This diversity feels organic to the show's procedural nature and 10-year run rather than forced, with no evidence of race- or gender-swapping from source material (as it's original IP). Guest villain Dr. Laken Perillos returns, played by trans actress Laverne Cox, representing incidental DEI casting without the character being trans or involving identity politics.

Scattered audience complaints label later seasons 'woke' for elements like pronouns, trans references, or interracial relationships, but these appear tied to Season 9 or general show gripes, not prominently S10-specific; primary backlash targets declining plot quality, dragged narrative post-Megan Boone's exit, and unsatisfying Red identity resolution. No creator interviews reveal activist intent, explicit social justice lectures, or systemic critiques; themes remain focused on crime, revenge, and personal loyalties without progressive messaging driving the story.