S.W.A.T. Series Finale Recap: “Ride or Die” and “Return to Base” Deliver a Fitting Goodbye

After seven adrenaline-pumping seasons, S.W.A.T. officially signed off on May 16 with a two-part series finale. Hard to believe that we have really come to the end of the series. Nowadays, it is difficult for a series to get a second season, let alone 8 (and let’s not forget that S.W.A.T. has been saved from cancellation a couple of times) so now seems like a fitting time to conclude the story. Although, it is tough to see a show end with actors and crew having to move on, you don’t want a show to live longer than it should. (I won’t name names). 

Titled “Ride or Die” and “Return to Base,” the final episodes of the CBS police drama delivered action, emotion, and closure. If you’ve followed Sgt. Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (played by Shemar Moore) and his elite team through countless high-stakes missions, this ending hits all the right notes.

Let's get into the S.W.A.T. series finale recap.

S.W.A.T. SERIES FINALE RECAP: MERCENARIES, EXPLOSIVES AND ONE FINAL FIGHT

The S.W.A.T. series finale begins with the team tracking a group of carjackers, but the stakes quickly escalate when Russian mercenaries enter the scene. Their mission? Retrieve a dangerous captive set to be traded in a high-level prisoner swap. The mercenaries take things up a notch by planting hidden explosives across Los Angeles and launching a full-scale assault on S.W.A.T. headquarters.

Not going to lie, I was digging this storyline. S.W.A.T. can definitely be over the top and the team crosses the line into what an actual real S.W.A.T. team would do, often acting as detectives, but that is what made the show unique and different from other police procedurals. Hondo, true to form, gets one final hand-to-hand showdown, while the team engage in a high-octane firefight to defend their base.

Character Moments: Emotional Goodbyes and Lasting Bonds

Despite the damage to their headquarters, the team’s spirit remains unbroken. In one of the finale's most heartfelt moments, Deacon reassures everyone, saying:

“It’s just a building. It’s the people inside who matter.”

That simple line encapsulates the essence of S.W.A.T. which at the end of the day was a show grounded in loyalty, courage, and camaraderie.

The episode and the series ends with a touching gesture: Deacon gifts Rolex watches to his teammates which is clearly a nod to both their shared history and the show's underlying theme. As the team responds to one final call, they each tap the S.W.A.T. insignia, a symbolic farewell to fans and to each other.

S.W.A.T. Series Ending Explained: Why It Worked

The S.W.A.T. series finale didn’t just go out with a bang and bullets flying,  it honored its characters, their journeys, and the fans who stood by for seven seasons. While I pondered if the show should just move to streaming on Paramount+, I ended up with the conclusion that I am ok going out on a high and like I said eight seasons is something to be proud of.

While this is goodbye, it is also a congratulations to the cast and crew led by Shemar Moore. Hey, now that he is free, maybe he can return to roots in daytime tv and make a debut on CBS’ Beyond the Gates. You never know. 

Pictured (L-R): David Lim as Victor Tan, Annie Ilonzeh as Devin Gamble, Niko Pepaj as Miguel Alfaro, Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Anna Enger Ritch as Zoe Powell, Patrick St. Esprit Commander Robert Hicks and Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay. Photo: Bill Inoshita/Sony Pictures Television/CBS ©Sony Pictures Television. All Rights Reserved.

Were you satisfied with how S.W.A.T. ended? Share your favorite finale moment in the comments and let’s celebrate the legacy of Hondo and the 20 Squad.

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