Review of SEAL Team (2017)

General Information

• Director: Various
• Main Cast:
  • David Boreanaz (Jason Hayes)
  • Max Thieriot (Clay Spenser)
  • Neil Brown Jr. (Ray Perry)
  • A.J. Buckley (Sonny Quinn)
  • Toni Trucks (Amanda “Mandi” Ellis)
  • Jessica Paré (Rebecca “Beckett” Ingram)
• Genre: Action, Drama, War
• Network: CBS
• Seasons: 1 (as of 2017)

Plot

SEAL Team is an action-packed military drama that follows an elite team of Navy SEALs as they conduct dangerous missions around the globe while dealing with the personal toll that their high-stakes work takes on their lives. The series focuses primarily on Jason Hayes (David Boreanaz), a seasoned and dedicated leader, and his team, which includes Clay Spenser (Max Thieriot), Ray Perry (Neil Brown Jr.), and Sonny Quinn (A.J. Buckley). Together, they navigate a variety of combat scenarios, often risking their lives to protect national security.

While the show highlights intense and action-filled combat scenes, it also explores the personal struggles and sacrifices these soldiers make for their country, their families, and each other. Themes of camaraderie, duty, family, and sacrifice are central to the series, with a focus on how these warriors cope with trauma, loss, and the emotional weight of their work.

Highlights

1. Strong Performances, Particularly from David Boreanaz
   • David Boreanaz shines as Jason Hayes, the tough, experienced leader of the SEAL Team. His portrayal of the character is both physically demanding and emotionally grounded, as he navigates the challenges of leadership, family life, and the emotional weight of combat. Boreanaz, known for his roles in Bones and Angel, brings a deep sense of authority and vulnerability to the role, making Jason Hayes a compelling central figure.
   • The supporting cast, including Max Thieriot as Clay Spenser and A.J. Buckley as Sonny Quinn, bring solid performances that complement Boreanaz’s leadership. Each team member is distinct, with their own personalities and struggles, making the dynamic of the team both interesting and authentic.
2. Action and Realism
   • SEAL Team stands out with its intense, well-choreographed action sequences. The missions and combat scenes are realistic, with a focus on the tactical aspects of SEAL operations. The show’s attention to detail when it comes to military strategy and procedures helps create a sense of authenticity. While there is plenty of explosive action, the show also captures the quieter, more personal moments between the characters, which adds depth to the story.
3. Emotional Depth and Character Development
   • Beyond the action, SEAL Team excels in its exploration of the emotional and psychological toll of military service. The show delves into the personal lives of its characters, showing how their work as SEALs impacts their relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. The balance between high-intensity missions and personal struggles adds an emotional layer that sets SEAL Team apart from other military dramas.
   • The complex relationships between the team members, particularly the bond of brotherhood that forms between them, are central to the show. Their camaraderie and loyalty are tested time and again, adding to the emotional depth of the series.
4. Pacing and Plot Development
   • The pacing of SEAL Team is generally fast-paced, with each episode combining action with character-driven plots. The show does a good job of maintaining momentum, whether it’s through a high-stakes mission or by exploring the personal challenges that the characters face outside of their military work. Each episode also contributes to the overarching narrative, with character development and relationships evolving over the course of the series.

Criticisms

1. Formulaic Structure
   • While SEAL Team offers a lot of action and emotion, some viewers may find the series somewhat formulaic at times. The basic structure of each episode often follows a similar pattern, with the team embarking on a dangerous mission, followed by personal struggles and relationship drama. This repetitive structure can make some episodes feel predictable, especially for viewers who are familiar with the military drama genre.
2. Character Stereotypes
   • While the ensemble cast is strong, some of the characters can fall into familiar stereotypes. For instance, Clay Spenser (Max Thieriot) is often portrayed as the “young, hotshot” team member who has something to prove, and Sonny Quinn (A.J. Buckley) serves as the rough-and-tumble, sometimes reckless character. While these stereotypes are often well-executed, they can limit the depth of the characters, especially when compared to the more nuanced portrayal of Jason Hayes.
3. Occasional Over-Emphasis on Drama Over Action
   • Some viewers may feel that the emotional and relationship-driven drama occasionally takes center stage at the expense of the action and mission aspects of the show. While the character development is important, the series sometimes spends too much time on interpersonal drama, leaving less room for the military operations that could have provided a more thrilling and action-packed experience.

Verdict

SEAL Team (2017) is an engaging military drama that delivers a balance of intense action and emotional character development. The performances, especially from David Boreanaz, elevate the series, while the action sequences and realistic portrayal of Navy SEAL operations add authenticity. Although the show occasionally leans into predictable plot structures and character stereotypes, its exploration of the personal toll of war and the strong sense of camaraderie among the team members make it an appealing choice for fans of military dramas. While it may not break new ground in the genre, SEAL Team is an entertaining and emotionally resonant show with solid performances and gripping action.

Rating: 7.5/10