In the high-stakes world of S.W.A.T. Exiles, trust is a luxury no one can afford. The Starz spin-off, which follows Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (Shemar Moore) as he leads a team of misfit recruits, has been building toward a explosive revelation: one of his own is a mole. Episode 4 delivers that twist, and Moore is opening up about what it means for Hondo and the series.
Speaking with Collider, Moore shared his excitement about the show's future, which has already been renewed for a second season. “I’m very excited about Season 2, and then I’m optimistic for Season 3,” he said. The actor, who has played Hondo for over eight seasons on CBS's S.W.A.T., is embracing the darker, edgier tone of the spin-off. “We call the old show the mothership,” he explained. “Without that show, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to do this.”
The new series puts Hondo in uncharted territory. He’s leading a team that was deliberately assembled to fail, each member carrying their own baggage and secrets. The tension is palpable from the start, as Hondo doesn’t know who to trust—and neither do they. The mole reveal in episode 4 is a turning point, forcing Hondo to confront a betrayal that cuts deep. Moore teased that the fallout will ripple through the rest of the season, testing Hondo’s resolve and his faith in his team.
One of the most intriguing elements of the spin-off is the Force Review Process, a storyline that puts Hondo under a microscope. As he faces questions about his actions on a mission, it becomes clear that someone is trying to push him out. Moore delved into how this process exposes Hondo’s vulnerabilities while also showcasing his determination to clear his name. “It’s a thrill ride,” Moore said of the series. “It’s signature S.W.A.T. with the theme song, and you know you’re going to get edgier action, but there’s so much storytelling.”
Moore also opened up about the physical demands of the role, especially at 56. “I’ve got to watch my diet. Now, I’ve got to kill myself in the gym,” he admitted with a laugh. But he’s quick to note that staying in shape isn’t just about vanity—it’s essential for the job. “If you’re not in shape, you can’t do the job of S.W.A.T. The demands of us, physically, with all the equipment and the weaponry and the gear that we have to wear and the way we move tactically, just being superhero cops, if you’re not in shape and you’re working 10 to 13 hours a day, it’s a grind.”
Looking ahead, Moore is optimistic about the show’s trajectory. With Season 2 already in the works, he’s eager to see where Hondo’s journey goes next. “This track is going to keep rolling,” he said. “But this show is going to excite you week to week. And then, when you get to the finale, you can’t wait for Season 2.”
For fans of the original series, S.W.A.T. Exiles offers a fresh take on a beloved character, with higher stakes and a more complex moral landscape. The mole twist is just the beginning, and Moore’s performance promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. As he put it, “If you’re excited to read them and can’t get enough of it, imagine when you see it.”
With the series already making waves, it’s clear that Hondo’s exile is just the start of a new chapter. Whether he can rebuild trust and lead his team through the chaos remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: S.W.A.T. Exiles is not holding back.
