Critic’s Rating: 4.25 / 5.0
4.25
The SEAL Team Series Finale is upon us.
SEAL Team Season 7 Episode 10 offered us a surprisingly feel-good ending, which was a far cry from what many of us imagined as the season progressed.
All large arcs were wrapped up, and if there were any smaller arcs that needed attention, there was a good reason for that.
The Feel-Good SEAL Team Series Finale
My interview with showrunner Spencer Hudnut was published in conjunction with this review. In it, he revealed that for nine episodes, they were under the impression that the series would continue.
That answers a lot about the final season and even lends credence to many of our theories.
He said they had 30 pages of script to wind down the overarching season arcs and the entire series.
That’s an extraordinarily heavy lift, but the SEAL Team series finale did an amazing job considering that shocking and sad reality.
I’d go so far as to say it did a good job for any series finale, as they made a point to usher the main players off into their next adventures.
Since it was always expected that at least one of the leads might not return for future seasons, the way the SEAL Team series finale offered a hope-filled ending for most involved.
It also left the door open if anyone ever decides there’s more life in this series.
Jason’s Journey of Atonement Comes to an End
One of the most important journeys this season involved Jason washing away the shame he felt about his work.
It wasn’t easy to watch and didn’t always make sense. But cleansing his soul by visiting the family of his first kill was cathartic for him and the audience.
He watched the metaphorical blood off of his hands, and that allowed him to embrace his future without guilt or shame.
Jason has never had a life plan outside of the Navy. He is so embedded in its depths that he can’t imagine his life off of the battlefield.
What the SEAL Team series finale did made sense for Jason Hayes, even if it’s hard to believe he chose to continue life on the battlefield.
We discussed it many times over during this season, but Curtis really got into his head. Jason bought into his opinion that someone with blood on their hands will never be able to let go of it.
Jason proved that theory wrong, emerging from the helicopter for us one last time with a slight smile on his face. He can continue doing what he does best with the love and support he needs from friends and family.
When it came down to it, Jason chose not to kill Curtis. But Drew didn’t hesitate. Although Drew’s integration into the series was hard, by the SEAL Team series finale, he was full-on Bravo.
Drew Had Jason’s Back
He had heard so much about Jason before coming to Bravo that he arrived with a big chip on his shoulder. But once they found their footing, Drew protected Bravo One.
His choice to kill Curtis was two-fold. One was just to rid the earth of that despicable man, but he also didn’t want Jason to suffer the consequences of not completing the hit.
After Seal Team Season 7’s trials and tribulations introducing Drew, I fell for the guy. He can be rough around the edges, but he’s got a big heart. I could have watched a season where he was Bravo Two to Omar’s Bravo One.
Jason’s Happily Ever After(ish)
The best news for Jason was that he and Mandy began their happily ever after.
They got out of that drab and dinky garage apartment to a life on the beach. Sure, they’re living in a groovy vintage trailer, but they’re right where they want to be.
Jason has a solid group of people around him both on and off the field, and I don’t worry about his future anymore. Even if he dies in battle, he’ll die happy and without shame. That’s a win.
I was ecstatic that Ray and Sonny accompanied him on Jason’s personal mission to rid himself of his guilt.
Personally, it seemed unrealistic that he was greeted so warmly by the family, but if things had gone south, his BFFs were at his side.
That’s a far cry from most of SEAL Team Season 7.
It’s so frustrating to know that the writers had no idea they were closing this story. Maybe they would have made different choices if they had known.
Bringing the team back together like that was heartwarming and reminded me of earlier seasons.
Happy Endings for Everyone
Ray and Sonny got their happy endings, too, which makes it all worthwhile.
Ray had been struggling all season with leaving Bravo. He’s so protective of Bravo, and the idea of leaving them behind was impossible for him to grasp.
You’d think that knowing he and Naima created a refuge for fellow soldiers would have been enough, but his focus was on active military members.
Family members care for returning soldiers, but the Navy should care for those still operating.
I loved the conversation in the SEAL Team series finale about how other societies, past and present, support their soldiers with talk of purification ceremonies and penance.
We have not carried through with the historical needs of our troops as we did in the past. It reminded me of how Vietnam vets were treated on the field and upon their return.
They were following orders on behalf of their country and became drug addicts and pariahs. That is such a dark spot in history, but we’ve learned nothing.
I’m not sure if there is a job similar to Ray’s new role, but there should be. It’s a perfect fit for Ray, too. He can continue actively caring for his brothers, and Naima can care for those who fall through the cracks.
It would take a long time to get it right, and many people will not ask for help when they need it. That two-pronged approach is an ideal solution.
Sonny’s Selfless Decision
Sonny’s selfless decision is one of my favorite stories from the SEAL Team series finale.
It’s almost hard to imagine this is the same guy who relied on his battle boo to keep him on the straight and narrow.
At the same time, it makes total sense that learning of Clay’s desire to start fresh and understanding why Stella is leaving would have a significant impact on him.
I love that Clay’s importance to the series and its characters remains through to the end, not just for story purposes but because it offers a better look at how actual men and women view the loss of their teammates.
For Sonny, his talk with Stella at Clay’s grave was revelatory.
Through SEAL Team Season 7 Episode 9, Sonny remained steadfast in his desire to cling tightly to his trident. But then he learned that Clay was willing to move mountains to give Stella a chance to pursue her dreams.
Lisa and Sonny got themselves into hot water during SEAL Team Season 6, and their misdeeds were slowly catching up to them. Something had to give.
What gave was Sonny, who walked away from his duties to join Lisa on her new adventure in DC. He finally recognizes the benefit of putting others before himself.
Financially, he should be all set with his med kit. He also ensured that Stella and Brian were taken care of by putting Clay’s name on the kit.
Sonny’s journey landed beautifully in the SEAL Team series finale. Driving away from what he and Lisa knew to a new future together was well-earned.
I just wish we could be a part of it.
Celebrations on the SEAL Team Series Finale
Some of the best SEAL Team moments have come off the battlefield and away from the Navy. When Bravo meets up for drinks or when families get together.
The SEAL Team series finale didn’t skimp on that side of things.
There was good conversation and cheers all around for Bravo both at the bar and at Emma’s wedding.
Somehow, I never imagined Jason boogying down on the dance floor. But with his conscience cleared, he was free to embrace his goofy side and enjoy Emma’s big day.
I know we have talked a lot about how disappointing this season was in some places, but I hope you agree that SEAL Team Season 7 Episode 10 managed to pull off a surprisingly good end.
What do you think about the SEAL Team series finale?
I’m sure you’ve got a lot to say, and I can’t wait to chat about it in the comments.
Thanks so much for taking this ride with TV Fanatic over the years. We’ve enjoyed every minute of it!
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