A Los Angeles S.W.A.T. sergeant is assigned to lead a highly skilled unit in the community where he grew up. Torn between loyalty to the streets, where the cops are sometimes the enemy, and allegiance to his brothers in blue, he strategically straddles the two worlds.
A Los Angeles S.W.A.T. sergeant is assigned to lead a highly skilled unit in the community where he grew up. Torn between loyalty to the streets, where the cops are sometimes the enemy, and allegiance to his brothers in blue, he strategically straddles the two worlds.
The film's central narrative celebrates the effectiveness and heroism of an elite police unit, emphasizing law and order, duty, and the necessity of decisive force to combat crime, which aligns with conservative values.
The film demonstrates significant DEI primarily through its casting choices, featuring an explicit racial recasting of a lead character and a diverse ensemble in traditionally white or male-dominated roles. However, the narrative itself maintains a traditional framing, not explicitly critiquing traditional identities or making DEI themes central to its plot.
The show 'S.W.A.T.' offers a primarily positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, most notably through Officer Chris Alonso's bisexual identity and polyamorous relationships, which are explored with respect and team acceptance. Other queer characters are also depicted with dignity, contributing to an overall affirming and inclusive narrative.
The show features Officer Christina "Chris" Alonso, a S.W.A.T. officer, who frequently engages in and wins close-quarters physical fights against male suspects, utilizing her martial arts and tactical training to subdue them.
The 2017 series features characters like Hondo Harrelson, originally portrayed as white in the 1975 series, now played by a Black actor. Conversely, Deacon Kay, originally Black in the 1975 series, is now played by a white actor. These instances constitute race swaps from the original source material.
The show consistently portrays Christianity as a source of moral guidance, strength, and community for characters like Deacon Kay, affirming its virtues and dignity. It is depicted with respect and sympathy, often highlighting its positive influence on personal lives and professional ethics.
While addressing issues of extremism, the narrative carefully distinguishes between radical groups and the broader Muslim community, often portraying Muslim characters as victims of prejudice or as allies. The show's framing condemns bigotry against Islam, positioning the audience to sympathize with the peaceful majority and their experiences.
The 2017 S.W.A.T. series features legacy characters like Hondo and Jim Street who maintain their original gender. While new female characters are introduced to the team, they are original to this iteration and do not replace or gender-swap any previously established male characters from prior S.W.A.T. installments.
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources