Shemar Moore Discusses 'S.W.A.T. Exiles' Romantic Developments and Season Ahead

In the latest episode of "S.W.A.T. Exiles," titled "Burn Zone," a romantic entanglement develops between recruits Jude and Sammy. The storyline sees Jude, portrayed by Ronen Rubenstein, staying with Ethan, played by Freddy Miyares, after his corporate housing felt impersonal. Sammy, brought to life by Lucy Barrett, visits Jude, and amid conversations about the pressures of their intense work, she initiates a kiss. Jude reciprocates, and despite acknowledging it as a "terrible idea," the two continue their hook-up.

Actor Shemar Moore, who stars as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, shared his thoughts on the developing relationship and Hondo's potential reaction. Moore indicated that Hondo would likely not interfere as long as the recruits' personal lives do not impact their professional performance. "Hondo doesn't care. As long as they show up to work and get the job done," Moore told DECIDER. "They're young. A little hanky-panky, you know what I mean? Hondo was young once upon a time."

However, Moore clarified that Hondo would be concerned if the relationship affected team chemistry or job execution. "You can't let lovey-dovey emotions; you can't let any of that get in the way," he stated. "Your instincts gotta be right on time because you don't get second chances." Moore also suggested that the team's dynamic might be more exposed than the recruits realize, hinting that Hondo "seems to have an ear to everything."

Moore expressed that the coupling of Sammy and Jude could be an exciting development for the show's audience. "So they're having a good time, and hopefully the audience is having a good time watching them have a good time," he said.

Looking ahead, Moore hinted at the possibility of his own character, Hondo, finding a love interest in the current season. "There's a rumor out there that Hondo can't be dark and frustrated and moody over his mama and getting kicked off the force. So Hondo is going to have to find love," he teased. "So I'm going to have to stay in the gym so they can peel my shirt off and, I don't know, play a little kissy face with somebody." Moore added that he is open to exploring this romantic storyline. "They're trying to throw me a bone, so I'm not going to fight it too hard."

Moore also commented on the shift in the show's platform from broadcast television to Starz for "S.W.A.T. Exiles." He noted that the new platform allows for more creative freedom, enabling the series to be "a little darker, a little edgier" with more "colorful" language. This freedom, he explained, allows for deeper exploration of character emotions and action sequences. "But yeah, there's a lot of treats, there's a lot of surprises that will come along the way: familiar faces, romances, shirts off and sexy time. Trust me, it's a fun ride."

New episodes of "S.W.A.T. Exiles" are available on Starz on Fridays, with the first three episodes already streaming.