S.W.A.T. Takes on the Fraught Relationship Between LGBTQ People and Police

CBS's S.W.A.T. has been quietly tackling queer storylines this year. In the fall, the show's bisexual character Christina (Chris) Alonso entered into a polyamorous relationship with an opposite-sex couple and the show broached issues around negotiating needs when poly.

On Thursday's episode of the Shemar Moore-led series, the S.W.A.T. team is called to an LGBTQ rights festival following the murder of a gay couple. Protests ensue, and one frustrated activist takes a far-right button-pushing media personality hostage at his studio.

While the idea of a queer activist going rogue may appear to paint activists in a purely reactionary light, the episode presciently delves into important issues like the traditionally fraught relationship of marginalized groups and the police.

During negotiations with the hostage taker, Chris (Lina Esco) talks down the perpetrator by revealing she's part of the LGBTQ community and sharing how much she relates to his frustration with inaction on the part of the authorities.

Later, Chris and her colleague Deacon (Jay Harrington) face off over the religion.

S.W.A.T. airs Thursdays at 10 on CBS.