David Boreanaz, star of the show SEAL Team, provides a glimpse into his character Jason Hayes' continued struggle with trauma in the premiere of Season 7. The series, which began airing in 2017 and was created by Benjamin Cavell, has followed Hayes and his elite SEAL team as they undertook various high-risk operations across the globe. The recent passing of Clay, played by Max Thieriot, in Season 6 has introduced a new layer of emotional complexity, which is set to be explored in the upcoming episodes.
Boreanaz hinted at the emotional turmoil awaiting Jason Hayes through a post on Instagram. The image featured Hayes with bloodied hands, symbolizing not just the physical but also the psychological battles that lie ahead. SEAL Team, while designed to be an entertaining show filled with intense shootouts and dramatic arcs, also makes a sincere effort to authentically represent the sacrifices made by military personnel.
The death of Clay last season was both heartbreaking and unexpected, serving as a stark reminder that the actions of Hayes and his team have genuine and often brutal consequences. Just as in real life, these characters frequently put their lives on the line, and their outcomes are not always victorious. The narrative is set to delve into Hayes' sorrow and guilt, touching upon another vital issue related to military service: the psychological toll it takes.
Hayes' battle with PTSD underscores the harsh reality that a soldier’s struggles are far from over once they leave the battlefield. The ongoing episodes will likely explore these mental health challenges, alongside the physical dangers they confront. Boreanaz's portrayal suggests that the remaining episodes of the series will be emotionally charged, focusing on the internal battles that complement the external action scenes.
In the newest episodes, particularly in Chaos in the Comp Part 2, Hayes and his team are depicted grappling with their mental well-being, an element set to influence the remainder of the show’s narrative. Despite their numerous successful missions, the cost has been high—blood has been shed, lives have been lost, and Hayes, known as Bravo 1, is still far from returning to active duty.
As SEAL Team approaches its finale, the series aims not just to provide thrilling military action but also to deliver a poignant and emotionally resonant farewell to Hayes and the other principal characters. With many questions still lingering about how the series will conclude, viewers can brace themselves for a deeply moving and impactful conclusion to this powerful military drama.