"Deep Cover," the 12th episode of S.W.A.T. Season 8, delivers a tense and emotional story that digs into Officer Miguel "Miko" Alfaro's past while pushing the boundaries of the character's arc.
One of the standout aspects of this episode is the undercover operation Miko takes on for the 20-Squad. It’s rare to see this character in such a vulnerable light, and the show does a good job exploring the complexities of his role. Miko’s work in Long Beach takes a dangerous turn when he encounters old associates, throwing him into a high-stakes situation that challenges his loyalty and his integrity. It’s a solid way to deepen his backstory while showcasing the risks that come with undercover work. The stakes feel real, and the tension between maintaining a cover and staying true to his values is palpable.
What I really liked about this episode was the way it peeled back layers of Miko’s past. Up until now, he’s mostly been the level-headed officer in the squad, but here we get a glimpse into a side of him that’s more conflicted. The unresolved issues from his past come rushing to the surface, and you can sense how those unresolved matters continue to haunt him. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the usual procedural cases S.W.A.T. handles, adding a layer of emotional depth that I appreciated.
The addition of Lou Ferrigno Jr. as Donovan Rocker was a nice touch—he plays a character with his own motivations, adding to the drama of the operation. It made the stakes feel more personal for Miko, as his history with Rocker is a clear source of tension. I could feel the weight of their past interactions as the episode progressed.
However, the episode wasn’t perfect. While Miko’s character development was a definite highlight, I felt the absence of more substantial storylines for other members of the team, like Hondo or Street. Their roles, while present, seemed a bit sidelined in favor of Miko's arc. It would have been nice to see a little more balance in terms of screen time for the rest of the squad.
Another small critique is that the episode felt like it was trying to tackle a bit too much—focusing on Miko's past, the undercover mission, and a few subplots like Doberstein’s (Doubs) storyline. Some of these moments felt a little rushed, and at times, the pacing seemed off. I understand the need to give viewers a quick but impactful storyline, but it would’ve been nice to see a bit more time spent on each part of the narrative.
All in all, "Deep Cover" was an episode that kept me on edge. It took risks by diving into Miko’s personal struggles while still delivering the intense action that S.W.A.T. fans know and love. It’s one of those episodes where you walk away feeling like you’ve learned something new about a character you thought you knew well, and for me, that’s always a win.
What did you think?
Loved it
Hated it
So/So