There’s Only 1 Way To Make S.W.A.T. Exiles’ Ridiculous Story Work (& It’s Surprisingly Easy To Do) md24

een forced into retirement, which is the only element that is somewhat believable. After all, the character from S.W.A.T. shared no inclination that he was even considering hanging up his badge and gun.

Sony rushed its plans for the S.W.A.T. spinoff, and it’s showing in the confusing arc for Hondo, especially after the events of the season 8 finale.

This is a man we could see working with S.W.A.T. until death, so the only way out is to force him into retirement. However, that suggests that either he did something wrong, or that the top brass wasn’t happy with him. The only other possibility is that he’d been injured, but that wouldn’t lead him to be resistant to returning if given the chance.

S.W.A.T. Exiles is going to have to explain the forced retirement, and it could be done with a flashback or with a quick line. It would offer us a chance to understand why Hondo isn’t all too open about returning to help the LAPD in their time of need.

How A Time Jump Will Best Explain S.W.A.T. Exiles’ Premise

A 5-Year Time Jump Will Best Serve The S.W.A.T. Season 8 Finale

The best way to handle the way S.W.A.T. season 8 ended is to use a time jump. A five-year time jump is likely the best option, as it would offer plenty of time to explain why Hondo’s 20-Squad is no longer around and working effectively. Otherwise, Deacon could have ended up taking over and leading the new recruits.

This would also allow time for Hondo to infuriate the top brass enough for them to force him into retirement. At the same time, Hondo would have time at home with family, making him question his future with the LAPD. Plus, with the talk of S.W.A.T. family, time would allow S.W.A.T. Exiles to honor the way the original series ended.