In the much-anticipated series finale of SEAL Team, viewers were left wondering about the fates of beloved characters like Jason and Ray. The final episode, which can now be streamed on Paramount+, packed in numerous twists that caught fans off guard. With Nozario apprehended and Curtis eliminated after Jason deemed him a liability, Bravo Team returned to Vah Beach but quickly found themselves deployed on a mission to Afghanistan, with Ray tagging along.
Following their mission, Jason unexpectedly sought closure with the widow of his very first target. Joined by Sonny and Ray, the team’s extraction went awry, leading to a barrage of gunfire and missiles, culminating in an explosive scene that abruptly cut to a wedding ceremony featuring a fully alive Jason walking his colleague Emma down the aisle. The reception was filled with underlying tension, particularly surrounding Sonny’s struggle with the ongoing Decker situation, revealing his plans to support Stella and Brian financially.
The finale played with narrative misdirection as it showcased the evolving dynamics within Bravo Team. Davis climbed the ranks to become an admiral’s aide, while Sonny appeared to solve his issues but ultimately relinquished his trident to facilitate Lisa’s promotion, all the while clearing the path for Ray’s new role in Warfighter Health. Surprisingly, Jason decided to remain in active duty, rejuvenating his commitment to his team alongside Omar, Drew, and others.
In an in-depth interview, SEAL Team showrunner Spencer Hudnut discussed the concept behind the finale and the original plans for Jason’s character arc. He shared that he had contemplated the finale since Season 4, with the aim to provide a satisfying conclusion. By the point of writing this final season, he hadn’t anticipated it would be the last, leading to quick adjustments in how the stories tied together.
The season leaned towards introspection, offering deep conversations about the costs of war and the emotional toll it takes on service members. Hudnut explained that while there was limited action throughout the season due to budget constraints, the final episodes were designed to culminate in grand, high-stakes sequences.
The unexpected outcomes in the finale, such as Ray stepping into Jason’s previous role and Sonny’s self-sacrificial decisions, served to stun viewers, creating a profound sense of narrative surprise. Jason, with the influence of Mandy, ultimately achieved a measure of peace regarding his past, highlighting the importance of internal growth even amid chaos.
Davis also had a compelling arc, showcasing her professional prowess and securing both a career advancement and personal happiness. Hudnut praised the contributions of the show’s recurring characters, recognizing how their presence significantly affected the narrative.
Reflecting on the show’s legacy, Hudnut hopes it conveyed authentic representations of military life and sacrifices, addressing challenges like TBI and PTSD while breaking down the stigma attached to these subjects.
In a lighter moment, the absence of Cerberus, the beloved dog of the series, at the wedding sparked discussion, with Hudnut acknowledging it as a missed opportunity but expressing pride in the emotional depth they achieved throughout the finale. As the curtain falls on SEAL Team, its impact on viewers and the nuanced portrayal of its characters will be remembered fondly by fans.