Introduction:
Since its debut in 2017, S.W.A.T. has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. With its intense action sequences, diverse characters, and gripping storylines, the show quickly became a fan favorite. However, despite the fresh take on the “Special Weapons and Tactics” team, the 2017 TV series shares a surprising connection to the 2003 S.W.A.T. movie starring Colin Farrell. While not a direct remake, the series draws significant inspiration from both the 1975 S.W.A.T. TV show and the 2003 film, combining elements from both projects in unexpected ways.
In this article, we will explore how the 2003 S.W.A.T. film influenced the 2017 TV series, and whether the show can be considered a remake. Let’s dive into the fascinating history behind S.W.A.T. and the unique relationship between the movie and its TV adaptation.
A Brief Overview of S.W.A.T. (2017)
The 2017 S.W.A.T. TV series centers around Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, a former Marine who joins the Los Angeles Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics team. Played by Shemar Moore, Hondo leads a diverse and highly skilled team that faces high-risk missions, ranging from dealing with dangerous criminals to navigating the complex world of police politics. The show has garnered praise for its action-packed episodes and compelling character arcs, drawing viewers into the world of law enforcement and the challenges faced by modern police teams.
The 2003 S.W.A.T. Movie – A Different Kind of Action Film
Released in 2003, the S.W.A.T. movie stars Colin Farrell as Jim Street, a skilled S.W.A.T. officer who is brought into a new team led by Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Sergeant Dan Harrelson. While the movie shares the same core concept as the TV show—following a special tactical unit of the LAPD—the tone and style differ significantly. The film features explosive action, car chases, and high-stakes hostage situations, making it a fast-paced thriller with a focus on adrenaline-fueled excitement.
Although S.W.A.T. 2003 received mixed reviews, it became a box office success, cementing the franchise’s place in popular culture. The movie’s commercial success eventually paved the way for the 2017 TV reboot, which took inspiration from the film’s more modern, high-energy approach to the S.W.A.T. team.
Is S.W.A.T. (2017) a Remake of the 2003 Film?
At first glance, the 2017 S.W.A.T. may appear to be a remake of the 2003 movie, given the shared characters and concept. However, the TV series is more of a reboot than a direct remake. While both projects follow the exploits of the LAPD’s elite S.W.A.T. team, the TV show builds upon the foundation laid by the film and the original 1975 TV series to create something fresh and unique.
The Evolution of Hondo Harrelson: A Key Connection
One of the most significant connections between the 2003 movie and the 2017 TV series is the character of Sergeant Dan “Hondo” Harrelson. In the 2003 film, Harrelson is portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, a tough, no-nonsense leader who oversees a diverse group of S.W.A.T. officers. In the 2017 series, Shemar Moore takes on the role, bringing his own interpretation of the character.
What makes this particularly interesting is that the character of Hondo first appeared in the 1975 S.W.A.T. TV series, portrayed by Steve Forrest. In the original series, Hondo was a seasoned, charismatic officer who led the team through tough situations. By making the character of Hondo a central figure in both the movie and the rebooted show, S.W.A.T. connects the past and present iterations of the franchise, creating a sense of continuity.
S.W.A.T. 2017: A Modern Spin on Classic Themes
The 2017 S.W.A.T. series retains many of the core elements from the movie and the 1975 TV show, such as the focus on teamwork, intense action, and high-risk missions. However, the series takes a more modern approach, addressing contemporary issues related to policing, racial tensions, and internal department politics.
This is a stark contrast to the 2003 movie, which, while engaging, doesn’t dive as deeply into the socio-political aspects of law enforcement. The 2017 show places more emphasis on the personal struggles and relationships of the S.W.A.T. team members, making it feel more grounded in real-world issues. The decision to feature a Black actor, Shemar Moore, in the lead role of Hondo is one such example of how the series modernizes the character to reflect today’s complex political climate.
How the 2003 Film Influenced the 2017 Series
While the 1975 S.W.A.T. series served as the initial inspiration, it is the 2003 movie that had a greater impact on shaping the tone and style of the 2017 reboot. The action sequences, particularly the explosive firefights and car chases, echo the fast-paced action seen in the film. Additionally, the dynamic between the team members, including Hondo and his diverse team of officers, is clearly influenced by the movie’s ensemble cast.
However, the 2017 series takes things further by exploring the internal politics of the S.W.A.T. team and the moral dilemmas that come with modern policing. This shift in focus adds layers to the characters and allows for more nuanced storytelling, making the series feel more relevant and engaging for today’s audiences.
The Absence of Key Characters from the 2003 Movie
While the 2017 S.W.A.T. series features some of the same characters from the 2003 film, there are notable absences. For instance, the character of Brian Gamble, portrayed by Jeremy Renner in the movie, is completely absent from the series. The show focuses more on the dynamics within the team itself, with characters like Jim Street and Deacon Kay receiving more attention than in the original movie.
This shift in focus reflects the changes in television storytelling, where ensemble casts and character-driven narratives are becoming more popular. The absence of certain characters from the film allows the 2017 series to carve out its own identity, even while acknowledging its roots.
Differences Between the Original 1975 Series and the 2017 Reboot
While the 2003 movie had a significant influence on the 2017 S.W.A.T. series, it’s also important to recognize the connection to the 1975 TV show. The original S.W.A.T. series was groundbreaking in its portrayal of a specialized police unit, and its impact can still be felt in the 2017 reboot. However, the 2017 show differs in several key areas:
- Character Development: The 1975 show focused more on the procedural aspects of the S.W.A.T. team’s operations, while the 2017 series delves deeper into character arcs and relationships.
- Tone and Style: The 1975 series was more serious and straightforward, whereas the 2017 show incorporates elements of drama, humor, and modern-day social issues.
- Diversity and Representation: The 2017 S.W.A.T. series places a strong emphasis on diversity, particularly with Hondo’s character being portrayed by Shemar Moore, a Black actor. This adds a layer of relevance to the show, addressing issues such as race and systemic injustice.
Conclusion:
The 2017 S.W.A.T. series is not a direct remake of the 2003 film, but it certainly draws significant inspiration from both the 2003 movie and the original 1975 TV show. While the series incorporates some of the high-energy action and character dynamics of the 2003 film, it also adds a fresh perspective, addressing modern-day issues and expanding on the characters’ personal stories. The connection between the two projects is undeniable, but the 2017 series stands on its own, carving a unique path in the S.W.A.T. legacy.
