SWAT Exiles has 2 main reasons to involve Deacon and Hicks in the pilot

As the development of the SWAT spinoff series, SWAT Exiles, continues, there is more news about characters in the series. It turns out that two OFs from the mothership will be around, and while this is exciting, it has me somewhat apprehensive.

Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit will be back as Deacon and Hicks respectively. Support of SWAT Exiles saw a change as Harrington spoke out about when he learned of the spinoff series. It came via a text from Shemar Moore just ahead of the public announcement, and the OG cast has been vocal about disappointment in how it was all handled.

At first, there weren’t any plans to bring the mothership characters into the new story, but that has changed. However, it could be as a way to set up why Hondo was forced into retirement

To Protect and to Serve — “To Protect and To Serve” – When Hicks insists SWAT participate in Patrol Day in an effort to engage more meaningfully with the community, Hondo and Deacon have their hands full mentoring the newest members of the team. Also, a suspended Tan investigates a mystery close to home, on S.W.A.T., Friday, March 3 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Pictured (L-R): Jay Harrington as David "Deacon" Kay, Kenneth "Kenny" Johnson as

Deacon and Hicks could be in a flashback in the SWAT Exiles pilot

As of right now, the two are only involved in the SWAT Exiles pilot episode, and this is the part of the news that has me worried. I’ve long thought that Hondo being forced into retirement only really makes sense for one main reason: He loses his entire squad in a call.

While Hicks is the commander, he has stepped into a mission now and then. We even saw him step up in the final season of SWAT, as he proved that he was still needed in his job. So, it’s possible that he goes in with 20-Squad, and we get a flashback of the entire squad except Hondo perishing.

The only reason I don’t think this is going to happen just yet is that none of the other members of 20-Squad are in the pilot episode. If they all join, then I would definitely say it’s a flashback.

“Open Season” – 20-Squad must race to uncover a dangerous enemy intent on revenge. Also, Deacon and Tan butt heads over Tan’s changes to SWAT academy, on S.W.A.T., Friday, Jan. 31 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+. Series star Jay Harrington directs. Pictured: Patrick St. Esprit as Commander Robert Hicks. Photo: Bill Inoshita/Sony Pictures Television/CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Deacon and Hicks could get Hondo back in SWAT

We know from the synopsis for SWAT Exiles that Hondo isn’t all that interested in coming back to the job when he’s asked. The best people to send to him to get him to change his mind are Deacon and Hicks. They have both had experiences of the dark side of the police force, and maybe they were even demoted or affected by whatever causes Hondo’s forced retirement.

They could even be the ones who realize that they need Hondo back to train the team. They know that he has a way with training some of the those less likely to follow rules. Just look at how he’s trained Street and Miko!

This is the more likely reason to bring the two back in. It would also open the door for them to be in episodes in the future.

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