When news broke that Shemar Moore would be reprising his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in a brand-new S.W.A.T. spinoff, the fanbase was intrigued—until they heard the actual premise. Now, the biggest reaction isn’t excitement. It’s confusion.
Because the story? It just doesn’t make sense.
And that, more than anything, highlights Sony’s mishandling of the entire S.W.A.T. franchise.
Let’s break down why the spinoff’s direction is raising eyebrows—and why it might be the most unnecessary continuation in recent TV history.
The Premise We Got – And Why It’s a Problem
The rumored setup for the spinoff—possibly titled S.W.A.T. EXILES—has Hondo leading a new covert team, possibly overseas or outside the U.S. justice system.
Wait, what?
From LAPD Hero to International Rogue?
Hondo, who’s spent eight seasons fighting to clean up corruption, champion community policing, and prove that the system can work from within, is now suddenly going off the grid?
That completely contradicts his character arc.
Where’s the Justification?
There was no buildup to this shift in the S.W.A.T. finale. No forced retirement. No crisis of conscience. No scandal. Just a vague sense that he was moving on.
So why would Hondo leave behind everything he fought to fix?
This Feels Like a Spinoff for Spinoff’s Sake
Let’s be honest—this new story doesn’t feel like a natural evolution. It feels like Sony trying to cash in on Shemar Moore’s star power, regardless of logic.
Where’s the Team? The Family?
For eight seasons, S.W.A.T. was about more than Hondo. It was about Street, Deacon, Tan, Luca, Chris, and the bond between them. Suddenly isolating Hondo in a completely different narrative undermines everything that came before.
The Finale Already Felt Like a Mismatch
We’ve talked about how the S.W.A.T. Season 8 finale felt like a stealth trailer for a new series. And now we know why: Sony had already been planning this shift.
But even with that knowledge, the finale failed to:
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Explain why Hondo would leave
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Set up a credible conflict or mission
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Give any real reason for the drastic change
And now we’re expected to just follow him into an entirely new world? No thanks.
What Fans Are Saying – And They’re Not Wrong
“This Isn’t Hondo Anymore”
Plenty of longtime fans have said it outright: this version of Hondo doesn’t feel like the man they’ve followed since Season 1. He’s lost his grounding, his team, his purpose.
And that’s because the spinoff isn’t rooted in character growth—it’s driven by corporate planning.
“Sony Did This For The IP, Not The Story”
The writing’s on the wall. Sony isn’t expanding the S.W.A.T. universe for storytelling. They’re franchise farming. And unfortunately, it shows.
Why This Undermines S.W.A.T.’s Core Message
A Show Built on Community and Reform
At its best, S.W.A.T. tackled real issues—race, justice, police reform—and showed Hondo as a leader who believed in making things better from the inside out.
Tearing him out of that system for a vague “black ops” story doesn’t just feel off—it erases everything he stood for.
So… He Just Walks Away From It All?
The idea that Hondo would ditch L.A., his squad, his family, and his mission with no real emotional payoff? It’s not just bad writing—it’s a betrayal of what made the show special.
Could the Spinoff Be Saved?
Maybe. But it would require major adjustments:
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Reintegrate key characters (Street, Deacon, etc.)
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Create a real motivation for Hondo’s move
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Stay grounded in themes that made S.W.A.T. work
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Drop the “Exiles” branding—it doesn’t fit
Right now, it feels like Sony is throwing darts at a board and hoping Shemar Moore can hold it all together.
Why Sony’s Decision Feels Tone-Deaf
They had a loyal audience. A critically improving series. A strong ensemble cast. And instead of wrapping it all up properly, Sony did what so many networks do: they chased a brand, not a legacy.
The spinoff might attract some eyeballs. But it’s already lost the heart and soul of what made S.W.A.T. matter.
Shemar Moore Deserves Better Writing
Let’s be clear—Shemar Moore is not the problem. He’s charismatic, committed, and has carried the role of Hondo with integrity.
But even the best actor can’t sell a storyline that makes no emotional or logical sense.
If Sony wants to bank on his popularity, they need to give him a script that honors the foundation he helped build.
Conclusion – A Spinoff With No Spine
At the end of the day, Shemar Moore’s S.W.A.T. spinoff feels rushed, misplaced, and disconnected from everything fans loved. There’s no emotional logic, no narrative bridge, and no clear reason for Hondo to even exist in this new world.
If Sony wants fans to follow Hondo into his next chapter, they need to give them a reason that actually honors the S.W.A.T. universe—not just slap a cool title on a barely-thought-out show.
Because right now? It’s not working. And fans see right through it.
FAQs
1. What is the plot of the Hondo spinoff?
Rumors suggest Hondo will lead a new, more covert team—possibly overseas—but no official story details have been confirmed.
2. Why do fans think the spinoff doesn’t make sense?
Because it contradicts Hondo’s character arc and breaks away from the grounded, team-based storytelling of S.W.A.T..
3. Is Shemar Moore still playing Hondo?
Yes, Shemar Moore is expected to reprise his role, but the new direction has sparked backlash.
4. What’s wrong with the name “S.W.A.T. EXILES”?
Many fans feel the title doesn’t match the tone or theme of the original series and sounds overly dramatic or out of place.
5. Could the spinoff be reworked to fit better?
Yes—by bringing back original cast members, grounding the story in realistic stakes, and staying true to Hondo’s core values.
