On November 12, CBS debuted its new show, S. W.A. T. and so far it has been interesting to say the least. It stars Criminal Mind’s own Shemar Moore as Hondo, a member of S.W. A. T. who gets promoted to leader after a situation his team is involved in goes bad. At the same time, as Hondo is promoted, he has to deal with a new kid named Street, who is out to prove himself. Viewers will also find that Hondo’s love life is a bit complicated in the sense that he is dating his boss, which is against department policy. Throughout each episode, we also see each team member struggling with their own personal issues, which gives viewers a better sense of who they are and where they fit in with the team.

CBS could have gone with a straightforward cop show, but they chose to take on the show in a manner that shows how policing can be done in a better way than it is now, as well as showing the reality of the life of a S. W. A. T. officer and leader. In addition, the show also heavily features the politics and real-life complications one might expect on top of having to solve crimes and catch criminals.

We see all ranges of the experience as well, from the new guy to the veterans of the team, as well as the unsure new leader. They give some depth to the whole team even when not focusing on a team member for a story arc. Right now, the arc is on Hondo and Street for the most part, but others in the team share about their lives and give insights from their past to help Hondo, and it shows us more of their characters at the same time.

Shemar Moore is no stranger to this type of character since he played Derek Morgan on CBS’s Criminal Minds for many seasons, and as much as I hate to say it, he might be a better fit in this new role. Viewers can still see a bit of Morgan in how he handles standoffs in some cases, though. While Moore is a face that most people are familiar with coming into this series, the others will eventually win them over. It is that good of a cast.

A recent episode entitled “Radical” that aired November 23 was particularly good in that it not only showed how the team, and their former boss, are dealing with the transition of leadership, but it also showed how hard it can be being married to or in a relationship with someone who is a cop, especially a S.W. A. T. officer. The episode also conveyed some of the anger a lot of Americans are feeling at the same time, along with getting a few things out in the open that we have been wondering when, or if, would ever be resolved, such as what really happened with Buck and what he is going through.

In the most recent episode I watched before writing this entitled “Imposters” that aired on November 30, we come back to the kid who was shot in the first episode, and see him struggling with PTSD. Hondo takes him to the shrink who helped him and ultimately takes him under his wing.

There are multiple stories going on all at once as this show moves forward, and there is never a dull moment. Everyone can always find a storyline to relate to in some way, along with something to learn from it. It is both action-packed and moving at the same time. This is one show you don’t want to miss, and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. Tune in Thursdays at 10 EST/ 9 CTL on CBS to catch it. I am confident you won’t be disappointed.

*Tips his hat and walks out the door*.