"Jungle War" is not among the better episodes of "S.W.A.T.", though I will say it's enjoyable. It begins with one of Hondo's old Vietnam buddies visiting. The guy (Cameron Mitchell) is a S.W.A.T.-qualified cop--and he has visions of one day being part of the team. However, through the course of the show, it becomes apparent that he is a nut-case--not a team player and a bit imbalanced. This all becomes quite apparent when Deacon is injured and the guy gets to fill in with the team--and promptly demonstrates that he's like Rambo--a one-man army. Not surprisingly, he's tossed off the team. Now here is where it gets really goofy--he goes off his rocker and eventually the S.W.A.T. team is called on HIM! All this goofiness culminates with Hondo and nut-boy duking it out---and it's all a bit ridiculous to say the least. BUT, it's also kind of funny and entertaining in a kitschy sort of way. Take a look and see what I mean.
3 Reviews
Fun but Flawed
ramsfan19 January 2024
Bo Pritchard (Cameron Mitchell) is an old Vietnam War buddy of Hondo's and is taking S. W. A. T. training in a different division. He aspires to join Hondo's squad and gets his chance when Deke is injured and hospitalized following a home invasion standoff. However, Pritchard is unbalanced. He is also a freelancer who proves unable to assimilate and work as part of a team. Hondo makes the difficult decision to relieve him of his duties upon which Pritchard becomes totally unhinged. He takes Hondo's wife hostage and holes up in a warehouse. The S. W. A. T. team must move in to make the save.
One must look past some implausibilities to fully enjoy the episode. The normally level-headed Hondo makes some questionable calls, allowing Pritchard to travel out of uniform to a hostage crisis and too quickly elevating him to the number two spot on the team. And the ending, though rewarding, is preposterous.
I always liked Cameron Mitchell, though his overemoting in various guest spots throughout the years sometimes bordered on the comical. Here it plays well because of the character he portrays. Good for a look.
One must look past some implausibilities to fully enjoy the episode. The normally level-headed Hondo makes some questionable calls, allowing Pritchard to travel out of uniform to a hostage crisis and too quickly elevating him to the number two spot on the team. And the ending, though rewarding, is preposterous.
I always liked Cameron Mitchell, though his overemoting in various guest spots throughout the years sometimes bordered on the comical. Here it plays well because of the character he portrays. Good for a look.
Doesn't age well!
mm-3913 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Jungle War does not age well. What does not work here: Jungle War is cliche in every aspect. Hondo's old war buddy from Nam has gone psycho over the years. There is a rumor about the guy. Trigger happy and paranoid the disturbed character get worse and worse. The story builds tension but is predictable. Of course Hondo's wife is grabbed and there is the final fight show down between Hondo and his former war buddy. Much like many Chuck Norris film endings. Entertaining but not the most memorable S W A T episode. 5 or 6 stars.
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