S.W.A.T. Season 1 Episode 2 Review: Cuchillo

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On SWAT Season 1 Episode 2 Hondo's team searches for four escaped convicts and proves that unity, compassion, and humility will always get the job done.

Street continues his reckless streak early when he breaks protocol and causes SWAT to lose a training exercise to Mumford's team.

Chasing Rabbits - S.W.A.T. Season 1 Episode 2

Despite his attitude, Street is still extremely likable and one of the most well-rounded characters on the show so far. Luca and Tan brought the team some new info on their newest recruit, and thus, viewers got a peek into Street's background.

Hondo: Never break rank. We move as one.
Street: I see a rabbit, I chase it.
Hondo: Cut the lone wolf crap. SWAT's strength is in the pack. You want to be a hot dog, get a job at Pink's.

It turns out Buck arrested Street's mom back in the day for killing his father after years of physical abuse. It's no surprise that Street "doesn't play well with others" and has repeatedly been transferred.

Hondo's respect for Buck's decisions forces him to embrace Street and try to teach him how to be a part of a team -- a family. He tasks Chris with opening Street's eyes and trying to get him to embrace what SWAT is all about.

Chris: Me and Street in close quarters? You hoping I kill him?
Hondo: I'm hoping you get him to realize this team is a family and right now he's the black sheep.

Her strategy included forcing Street to abandon a date to go to a family dinner with her, which was cute to see. I hope the show continues to show how the relationships between the team members are forged and sustained.

Chris Opens Up - S.W.A.T. Season 1 Episode 2

While keeping watch over a family in danger Chris and Street continued their flirtatious banter from the pilot.

They're love/hate relationship is adorable, and I can see the tension between these two having mass appeal to viewers. I think following this budding friendship (relationship?) is far more interesting than watching another battle of testosterone between Hondo's team and Mumford's.

Street Screws-Up - S.W.A.T. Season 1 Episode 2

In Street's conversation with Chris, he mentioned several dating apps by name -- Tinder, Bumble, etc. -- and there were also several references to "vape pens" throughout the episode.

During these moments I felt pulled away from the actual story and could only think about how obviously the show was attempting to be "with the times." Rather than seeming cool, it came off as trying way too hard. I also think those kinds of references can easily date a show as time passes and fads change.

Chris: I see you swiping over there, you on tinder?
Street: No, that's played out. I'm on a few new ones, Bumble, Happn, Hinge, Coffee Meets Bagel.
Chris: Covering your bases. I'm actually on Bumble.
Street: I know, I saw your profile. You love the Smiths, free weights, and German Shepherds. Oh, and kudos on that selfie by the way. That sports bra -- showed just enough without seeming skanky. You swiping right on me?
Chris: I'm deleting my profile.

Those aren't the only moments that SWAT has toed the line between believable and ridiculous. 

Hondo's Mistake - S.W.A.T. Season 1 Episode 2

At the end of the hour as the team is trapped under heavy fire from Cuchillo and Hondo comes to the rescue, literally flying in on a helicopter, idling just long enough to make a near-impossible shot to take out Cuchillo, and then flying off again.

I actually laughed out loud when I saw Shemar Moore's face appear over the ridge.

If SWAT is aiming for a lighthearted, predictable, feel-good vibe, I think they're succeeding. But, if the show is going to compete with the plethora of other excellent primetime crime dramas, they're going to have to bring the incredulity down a notch.

Speaking of Hondo's crime-fighting abilities, his competency in running the SWAT team was thrown into significant question throughout this episode.

Hondo Observes. - S.W.A.T. Season 1 Episode 2

Hicks was especially hard on Hondo, using Street's recklessness to his advantage as his play to oust the team leader. Hicks went as far as to approach Deacon and admit that his promotion of Hondo was primarily based on his skin color.

Hicks' strategy in this regard was quite clear on SWAT Season 1 Episode 1, but it was almost shocking to see him admit to it so openly.

Hicks: You guys got smoked out there. Street's screw-up, that on him or Hondo?
Deacon: The kid's new to SWAT. It'll take a second to get him together.
Hicks: I have my doubts Hondo's the guy to do it.
Deacon: You hired him.
Hicks: Optics. We had to lower the racial temperature in the city. Now that the situation's cooled down, Hondo's gonna have to prove that he deserves that top spot.

Deacon was quick to take himself out of the equation despite the opportunity that Hicks was presenting him. Rather than play dirty for the job he should've gotten, he bowed out gracefully.

Optics - S.W.A.T. Season 1 Episode 2

Deacon and Hondo still tend to butt heads on what moves to make in the field, though. Hondo disregarded his teammate's advice during their attempt to capture one of the escaped convicts, and as a result, the suspect escaped. 

Hondo did admit to his wrongdoing and promised to take the rest of the team's opinions into consideration. Deacon continued to back Hondo to Hicks even after this blunder, proving what a stand-up guy he is.

Jessica was also watching out for Hondo by warning him about Hicks' devious intentions to use Street's behavior and the results of the training exercise against him.

Rivals - SWAT

Hondo and Cortez's relationship came to the forefront once again when he came home to find her already at his place. Jessica agreed to continue their relationship, but only in secret -- making Hondo promise that Hicks would never find out.

I can understand why Jessica's defenses might be lowered around Hondo (hellloooo, Shemar!) but I think the show could've gotten more mileage out of this situation. 

Hondo: Do I need to call 911 and tell them there's an intruder in my house?
Jessica: You gave me a key, remember?
Hondo: I gave up on you using it.
Jessica: Following the rules and doing what's right isn't always the same thing.
Hondo: No, it's not.
Jessica: No one can ever find out about us. Especially Hicks.
Hondo: Roger that.

It's doubtful that viewers will care too much about the couple getting back together, as we barely saw them apart. Even just a little insight into how much they were suffering without each other would have made their reunion that much better.

Jessica's Battle - S.W.A.T. Season 1 Episode 2

I did enjoy the case the SWAT team was called in to tackle -- it felt much more in line with the feeling of a cop drama. The prisoner's escape was exciting, and the ensuing search was fun to watch. (Any reptilian fans out there?)

It seems that finding their episodic groove will help SWAT to establish itself, and I see only progress from here!

What was your favorite moment of the hour? Are you team Chris/Street? (Shris? Cheet? Help!) Comment down below!

As always, don't forget you can watch S.W.A.T. online!

Cuchillo Review

Editor Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.7 / 5.0 (23 Votes)

Kassie King was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in December 2017. Follow her on Twitter.

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S.W.A.T. Season 1 Episode 2 Quotes

Hicks: You guys got smoked out there. Street's screw-up, that on him or Hondo?
Deacon: The kid's new to SWAT. It'll take a second to get him together.
Hicks: I have my doubts Hondo's the guy to do it.
Deacon: You hired him.
Hicks: Optics. We had to lower the racial temperature in the city. Now that the situation's cooled down, Hondo's gonna have to prove that he deserves that top spot.

Hondo: Never break rank. We move as one.
Street: I see a rabbit, I chase it.
Hondo: Cut the lone wolf crap. SWAT's strength is in the pack. You want to be a hot dog, get a job at Pink's.