S08.E04: The Sepulveda Protocol

[Danielg342]

Via Paramount Press Express:

Quote

A blackout throws the city into chaos, forcing 20-Squad onto the streets for an emergency patrol day, which quickly escalates when Hondo and team uncover a terror threat

 

[Danielg342]

This episode had potential...it just failed to live up to it.

Truth is, this was an episode that could have easily been a two-parter, and had stories that could have been multiple episodes.

• The plot against the Mayor could have been one episode
• Another episode could have explored the challenges with the LAPD having to patrol the streets during a power outage
• The attack on the Hollywood Reservoir could have also been another episode

Yes, there was also a subplot involving SWAT chess, but that was more of a background thing.

I also think the writer spent too much time with it. We were beaten over the head over how bad the SWAT curse was and perhaps the writer made the curse a bit too "real".

Considering this isn't Supernatural, there's no reason to make that storyline anything more than something to lighten the episode.

Still, it was good to see Cabrera back. There were some good character moments with Alfaro Miko admitting that he lost his head and Tan admitting that Miko had a good reason to lose his head.

Hondo pumping up Gamble was nice too. The only problem is that I'm tired of Hicks' skepticism of her.

Rob, Devin Gamble has been on SWAT for over a month now, likely longer, and you've already said once you didn't like Gamble. We don't need to hear it again.

Lastly, with Fire Country also doing an episode centred around a heatwave, I have to wonder if we'll eventually get a FC-SWAT crossover. After tonight, I think it could be a lot of fun, if for no other reason FC's Vince Leone and his wisecracking could loosen up the stoic, brooding figures like Hondo and Hicks.

Edited November 9 by Danielg342