S.W.A.T. Season 1 Episode 5 Review: Imposters
Kassie King
at
.
Updated at
.
On S.W.A.T. Season 1 Episode 5 the team takes down a group of criminals who have been posing as S.W.A.T. members to burglarize wealthy homes, and Deacon and Luca enjoy some hockey.
If I knew I'd get to hang out with you guys, I'd have made enemies a long time ago.
Bobby
It was really exciting to see the S.W.A.T. go after their "imposters" not only because it was suspenseful and high profile case, but also to see how a real S.W.A.T. team would operate.
Hondo: Be ready for anything. Got that, Street?
Street: Shoot anything that moves, got it.
Even though these characters are technically themselves still actors playing S.W.A.T. members, I enjoyed getting to see the more tactical aspects of their work like hand signals and verbal commands.
It added to the authenticity of their scenes, and I hope we get to see more of that. (Even if it's just Street taking out bad guys with his car door.)
The most touching part of this hour was undoubtedly the way that Chris was able to connect with the young girl, Desiree.
The traumatized teenager quickly felt a bond with Chris, and Hondo suggested that she use that to the team's advantage.
The way that Hondo usually connects with the locals is genuine and seamless, and it seems that Chris is cultivating that skill as well.
I think these scenes were so believable because Chris wasn't trying to manipulate Desiree into giving her information but genuinely felt a kinship with her having been kidnapped herself as a teen. The advice Chris gave Desiree about being brave enough to face her trauma was kind and wise and felt true.
Learning a little bit more about Chris' past makes me like her even more, and it's impressive, but not surprising, that she became such a badass cop.
It was heartwarming to see Chris teaching Desiree how to box as a form of therapy; teaching the girl strength but also how to cope with her trauma. It was beautiful.
We also got a little bit of insight into Deacon's character this hour when he and Luca got tasked with keeping an eye on pro hockey player Bobby Strout, who had been receiving death threats.
Bobby was a little rough around the edges for sure, quick to push the locals' buttons and giving little care to the potential danger he was in.
All he wanted to do was sit around and "talk S.W.A.T." Bobby was definitely good for a laugh and provided some quality comic relief in an episode that was otherwise somewhat heavy.
Deacon: Two minutes in the box.
Bobby: For what?!
Deacon: For being a pain in my ass all day.
Bobby: I can watch the back or something!
Deacon: Like you said, Bobby, this isn't a game.
It was fun to see Deacon express enthusiasm about something since he's always so stoic.
At first, I didn't really see him as a "hockey guy," not only a fan but a former player, but Bobby convinced me otherwise by recognizing a kinship between himself and the S.W.A.T. member.
The comparisons that Bobby made between hockey and S.W.A.T. made a lot of sense -- to be involved in either you have to be an adrenaline-seeker, strategic in how you move, and fearless in the face of danger. Both Bobby and Deacon check those boxes.
But, of course, one is a game, and one is not.
Speaking of the realities of the job, Jessica had a tough time this hour coming to terms with the demand on the unit.
It speaks volumes to Jessica's character that she cares so much about her community and making sure that everyone is equally protected.
It would have been easy to tell that bitchy councilwoman to suck it when she questioned Jessica's competency, but instead, Jess was able to see the nuggets of truth in the woman's words, and it made her want to be better.
There are areas that need be improved, and Jessica is willing to work to fix them even if she has to fight Hicks every step of the way.
Hondo quickly recognized that it had been bothering Jessica, and I think that it's sweet they can continue to be supportive of each other even though they're no longer in a romantic relationship.
The only SWAT out there is real SWAT. At least take a moment to enjoy that victory.
Hondo [to Jessica]
Jessica and Hondo both have the natural inclination to protect their beloved community in the most honest and just way, and I'm intrigued to find out where they will go from here.
Something tells me they're not going to give up until some things change...
What were your thoughts on Bobby? What do you think Hondo and Jessica are going to get up to next?
Comment with your thoughts below!
Don't forget, you can always watch S.W.A.T. online to catch up on the latest episodes!
Kassie King was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in December 2017. Follow her on Twitter.
