Craving a moment of zen? Look no further than Netflix’s gripping series S.W.A.T. This pulse-pounding drama, set against the backdrop of bustling Los Angeles, isn’t just your average cop show. It’s a thought-provoking journey that’ll have you reflecting on our turbulent past, pondering present-day challenges, and contemplating the world our kids will inherit.
Meet Hondo, the show’s badass protagonist and SWAT team leader. He’s not your typical action hero – this guy’s got depth. Constantly wrestling with big questions like, “Can I really make a difference in this crazy world?” and “Is risking my life to catch bad guys actually making society better?” Hondo’s inner struggle to improve the police force and create positive change is seriously relatable. Oh, and for those wondering, SWAT stands for “Special Weapons and Tactics” – basically the superhero squad of law enforcement.
What makes S.W.A.T. so binge-worthy? Each episode dives into the melting pot that is Los Angeles – a city that embodies the American Dream for countless immigrants and diverse communities. It’s also home to those iconic freeways that scream “freedom” and “adventure,” beautifully captured by Thomas Pynchon in his mind-bending novel “The Crying of Lot 49.”
Speaking of Pynchon, he had this wild idea that LA’s freeways were like America’s lifeblood. Imagine if someone injected something into that system – it could send the whole country into a trippy, paralyzed state. Deep, right?
Of course, when we think of LA, it’s impossible to ignore the dark chapters of its history. The 1991 Rodney King incident and the explosive riots that followed in ’92 exposed deep-rooted racial tensions in the so-called “City of Angels.” This watershed moment created a rift between minorities and the LAPD that still resonates today. S.W.A.T. doesn’t shy away from these complex issues, using LA as a microcosm for the challenges facing America and, let’s be real, the entire world.
The series kicks off with a bang – literally. A white SWAT leader accidentally shoots an innocent Black bystander while pursuing a suspect. Cue outrage, protests, and a resignation that rocks the department. Talk about starting with a bang!
In a move that screams “damage control,” the higher-ups promote Hondo, a Black sergeant, to lead the SWAT unit. This decision, which bypasses the expected white successor, Sgt. Deacon, thrusts the hot-button issue of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) into the spotlight.
Now, DEI is a topic that’s got conservatives all riled up, questioning whether it’s really necessary. But here’s the thing – Hondo isn’t just a diversity hire. This guy’s got leadership skills for days, mad competence, and a personality that’ll make you want to be a better person. It’s like the show is saying, “See? DEI can work wonders!”
While S.W.A.T. tackles uniquely American issues, its themes are universal. We’re talking racism, prejudice, white supremacy, nationalism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and LGBTQ+ struggles. And don’t even get me started on the modern-day Robin Hoods stealing from the rich to help the poor – it’s like a social justice adrenaline rush!
Now, you might be thinking, “What does all this LA drama have to do with South Korea?” Well, honey, let me tell you – we’ve got our own mountain of problems to climb. From healing a deeply divided society to getting our politicians to play nice, we’ve got our work cut out for us.
In one powerful scene, SWAT officer Chris asks Hondo where all the hate in the world comes from. Hondo’s response? “I don’t know, Chris. For some people, it’s just the easiest way to feel, and it’s infectious.” Oof, talk about hitting close to home.
Let’s face it – political populism is like a match to the powder keg of hate and impulsiveness. If we want to build a better society, we’ve got to find a way to extinguish that flame.
So, what’s a nation to do? We need our own brand of “special weapons and tactics” to tackle the international crises lurking around every corner. One of SWAT’s golden rules? “Only move as fast as you can shoot and never lose your control.” Words to live by when you’re dealing with global emergencies, am I right?
But here’s the real tea – we can’t just slap a Band-Aid on these problems and call it a day. We need long-term solutions, people! As Hondo wisely puts it, “Sometimes a short-term solution just creates a long-term problem.” Preach, Hondo!
Watching S.W.A.T. has got me thinking – South Korea needs its own crack team of problem-solvers. A “South Korean Weapons and Tactics” squad, if you will. We need the best tools, the sharpest minds, and strategies that’ll make Sun Tzu jealous if we want to weather these storms and come out stronger on the other side.
Kim Seong-kon
Kim Seong-kon is a professor emeritus of English at Seoul National University and a visiting scholar at Dartmouth College. The views expressed here are the writer’s own. — Ed.
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