When CBS wrapped S.W.A.T. with an emotional finale, fans were relieved that 20-Squad remained intact. But Sony Pictures, pushing ahead with S.W.A.T. Exiles, has hinted at a far more complicated future for Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson.
Hondo’s storyline in the upcoming spinoff already feels tangled—why would he leave his squad behind after promising unity? One bold narrative solution stands out: a 20-Squad sacrifice. By placing the team in the line of fire, Sony could justify Hondo’s exile while giving fans a dramatic hook to stay invested.
The Problem with Hondo’s Current Arc
From Loyal Leader to Lone Wolf?
Hondo’s defining trait has always been loyalty—loyalty to his team, his city, and his principles. For him to suddenly break away from 20-Squad in Exiles risks undermining seven seasons of character development.
Fans aren’t buying a clean break unless the spinoff delivers a compelling reason.
Why Fans Feel Confused
The finale’s closing moment showed Hondo gearing up with his team for another mission. There were no hints of separation. Transitioning from that unity to Exiles requires a seismic shift—something bigger than paperwork or politics.
Why a 20-Squad Sacrifice Works
High Stakes, High Impact
Killing off or sidelining key squad members in the opening episodes of Exiles would instantly explain Hondo’s departure. If he feels responsible for losing brothers and sisters in the line of duty, exile becomes a choice rooted in grief and guilt.
A Legacy-Driven Narrative
Rather than tarnish Hondo’s loyalty, a squad sacrifice preserves it. He wouldn’t leave because he wanted to—he’d leave because he couldn’t stay after such loss. That nuance is key.
Possible Sacrifice Scenarios
1. A Mission Gone Wrong
Imagine Exiles opening with a catastrophic mission abroad—maybe tied to global terrorism or cartel warfare—where 20-Squad pays the ultimate price. Hondo, as the leader, shoulders the blame.
2. A Political Betrayal
Sony could weave in government betrayal: the squad becomes expendable pawns in a larger game, and Hondo is exiled as the scapegoat. The loss of his team would amplify the emotional fallout.
3. A Targeted Strike
A revenge-fueled enemy targeting Hondo through 20-Squad would make the sacrifice personal. This storyline preserves continuity with Red Sword or another shadowy group introduced in the finale.
The Emotional Weight of Loss
A sacrifice storyline ensures:
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Viewers connect emotionally right from episode one.
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Hondo’s exile feels justified instead of random.
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20-Squad’s legacy is honored, even if their story ends.
Think about it: the spinoff’s title, Exiles, demands loss, separation, and reinvention. A squad sacrifice would embody all three.
How This Honors the Finale
At first glance, this theory might feel like a betrayal of the finale’s upbeat ending. But in reality, it heightens its impact. The finale celebrated unity—making its sudden shattering in Exiles all the more devastating.
It’s the storytelling equivalent of pulling the rug out from under the audience, a strategy that keeps fans hooked.
Hondo’s Path Forward
With 20-Squad gone or fractured, Hondo becomes a man without a home. That sets up:
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An exile abroad chasing justice outside the LAPD.
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A redemption arc as he grapples with survivor’s guilt.
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New allies and enemies that expand the S.W.A.T. universe beyond Los Angeles.
Risks of a 20-Squad Sacrifice
Sony must tread carefully. Fans are deeply attached to 20-Squad, and killing them off risks backlash. However, if handled with respect—through flashbacks, tributes, and emotional depth—it could elevate the spinoff from “just another police drama” to a bold storytelling choice.
Conclusion: A Bold Gamble Sony Should Take
For S.W.A.T. Exiles to succeed, Sony must give fans a reason to accept Hondo’s confusing break from his family at 20-Squad. A sacrifice storyline, though painful, could be the perfect solution. It preserves Hondo’s loyalty, justifies his exile, and injects the new series with emotional urgency.
Hondo can only rise again if his fall is believable—and that fall may come at the cost of 20-Squad.
FAQs
1. Why would Sony sacrifice 20-Squad in S.W.A.T. Exiles?
To justify Hondo’s exile and create a fresh, emotionally charged storyline.
2. Does the series finale of S.W.A.T. hint at this twist?
No direct hints, but the open-ended finale allows Sony to pivot in bold directions.
3. Could the sacrifice mean everyone in 20-Squad dies?
Not necessarily. Some could die, others could retire or transfer, but the effect would fracture the team beyond repair.
4. Would fans accept losing 20-Squad?
If handled with care and depth, yes. The loss could fuel a richer, darker storyline.
5. Could this set up more spinoffs?
Absolutely. Surviving members or legacy recruits could anchor future S.W.A.T. projects.
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