The series premiere of SEAL Team, “Tip of the Spear”, had us eager for more!
SEAL Team episode 1×01, “Tip of the Spear”, on CBS came in hard and heavy! With so many military based shows coming to television this fall, we were unsure of how this one would fare! But, we should know better than to bet against David Boreanaz! He’s been successful on television since his stint on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The original vampire with a soul wasn’t the only seasoned actor brought to an action-packed show! The series premiere got into the thick of things as Jason (David Boreanaz) and his team headed after a terrorist. The odds were stacked against the team even more as newcomer, Clay (Max Thieriot) joined the team. Mandy (Jessica Pare) then discovered there was a hostage involved in the situation.
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If that wasn’t enough, Jason’s wife Alana (Michaela McManus) seems hell-bent on ending their marriage. Jason’s best friend and teammate Ray (Neil Brown Jr.) encourages Alana to work things out so her family can be together. The mission goes south for our SEALs as they head into dangerous territory. Fellow teammates, Sonny (A.J. Buckley) and Davis (Toni Trucks) are with the team to try and save the hostage and bring the terrorist leader in alive. They’re able to complete the first objective, but not the second. Though Jason is upset about not bringing home the terrorist, he is happy to be home from the mission so that he could see his daughter sing in a recital.
Let’s meet our first roundtable of the season!
Jessica (@JesykaMari) - 35-year-old ex-paramedic and current pastry chef from deep South Texas.
Laura (@Boneslvr38) - I am from Jersey. Before being a Sealie, I was a Bones head where I met my friend, Micha.
Micha (@ciaomichaella) - Chocoholic fan girl who loves live tweeting, television, spoilers, books, and social media.
Pam (@CharlesonPamela) - Educator and professor who loves watching television shows in my free time!
Marilyn (@Marilyn72568293) - Cosmetologist and lover of fun! Enjoy watching the best shows I can find!
1. It’s hard to imagine the difficulties that come with being the wife of a SEAL, but isn’t it expected they’ll be gone a lot? Is Alana being unfair, or is she right in being angry?
Jessica (@JesykaMari): Being the wife of any law enforcement officer is difficult. But when you’re the wife of the elite it’s something you don’t go into with blinders on. Certain things are known and expected when being the wife of a SEAL. It takes a strong woman to be able to deal with the uncertainties that come along with the job. The wait and worry are something that’s always carried with them. Alana is one who thought she could handle the life but as years progressed found it harder to deal with. While I do see anger and hostility from her I also see room for her to grow.
Laura (@BonesLvr38): I think Alana is being unfair. As a SEAL, they’re gone a lot but it’s only human nature to still be angry and upset.
Micha (@ciaomichaella): Alana is Jason’s estranged wife, right? I’m sure we’ll find out more about their relationship as the season progresses. There’s gotta be more to the story than what we saw during episode one. That being said, I feel like military spouses know what they’re getting into. Several members of my family, including my brother, served on various branches of the military. The family knows there are challenges and sacrifices that have to be made on a day-to-day basis. It just comes with the territory. Alana’s being too hard on Jason knowing full well what his job entails.
Pam (@CharlesonPamela): I think it would depend on if Jason was a SEAL when the two of them got married. He probably was, but I’m reserving judgement on her until we know the full story.
Marilyn (@Marilyn72568293): Definitely! She should have known what it would be like as soon as she agreed to be the wife of a SEAL.
2. How wonderful is it that David Boreanaz is on our screens once again? Do you feel he will hit the mark on playing Jason?
Jessica: Let me just start off with I’m THRILLED to see David back on my tv. I was one of many heartbroken when Bones ended. That said, I think those years of playing Sealy developed something in David that made him a perfect fit for this role. It’s like Booth 2.0! The side of Booth that would’ve been if he hadn’t met Bones. He’s completely headstrong and strong-willed and I can’t wait to see where he takes this character.
Laura: It is great that David is back on tv, but he wasn’t gone that long. The character of Jason is right up David’s alley.
Micha: I’m over the moon that David Boreanaz is back on tv and excited to see what he’ll do with Jason Hayes. I’ve been a loyal and devoted David fan from the first episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I followed him when he transitioned to Angel, and then Bones. One thing David seems to be very good at is playing a hero. His character may have flaws or issues, but overall you get a sense that he has a moral code and purpose. Given that I’m such a hardcore Bonehead, I’m trying my hardest to separate Seeley Booth from Jason Hayes. I cannot wait to see more of Jason’s back story and find out what David does with the character.
Pam: Even though it makes me feel old, I have been a David Boreanaz fan since I saw him on Buffy. I honestly think there is not a single part that man can’t bring justice to!
Marilyn: I wasn’t a huge Bones fan, but any episodes I watched were due to David. He’s wonderful and I kind of feel this part is similar to that one.
3. Clay doesn’t seem to take anything seriously. While it’s good to maintain a happy attitude, do you feel Clay’s could also be a danger?
