S.W.A.T. Exiles EP Talks Episode 2: What's Behind Ethan's Secret Door? And Is Hondo Hot For His New Boss?

While Hondo continues his own investigation into the mole on his squad, Episode 2 of "S.W.A.T. Exiles" introduces another mystery for viewers to contemplate: what is behind the top-secret door in Ethan's apartment?

Ethan, whose recent brain injury is responsible for his advanced social awkwardness, explains that human interaction is good for his healing process, so he invites his fellow recruits to his apartment for a post-work hang. Impressed by Ethan's swanky digs (thank you, trust fund!), Jude decides to give himself a little tour, but Ethan forbids him from opening one specific door. Unfortunately for curious viewers, Jude respects Ethan's request, leaving us to wonder what he could possibly be hiding in there.

"It is a bit of a mystery box, and we do get to see it at some point," showrunner Jason Ning promises TVLine. "It pays off in a really cool, emotional way at the end of the season."

Ning believes that, as we get to know Ethan better throughout the show's first season, he's "going to become beloved" to the fans. "I've really fallen in love with that character, and there was some inspiration from a person I actually know who suffered a brain injury and had trouble processing emotions after the fact," Ning explains. "It's not too long after [Ethan's] brain injury that affected him, and he's searching for ways to process that trauma."

But even if/when Ethan does recover from his injury, don't expect an entirely different character to emerge. "We don't want to change what makes him him," Ning says, "so there is growth that's going to occur related to his health — emotionally and physically — but there are core elements of his character that I don't think we'll change."

"S.W.A.T. Exiles" Episode 2 also introduces Hondo to his new boss, Commander Angela Pike (played by Lenora Crichlow), who makes it clear that "the good old days of S.W.A.T." are over. There's a fiery dynamic between Hondo and Pike from the jump, and we can't help but wonder — could an office romance be afoot? 

"We weren't initially writing to that, but as soon as we put them on screen, we knew there was chemistry," Jason Ning tells TVLine. "Lenora is such a phenomenal actor. I think half of our cast is either British or Australian, and she's British, so I don't think American audiences are very familiar with her, but as soon as she had scenes with Shamar [Moore], he lit up. ... He's like, 'I gotta bring my A-game when Lenora's in the scene.' That chemistry that you're feeling was immediate, and we were like, maybe we lean into this a little bit."

Still, even though Hondo is newly single, don't expect things to progress too quickly between him and Pike.

"Whether or not they get together, let's just say we're aware of it," Ning says. "We're addressing it, and it's part of their character arcs. I'll leave it at that. We are monitoring the situation closely."

Did you enjoy Episode 2 of "S.W.A.T. Exiles"? Which new characters are starting to grow on you? And what do you think is behind that door in Ethan's apartment? Drop a comment with your thoughts below.