In a moving episode, S.W.A.T. shines a light on mental health

S.W.A.T. delved into a deep issue with the April 8 episode that started with the focus on the search for Buck and escalated to fear for his life.

This post contains spoilers for the April 8 episode of S.W.A.T.

The CBS series has tackled some tough issues in its three seasons, and the April 8 episode narrowed its focus to mental health and the stigma that comes with seeking help. When Buck Spivey (Louis Ferreira), who was once the team leader of S.W.A.T., goes missing along with his gun, the team fears the worst and start an all-out search, hoping to save their friend.

Juxtaposed with emotional reactions from the characters as they speak with the team psychologist, the hunt leads viewers to expect the worst as the team tracks Buck’s latest steps and realizes he’s not been well for a long time. Ferreira pulls out all stops and delivers a powerful performance as a man on the edge who feels like he has nothing to live for.

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As the characters manage to piece together their friend’s life over the past few days, each one is struggling to understand why Buck might be thinking of suicide and what they could have done to prevent it. It’s a true-to-life look at the people who are left behind after a person commits suicide.

Throughout the episode, the JED Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the mental health of teens and young adults, tweeted information and the hashtag #hereforyouchat S.W.A.T. co-creators Aaron Rahsaan Thomas and Shawn Ryan wanted to use their national platform to bring attention to the pressure law enforcement faces, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was in support of this episode as well.

This is definitely a must-see episode and one where copious amounts of tissue are needed. And it’s one of the many reasons why this series deserves another season and more.

What did you think of this episode?