Now that S.W.A.T. EXILES has officially been announced, I’m feeling… conflicted. On one hand, I’m glad the universe of the show continues. On the other, I can’t shake the feeling that this is not what fans — or the some of cast — fought so hard for.
We campaigned for Season 9. We wanted the full team back: Deacon, Tan, Hicks, Powell, Alfaro, even Gamble. Instead, what we’re getting sounds more like a reboot — one that’s cheaper to produce and features a new set of recruits, with only Hondo (Shemar Moore) returning.
Bottom line: I don’t think it was intentionally malicious on Shemar Moore’s part, but it does come off as self-serving— especially considering there’s been no clear acknowledgment of or involvement from his former castmates. If he eventually speaks up and shows respect for the OG cast — maybe even explains how this all came about — it could help fans understand the decision. But as things stand now, it doesn’t look great. The optics are messy.
Let’s not forget Annie (who played Devin Gamble in Season 8) — she was openly hopeful about a potential Season 9 and even teased spin-off ideas herself. But from the look of this new plot, it doesn’t seem like she’s involved either.
And maybe they’ll throw in some cameos from Tan, Deacon, Powell, Hicks, and Alfaro — but it’s not the same. We wanted Season 9 with the OG crew. That’s what the fans campaigned for. This spinoff just doesn’t feel like the win they’re marketing it to be.
Curious to hear what other longtime fans think. Are you excited for EXILES? Or does it feel like a hollow compromise?
