S.W.A.T. Season 8 Finale: Shemar Moore’s Last Hondo Line Is Perfect

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Contains spoilers for “S.W.A.T.” Season 8, Episode 22 — “Return to Base”

Instead of waiting any longer, it’s time to get ready and move out – that’s the call from Hondo (Shemar Moore) in the finale of “S.W.A.T.” This statement perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the show. As his team of tough law enforcers prepares to offer assistance on an armed robbery case, it signals that for Unit 2, things will carry on as usual, even after the episodes’ intense events have transpired. The phrase also serves as a heartfelt farewell to Hondo’s iconic catchphrase, which has been repeated numerous times throughout the action-packed series’ eight seasons.

Previously, Hondo has uttered the phrase “Let’s roll,” which was a signature line of the original character Hondo, played by Steve Forrest. This catchphrase was often used in the original “S.W.A.T.”, and it appears twice that the current series has paid homage to its predecessor. Interestingly, one such reference has been overlooked by fans for quite some time.

The S.W.A.T reboot’s theme is similar to the original’s

One obvious nod that the TV show “S.W.A.T.” gives to its predecessor is through its theme music. This dynamic, brass-heavy tune is a modernized jazz rendition of the original theme song from the initial “S.W.A.T.” series, played at a slightly quicker tempo. The theme was created by Barry De Vorzon, who is also known for crafting “Nadia’s Theme,” later used as the theme music for the long-running daytime soap opera “The Young and the Restless,” as well as other hit pop songs and popular themes.

Instead of “S.W.A.T.” riding off into the sunset permanently, Paramount has approved a sequel series titled “S.W.A.T. Exiles”. In this new installment, Hondo will be seen training a fresh group of elite officers after being forced into retirement. The question remains: Will it match the success of its previous versions? Given that “S.W.A.T.” managed to withstand cancellation once before, and Shemar Moore publicly criticized CBS during both cancellations, there’s certainly reason to believe it might be a hit again.

So far as the series avoids transforming into a daytime drama, as Moore made clear was his intention, audiences could find the fresh idea appealing. Additionally, enthusiasts of this franchise may find themselves delighted with numerous nods and callbacks upon its debut.

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2025-05-20 01:29