S.W.A.T. Cast Felt “Brushed Aside” by Spinoff Series News, Says David Lim
The announcement of S.W.A.T. Exiles generated mixed reactions among fans, but one of the strongest responses came from David Lim, who portrayed Victor Tan throughout all eight seasons of S.W.A.T..
David Lim Speaks Out
Shortly after the original series ended, Lim shared a heartfelt message reflecting on his time with the show and addressing the surprise announcement of S.W.A.T. Exiles. He said that while he was proud of the show’s legacy, the timing and rollout of the new spinoff “stung.”
According to Lim, the original cast and crew worked together for eight seasons to build the franchise’s success, and he felt there should have been more recognition of those contributions before moving on to the next chapter.
“It Felt Like We Were Brushed Aside”
In his statement, Lim explained that the cast had fought hard for a ninth season and believed there were still more stories to tell. He wrote that seeing the spinoff announced only two days after the series finale, without acknowledgment of the ensemble cast, made it feel as though they had been “brushed aside.”
His comments quickly resonated with fans who had grown attached not only to Hondo but to the entire Squad 20 team.
What Made S.W.A.T. Special
Lim emphasized that the show’s appeal wasn’t centered on a single character.
Instead, he credited the chemistry among the cast, describing the bond, camaraderie, and teamwork that developed both on and off screen over eight seasons. He argued that this ensemble dynamic was a major reason the series connected so strongly with viewers.
Fan Reaction
Many fans supported Lim’s comments, agreeing that characters such as:
- Victor Tan
- David ‘Deacon’ Kay
- Dominique Luca
- Zoe Powell
helped make S.W.A.T. more than just an action show. Online discussions frequently highlighted the importance of the ensemble cast and the family atmosphere within Squad 20.
Shemar Moore’s Role in the New Series
The spinoff centers on Shemar Moore‘s character, Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson, who returns to lead a new experimental unit composed of younger recruits. Initially, Moore was the only original cast member officially attached to the project.
However, later reports suggested that some familiar faces from the original series could appear as guest stars, offering hope for future reunions.
Looking Ahead
Despite his disappointment, Lim also expressed gratitude for the fans, cast, crew, and the experience of playing Tan for eight seasons. His message was ultimately less about attacking the new series and more about honoring the people who helped build the original show’s success.
Final Thoughts
David Lim’s comments highlighted the emotional side of television production. While excitement surrounds S.W.A.T. Exiles, his remarks reminded fans that S.W.A.T. was built on the efforts of an entire ensemble cast, not just one character. Whether the new spinoff succeeds or not, the legacy of Squad 20—and the friendships formed over eight seasons—remains one of the franchise’s greatest strengths.