On May 16, 2025, S.W.A.T. aired its final episode, titled “Return to Base”. It delivered an emotionally charged and action-packed conclusion fitting for the long-running Shemar Moore-led series The Sun+15People.com+15TV Insider+15Looper+4michaelfairmantv.com+4TV Insider+4.
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The final arc centers on a terrorist threat from “Red Sword,” a group of ex‑Russian mercenaries who plant invisible mines across Los Angeles via drones. Their objective: secure the release of their leader, Dmitri Rykov, who’s in CIA custody Parade+3People.com+3TV Insider+3.
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In a tense standoff, Hondo convinces the CIA to let him question Rykov during transport. Red Sword retaliates with a drone attack on SWAT HQ, leading to a dramatic showdown and eventual capture of RykovPeople.com+1TV Insider+1.
🛡️ The Threat Doesn’t Break the Team
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With HQ under fire, Hondo, Devin Gamble, and the 20-Squad unite. Gamble redeems herself after a personal crisis involving her brother by jumping into combat to help defend HQ Looper+8Parade+8TV Insider+8.
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The team successfully neutralizes the threat and secures Rykov’s handover to secure the safety of unsuspecting LA citizens Dailygossip+4TV Insider+4People.com+4.
👥 The Emotional Farewell: Two Weeks Later
After the chaos, a time jump shows the team:
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Tan becoming the mayoral liaison
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Miguel still frustrated about the gym repairs
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Gamble deciding to remain with 20-Squad TV Insider+7People.com+7Dailygossip+7.
Deacon, newly financially secure, gifts each team member a watch engraved with “20 Squad – Stay Liquid” — symbolizing unity, brotherhood, and the fragility of life .
🚨 The Final Shot: Business as Usual
In a powerful closing moment, Hondo rallies the team:
“What are we waiting for? Gear up. Let’s go save this city.”
They suit up for another mission and leave together, emblematic of their unbreakable bond—ending the series on a note of solidarity and purpose, not goodbye Looper+14Looper+14TV Insider+14.
🤝 A Legacy Wrapped in Continuity
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No definitive “end”: By avoiding a clear-cut finale, the show leaves room for continuation—especially through the upcoming spin-off, S.W.A.T.: Exiles Reddit+10Looper+10Internewscast Journal+10.
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Hondo remains steadfast: His final on-screen persona as a determined leader sets the stage for his continued journey in the spin-off .
💬 Shemar Moore’s Final Reflections
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Gratitude & pride: Despite dismay over the final cancellation in March 2025, Moore expressed deep thanks to his cast, crew, and fans via Instagram, calling the ending bittersweet but celebrating the show’s legacyCinemablend+1New York Post+1.
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Persistence pays off: The series’ cancellation and revival saga—twice saved before its definitive end—became part of its narrative, and Moore vowed to fight for its continuation on other platforms .
📺 What Comes Next: S.W.A.T.: Exiles
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Ten-episode spinoff announced May 2025, with Shemar Moore reprising Hondo, this time mentoring an elite unit of young recruits Cinemablend+15Wikipedia+15Cinemablend+15.
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Production begins summer 2025 in LA, using much of the original crew—but expectation is that only Hondo returns from the main cast Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1.
🧭 Final Thoughts
S.W.A.T. ended with high-stakes action, emotional farewell moments, and a powerful sense of continuity. By keeping the door open, the show ensures Hondo’s legacy lives on. Whether fans miss the original squad or root for the new unit in Exiles, one thing is clear: for Hondo and 20-Squad, it’s not over—they’re just gearing up for the next mission.
FAQs
Q1: When did the series finale air?
A: The final episode, “Return to Base,” aired on May 16, 2025 .
Q2: Did all the original cast appear in the finale?
A: Yes—Hondo, Deacon, Tan, Gamble, Miguel, and Zoe all featured prominently, with Gamble facing a redemption arc .
Q3: What was the main threat in the finale?
A: The terrorist group “Red Sword,” ex-Russian mercenaries who planted drone-delivered landmines in LA .
Q4: What’s S.W.A.T.: Exiles about?
A: A ten-episode spin-off launching in 2025, featuring Hondo heading a new SWAT-style unit of young recruits .
Q5: How did Shemar Moore react to the show’s ending?
A: He expressed gratitude and pride, noting disappointment at cancellation but optimism for the character’s future .
