears in both the original show and the 2003 film. While the 2003 version of Street (played by Colin Farrell) is more of a rookie, the 2017 series shows a more seasoned, mature version of the character. This evolution speaks to the way both television and attitudes toward policing have changed over time.
Action Sequences: A Nod to the Movie
The action sequences in the 2017 S.W.A.T. series also owe a debt to the 2003 movie, which was known for its high-intensity, fast-paced action scenes. While the 2017 show has its own unique style, the influence of the 2003 film is apparent in the explosive set pieces and the overall tone of the series.
In fact, the visual style of S.W.A.T. 2017 shares a lot in common with the 2003 movie. Both versions emphasize quick, adrenaline-pumping moments, making them both appealing to fans of action-packed police dramas.
The Political and Social Context: A More Reflective Approach
Modern Policing in the 2017 Series
While the 2003 S.W.A.T. movie was more of a straightforward action flick, the 2017 TV series is willing to tackle the complexities of modern-day policing. The show doesn’t shy away from addressing issues such as racial profiling, police brutality, and systemic corruption. In this way, the 2017 series takes a more reflective approach to its storytelling, acknowledging the challenges faced by law enforcement today.
This shift reflects broader changes in society’s understanding of police work and the challenges facing law enforcement officers in the 21st century. The 2003 film, while thrilling, focused more on the action and less on these social issues.
Hondo’s Role as a Black Leader
Another important distinction in the 2017 series is the casting of Shemar Moore as Hondo, which brings a more nuanced exploration of race and leadership within the police force. The character’s Black identity is central to the show’s narrative, and Hondo’s position as a leader is often put to the test as he navigates racial tension within the LAPD. This is a notable departure from the 2003 movie, where Hondo’s race was not a focal point of the character.
Key Differences: S.W.A.T. 2017 vs. The Movie and Original Show
Absence of Key Movie Characters
Although the 2017 series reuses some familiar characters from the previous iterations, it also introduces new faces and omits certain characters from the movie. For example, Brian Gamble, played by Jeremy Renner in the 2003 film, is absent from the TV show, which instead focuses more on the core S.W.A.T. team. This shift in character dynamics reflects the series’ desire to carve out its own identity separate from the film.
Character Development in the TV Series
Another major difference is the deeper character development in the 2017 TV series. Whereas the original show and the 2003 film were more episodic in nature, the TV series takes a more serialized approach, allowing for greater exploration of each team member’s backstory, motivations, and relationships. This approach makes the series feel more like a character-driven drama than a simple police procedural.
Conclusion: S.W.A.T. 2017—A Unique Legacy
While the 2017 S.W.A.T. series is undeniably influenced by both the 1975 TV show and the 2003 movie, it stands on its own as a modern reimagining. By blending high-octane action with a deeper focus on social issues, the series has carved a niche for itself in today’s television landscape. It honors the legacy of its predecessors while offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be a police officer in the 21st century.
FAQs
1. Is the 2017 S.W.A.T. TV series a direct remake of the 2003 movie?
No, the 2017 series is a reimagining of the S.W.A.T. franchise, incorporating elements from both the original 1975 TV show and the 2003 movie, but with its own unique twist.
2. How is the character of Hondo different in the 2017 series compared to the 2003 movie?
In the 2017 series, Hondo is portrayed by Shemar Moore, offering a more complex and reflective take on the character, especially regarding race and leadership in modern policing.
