Shemar Moore Details "S.W.A.T. Exiles" Episode 4 Twists, Explains Character Motivations
The actor discusses Hondo's investigation into a compromised operation and his evolving relationships with teammates.
In the latest episode of "S.W.A.T. Exiles," titled "Get Clear," Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson's team is investigated by the Force Review Board following an operation where Hondo shot a woman he believed was armed. The incident occurred during a raid on a cannabis farm, initiated by an anonymous tip about hostages.
During the operation, Hondo encountered a man claiming to be an I.C.E. agent with a fraudulent warrant. After determining the agent was not legitimate, Hondo proceeded with the raid. The woman he shot, Rachel Richards, was the owner of the farm and involved in illicit financial activities. The core of the investigation centered on whether Richards was armed when Hondo fired.
Although fans were aware of team member Malik's role as a mole attempting to undermine Hondo since the series' premiere, Hondo learns of this betrayal with the help of Ethan, the team's technology specialist. Ethan, who programmed the drone used in the operation, initially reported it damaged to the Force Review Board. However, a flashback revealed Ethan's conversation with Hondo, where he expressed confidence in recovering the drone's footage, despite uncertainty about whether Richards was armed. Ethan ultimately chose to lie to the board, expressing trust in Hondo.
Malik later confessed to other team members that the drone footage was in Hondo's office. He then infiltrated Hondo's office and took the footage, passing it to the mayor's chief of staff, Miranda. Miranda anonymously submitted the footage to the Force Review Board, which confirmed Richards had indeed taken a weapon from one of the fake I.C.E. agents before Hondo shot her. Deputy Chief Roman Carrero acknowledged after viewing the evidence that Richards appeared to be complicit in the operation.
Moore explained that Hondo deliberately withheld the footage to expose the mole within his team. Security footage from his office caught Malik in the act of stealing the drone data. Moore shared his appreciation for the dynamic between Hondo and Ethan, describing Ethan as a character who, despite a brain injury affecting his social interaction, possesses an endearing quality that resonates with viewers.
In contrast to the Hondo-Ethan alliance, Moore commented on Malik's actions, attributing them to a generational difference in understanding respect for elders and the process of earning success. He suggested that Malik's desire for instant gratification, characteristic of what Moore described as "Gen Z" impulsivity, led him to betray Hondo. Moore indicated that Malik would soon learn that Hondo is not someone to be crossed.
New episodes of "S.W.A.T. Exiles" are released on Starz on Fridays, with the first four episodes available for streaming.