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S.W.A.T.

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General Review

Parent's Guide to S.W.A.T.

S.W.A.T. (2017) is an American action drama television series that reimagines the 1970s classic, centering on Sergeant Daniel 'Hondo' Harrelson, a Los Angeles native and former Marine. Promoted to lead a specialized S.W.A.T. unit, Hondo endeavors to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community he grew up in, often grappling with the complexities of his dual loyalties. The show is a police procedural, depicting the high-stakes operations of the Special Weapons and Tactics team as they tackle various crimes, from bomb threats and gang warfare to drug trafficking and hostage situations, within the sprawling city of Los Angeles. It explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the personal lives of its diverse ensemble cast while delivering adrenaline-fueled action.

Things to Consider

High3

LGBTQ & Gender Identity

The series prominently features Christina 'Chris' Alonso, a main character who is openly bisexual and engages in a polyamorous relationship. The show also dedicates episodes to LGBTQ+ themes, addressing issues such as hate crimes against gay individuals and the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and police. The show explores these topics with a medium to high frequency.

Chris Alonso, a central S.W.A.T. team member, is openly bisexual and enters a polyamorous relationship with a married couple (Ty and Kira) in Season 2, which is depicted and discussed within the narrative. In Season 2, Episode 16, 'Pride,' the episode centers on the murder of a gay couple and an LGBTQ rights festival. During a hostage negotiation, Chris Alonso reveals her bisexuality to connect with the perpetrator, a gay activist. The episode also features Commander Robert Hicks's estranged son, J.P., who is a gay rights activist.

Violence

S.W.A.T. is an action-drama inherently focused on high-intensity violence. It frequently depicts automatic gunfire, brutal fistfights, explosions, and visible blood. Criminals often show indifference to human life, and the show involves pursuits of murderers, drug traffickers, and terror suspects, leading to frequent and stylized violent confrontations. The violence is relentless.

Scary & Intense Content

S.W.A.T. consistently features high-tension, frightening, and intense scenes as a core component of its action-thriller genre. Viewers are exposed to high-stakes tactical operations, bomb threats, gang warfare, hostage situations, and terror attacks. The violence, though stylized, is relentless, creating a continuous sense of danger and suspense for both the characters and the audience.

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Medium4
Romance and Sexual ContentProfanitySubstance UseDisrespect & Rebellion
Low2
Witchcraft & OccultAnti-Christian Themes
Medium4

Romance and Sexual Content

The show contains a moderate level of romantic and sexual content, characterized by flirtatious dialogue, mild innuendo, and occasional kissing or romantic subplots. While explicit nudity and graphic sexual acts are absent, there are rare instances of characters in underwear or shirtless. A prominent character, Chris Alonso, engages in a polyamorous relationship, adding complexity to the romantic themes.

Profanity

Profanity and strong language are present in S.W.A.T., reflecting the high-pressure situations faced by law enforcement. While noted to be less severe than some streaming dramas, there is a consistent use of curse words. Sources indicate 'an onslaught of profanities' and 'foul language' used by characters, though not excessively for the genre.

Substance Use

The series depicts alcohol consumption and smoking. More significantly, illegal drug use, trafficking, and addiction are frequently integrated into criminal storylines and character backstories. These elements often drive plot points, showcasing the impact of substance abuse on individuals and communities.

Disrespect & Rebellion

Disrespect and rebellious behavior are present, particularly through the character arc of Jim Street, who initially exhibits recklessness and insubordination, challenging established protocols. Other instances include characters struggling with personal responsibilities or exhibiting defiance against authority, though often these actions lead to consequences and character development.

Low2

Witchcraft & Occult

No instances of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or supernatural themes were identified in the provided information for S.W.A.T. (2017). The series maintains a realistic police procedural setting.

Anti-Christian Themes

The series does not overtly promote anti-Christian themes or mock Christian beliefs. While it operates within a 'Humanist worldview' that emphasizes human agency and worldly concerns, it also espouses 'secondary moral truths' like loyalty and teamwork. The character of David 'Deacon' Kay is notable for his explicit religious faith, which is generally portrayed respectfully. An episode mentions a 'face off over the religion' between Chris and Deacon, suggesting discussions or differing viewpoints rather than explicit anti-Christian sentiment.

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S.W.A.T. (2017) largely operates within a secular, humanistic framework, where 'might rules' and solutions primarily stem from human ingenuity, tactical prowess, and physical force. However, it concurrently champions several 'secondary moral truths' that align with biblical values, such as loyalty, teamwork, self-sacrifice, and a desire for justice against evildoers. While the show presents a world where moral lines can be blurred in the pursuit of law and order, it often highlights the importance of integrity and accountability within the police force, particularly through characters like Hondo who strives to bridge divides and foster trust in the community. Characters are generally rewarded for their virtues of courage and dedication, though they also face consequences for recklessness or moral compromises, suggesting an underlying sense of moral order. The portrayal of faith is most evident through David 'Deacon' Kay, a character who explicitly holds Christian beliefs and demonstrates how his faith informs his family values and helps him navigate personal and professional challenges, such as financial difficulties. His faith is presented respectfully, serving as a moral compass and source of strength within the team. Family values are frequently explored, with emphasis on protection, loyalty, and navigating intergenerational relationships, though some family dynamics, like Street's relationship with his criminal mother, present more challenging portrayals. Themes of redemption are present through characters seeking to atone for past mistakes or striving to improve their communities. The show's overarching message often leans towards the necessity of justice and the challenging, yet noble, calling of law enforcement, even if its ultimate worldview remains grounded in a materialistic rather than explicitly transcendent perspective.

Additional Context

Best For Ages

TV-14. This recommendation is due to the series' consistent portrayal of intense action violence, including gunfights and brutal altercations, along with the frequent use of strong language and the presence of frightening and suspenseful scenes. Additionally, the show incorporates mature themes, including romance, implied sexual content, and substance use, which may require parental guidance for viewers under 14.

Good to Know

The series 'S.W.A.T. (2017)' often attempts to address contemporary social issues, including racial tensions and the fraught relationship between marginalized communities and law enforcement. While aiming for relevant commentary, some critics suggest the show often plays it safe, dulled by network television restrictions. The show's focus is primarily on action and police drama, with character-driven storylines that develop over its seasons, allowing for exploration of personal lives alongside professional duties.

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