[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for the S.W.A.T. series finale “Return to Base.”]
Heading into the S.W.A.T. collection finale, wrapping an eight-season run, 20-Squad is down a member, however Gamble (Annie Ilonzeh) nonetheless finally ends up proper in the course of the motion with HQ beneath assault.
Within the penultimate episode, which aired proper earlier than the finale on Friday, Could 16, Gamble learns that her brother Leon (Nick Creegan) was linked to the drug seller they’re after and offered him tools however, regardless of pulling her gun on him, lets him go. After she confesses to Hondo (Shemar Moore), he wonders how he’s presupposed to belief her and decides to let her switch. The remainder of 20-Squad, nevertheless, within the finale, isn’t too happy, particularly since they will use everybody with somebody having planted landmines round Los Angeles. She’s household, Tan (David Lim) argues, however Hondo disagrees and says she made it clear her household is her household. Hicks (Patrick St. Esprit) refuses to entertain any of Hondo’s options, as a substitute reminding him that as Gamble’s chief, he ought to be setting her straight.
Russian mercenaries, often known as Purple Sword, are accountable, utilizing the landmines as an try to get their chief, Dmitri Rykov, again. He’s within the CIA’s custody for a prisoner trade, and Hondo will get into it with a case officer, Briggs (Jordan Belfi), over it. Ultimately, Hondo convinces Briggs to let him at the very least discuss to Rykov throughout transport to a different location. A drone turning a landmine basically right into a missile targets them, and they also transfer Rykov to S.W.A.T. HQ. It’s as soon as they’re there that Hondo realizes that Purple Sword isn’t coming to interrupt him out, however to kill him as a result of he has worthwhile data to share about them burning down the minster of protection’s residence (which might make him a free man in Russia).

Invoice Inoshita / Sony Photos Tv / CBS
Gamble exhibits up at HQ to select up her issues as the remainder of the crew’s heading out — she hasn’t answered their calls as a result of she didn’t need any of them to alter her thoughts — and so she’s inside when Purple Sword breaks in to get to Rykov. Even whereas separated — Hondo with Rykov, Gamble alone and coming to her former boss’ rescue, and Deacon (Jay Harrington), Tan, Powell (Anna Enger Ritch), and Alfaro (Niko Pepaj) outdoors — 20-Squad manages to work collectively to take down Purple Sword. And Hondo has a brutal hand-to-hand struggle with Rykov, who tries to flee. Hondo stops him, and the prisoner trade goes off as deliberate, bringing residence American hostages.
Within the aftermath, there’s a candy second the place Alfaro exhibits Powell, who mentioned earlier she wasn’t anybody’s emergency contact, that she’s his, the one individual he needs anybody calling if he’s ever in hassle. And Hondo tells Gamble to not switch out. He is aware of he hasn’t been performing like a boss, nevertheless it took guts for her to ‘fess as much as what occurred along with her brother, and he is aware of he ought to have helped her as a substitute of turning his again. Gamble argues that she failed, however as Hondo sees it, he shouldn’t have put it on her to decide on between her job and her blood like he did. He calls her the lacking piece of the crew and tells her she belongs there.
A leap to 2 weeks later reveals that Gamble does, actually, keep. Tan additionally provides a brand new title, the S.W.A.T. mayoral liaison, after being reluctant to take action. (Deacon argues that he may study a brand new skillset and work with the individuals who run town, making a distinction.)
In the meantime, because of the signing bonus for his safety agency’s latest job, Deacon has some huge cash however can’t work out what to purchase himself, regardless of everybody telling him he ought to get one thing. Off Tan stating how treasured time is and the way each shift may be their final, Deacon buys the squad watches, with 20 Squad and Keep Liquid engraved on the again. He hopes it is going to all the time be a reminder that each minute spent collectively on the crew is the best reward of all.
Hondo’s simply beginning to give a speech, first turning to Deacon then the others — “This crew wouldn’t be what it’s with out you by my aspect. That goes for all of you. Once I take into consideration what we’ve been by way of collectively…” — after they get notified of a theft in progress. And with that, 20-Squad heads out to avoid wasting town one other day.
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