SWAT’s Shocking Exit Twist Falls Flat with Show’s Sudden Ending!

Stepping into the realm of television critique, I must warn you that this review delves into spoilers for the 18th episode of S.W.A.T.’s eighth season. As the series winds down, it’s inevitable that familiar faces may bid adieu. In the latest episode, we witness a significant departure – the first major character exit of the season. The indomitable Commander Hicks (portrayed by Patrick St. Esprit), a cornerstone of S.W.A.T., has been compelled to leave the team. Instead of accepting a new post as assigned, he has made the bold decision to resign.

In a perfect scenario for the show’s final episode, Hicks’ retirement and handing over his role to a new character would have provided a satisfying conclusion and a joyous farewell. Given that Hicks has considered retirement previously, this move could have signified a fitting end to his tenure. However, the current plotline in the latest episode renders Hicks’ resignation unnecessary since there isn’t going to be a Season 9 of S.W.A.T., leaving us concerned about how the series will conclude in a satisfying manner.

Hick’s Resignation Is Fueled By SWAT’s Push For New Blood

Ending S.W.A.T. Means We Won’t See This New Direction

Deputy Chief Bennett (Merrin Dungey) mentioned that transferring Hicks to the art theft unit was a move aimed at injecting fresh perspectives into S.W.A.T. She thinks introducing new leadership is crucial for guiding the team towards a different path. Despite Hicks’ commendable work leading the department, he’s often viewed as part of an older generation. However, this doesn’t quite fit since he has shown readiness to adapt, even steering the unit in new directions when necessary. The initial season of S.W.A.T. saw him promoting Hondo (Shemar Moore) over Deacon (Jay Harrington), a decision that reflected his concern for L.A.’s well-being.

In the S.W.A.T. season 8, episode 18, it’s evident that Bennett wasn’t content with Hicks remaining in command. She had successfully persuaded the L.A.P.D.’s higher-ups to institute changes and even consider replacing Hicks. Her roster of potential new commanders might include Hondo. In other words, Bennett seemed eager for Hicks to step down or be removed from his position. When he announced his resignation, she didn’t object.

SWAT Needing New Blood Is Moot, Considering Its Nearing Cancelation

We Need To See The New Leadership Take Over

In the hypothetical scenario where S.W.A.T. was airing its ninth season, I believe a narrative involving fresh blood taking charge and reshaping the team dynamic could be intriguing and engaging. This situation would offer viewers an opportunity to observe how the newcomers assert their authority and influence, causing shifts within the squad. As we’ve previously witnessed in S.W.A.T.’s eighth season, there might initially be some growing pains, as Deacon had reservations about Tan (David Lim) leading the new recruits but eventually came to understand that everyone has their unique approach to things.

Regrettably, the series of S.W.A.T. is nearing its end, and with only three episodes remaining until the finale. Unfortunately, there’s not enough time left to introduce a new character who could effectively reshape the storyline at this point. This sudden departure of Hicks feels empty and disrespectful, as we won’t get to witness the resolution for writing off an original character in such an underwhelming manner. Even if Hondo struggled to reinstate Hicks as leader, this entire arc seems fruitless because it could have been used instead to conclude each character’s development more satisfactorily.

SWAT Needs To Focus On Its Existing Characters For A Satisfying Ending

Closure Is Essential In The S.W.A.T. Series Finale

Following eight exciting seasons, it’s time for the ongoing narratives of our primary characters to reach their conclusions. Although S.W.A.T. showrunner Andrew Dettmann has expressed a desire for the finale to depict the team as continuing their missions and tackling more cases, it’s crucial that individual character arcs are resolved satisfactorily to avoid questions about their fates. We’ve invested years in watching this series religiously and supporting these characters through their trials and triumphs, so it’s important to receive a payoff for our dedication.

I strongly believe that for the original characters of “S.W.A.T.”, wrapping up their stories is crucial to give them a sense of completion. That’s why I think a retirement storyline for Hicks, if executed thoughtfully and on his own terms, could be fitting. Although it might be challenging given that “S.W.A.T.” was canceled during production and the finale was already scripted, tweaking certain aspects within the narrative could have been feasible, considering there was still time to ensure a satisfying conclusion.

2025-04-23 03:37