SWAT season 7, episode 12 recap: 20 Squad at odds over Alfaro

SWAT’s penultimate episode, "Allegiance," saw tension surrounding the team, both externally and internally. With just one episode left in the season, a lot is riding on Hondo as he needs to figure out who will be joining 20 Squads' roster with all the exits they endured. 

The case for the team involved a group of eco-terrorists who abducted the son of an energy company executive. They blamed him for his company's devastating effects overseas and took his son, Josh Wolf, to send a message. Also abducted was his friend, Cole Raysitch.

This case was difficult for the team because of a shooting incident Hondo was involved in and the lack of cooperation from Josh’s father, JP. Because the terrorists made a ransom demand and threatened Josh’s life, he didn’t go to the police. He tried to handle things himself and it was clear someone was watching them.

Hondo was on his way to work the case when he came across the getaway van. He found the driver, who made an escape onto a basketball court. While he appeared to have a weapon and was raising his arm, when Hondo shot him, people on the basketball court didn’t see the weapon. It was eventually discovered under a bench, but because no one saw him holding it, which he was, Hondo got a negative reaction from everyone when the video went viral.

Despite Hicks telling him he was not going to get into trouble for the shooting, Hondo knew that the truth didn’t matter to the people of Los Angeles. All they saw was what was being said and that he lost the trust that he had been trying to bridge between his community and the police.

What made tensions rise more was Alfaro watching the video and making light of it, as it seemed. Tan was pissed about how he was acting, and he seemed to be responding to Powell telling him about Alfaro wanting to move up the ladder.

Tan came at Alfaro pretty hard, which Hondo wasn’t thrilled about. He wanted to bring Alfaro onto 20 Squad permanently, but Tan didn’t want him as a team member. Despite all of this, they still needed to find Josh. They were able to find Cole Raysitch, but when Cole mentioned knowing which finger the kidnappers had cut off Josh as a threat to his parents, Hondo realized he was involved.

Cole’s connection to the group allowed the team to get closer to finding them to save Josh. Despite being able to work well together, it was clear neither Tan nor Powell were eager to have Alfaro on board. This made things difficult for Hondo, who needed to have a new roster for Hicks. But Hicks allowed him to have a few more days to figure out what to do.

The episode also brought Deacon back, who was able to help the team learn more about why Josh’s security guard was not with him. It provided crucial information the team needed. While he was able to help them, it was harder since he was retired and couldn’t do much to be part of the team.

So what will this all mean for 20 Squad? Will Tan and Powell figure out their differences with Alfaro and be welcome to bring him on board, even if he changes his mind at the end?  Or will we see new team members come in? Hopefully, the last episode of the season, "Twenty Squad," will answer these questions.

The season 7 finale of SWAT will air on Friday, May 17 at 8/7c. Before the finale airs, catch up on previous episodes on Paramount+.