Jessica: Clay is young and still has that need to break authority. While his carefree attitude brings a lightness about him, it will eventually cause havoc. He still has that cockiness that could either make him or break him as a SEAL.
Laura: It is probably Clay’s way to deal with the stress of being a SEAL. It could be a danger, but we will have to wait to see what direction the writers take the character in.
Micha: Clay is in a highly stressful job environment and having a good attitude could be a coping mechanism. However, given that missions are dangerous and lives are at stake, Clay’s attitude and rebellion could be a liability. He could lose his life or get his colleagues killed.
Pam: There’s nothing wrong with joking around. But there is a time and a place for it. Clay clearly doesn’t know when to turn it on and off. This could definitely result in him or one of his teammates getting hurt. Or worse.
Marilyn: I think it’s definitely a way to cope. But it could be dangerous if he doesn’t learn when to tone it down.
4. Why does Jason show so much animosity toward Clay? Is there something deeper going on?
Jessica: Jason has a certain animosity towards Clay because of his father’s role in his past. We cannot yet fully determine Jason’s thoughts on Clay’s father until we know the full back story. But as of now I see his anger from Clay’s father’s book is being held against him. I am curious about his father’s story.
Laura: I think Jason has this animosity towards Clay for one of two possible reasons. Jason was like Clay early on in his SEAL career and something bad happened. Or Jason butted heads with Clay’s father.
Micha: I feel they’re setting things up so Clay will be like the little brother or protégé to Jason. It’s possible something tragic or will happen that serves as a teaching moment for Jason to wake or shake Clay. It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. I just hope that someone is not Dita. If Clay does something that hurts that precious dog, I might kick him in the crotch.
Pam: I’m definitely getting the vibe that maybe Clay reminds Jason of himself. If we go down that road, then maybe Jason feels he should have been different when he was Clay’s age. But I hope we find out soon!
Marilyn: Maybe Clay reminds Jason of how he first acted in the SEALs. Something bad could have happened because of it and he doesn’t want to see Clay experience the same thing.
5. Davis makes it clear from the moment we see her that she is a bad ass! Are you excited to see more of her?
Jessica: Davis is a total bad ass and welcome addition to this all male elite group. To see a minority woman in such a small group of the best of the best is refreshing. She could turn into a very dynamic role and seems like she is the weight that keeps them clam. Davis is by far a great add to the story. I hope they keep her story line strong and show her strengths in the team.
Laura: I can’t wait to see Davis kick someone’s ass.
Micha: I. LOVE. LISA. DAVIS. If I could insert clapping hands enosis right here I would put at least three. Toni Trucks did such an amazing job in her portrayal of Davis. I’m looking forward to knowing more about her back story and where they’ll go with her character. I love that Davis is a strong, no-nonsense, determined, and smart woman. It’s easy to make it all about a woman’s sex appeal when surrounded by a lot of men. I hope they don’t go that route. And I hope they don’t have Davis hook up with one of her co-workers. It would be interesting to see how nurturing and maternal Davis will be if at all, or if she’d be just like one of the guys.
Pam: Lisa is going to be one of the toughest members on this team. I can feel it. I’d definitely love to see her relationships with the guys on the team.
Marilyn: Definitely liked what we saw. But it wasn’t nearly enough! I want to see more of her and I hope she becomes a titular character.
6. Did Clay make the right decision in taking out Samir? Or do you think he could have been taken in alive?
Jessica: Clay assessed the situation the way he believed was best. Worried about the safety of the team, it was a quick decision. Whether it was the right one or not is purely judgement. Jason believes he jumped the gun because if his vast experience and Clay’s inexperience. But the team thinks otherwise, mostly due to Clay’s namesake. This may have been the first time butting heads on decisions, but I doubt it will be the last.
Laura: Clay did make the right call. But it’s hard to say if Samir could have been taken alive. What kind of issues could have occurred if they did try to take him alive? Would all of the SEALs come back from the assignment? With Clay taking him out, everyone came home alive.
Micha: I think he made a snap decision. If he really is that good a shot and was paying careful attention, he could’ve blown Samir’s hand. Then the threat of an explosion is eliminated but the bad guy remains alive.
Pam: I really don’t think so. There’s way too many variables to try to figure out what would have happened if Clay hadn’t shot him. Jason was upset, but I think deep down he knew it was the right call.
Marilyn: That’s a hard one to answer. Great question though! It’s got me thinking about all the possibilities of what could have happened. But I think in the end, Clay made the only decision he could. Hopefully Jason appreciates it later.
7. What did you think of the pilot episode? Did you love or hate it?
Jessica: Overall I think this is a smart, intense, and a very edge-of-my-seat show. Boreanaz never disappoints and is as tough and heartfelt as ever. This episode shows potential for a very successful show. I do think down the line we could maybe see a softer side to Jason. Maybe a bit of a joker or husband, people need to see the heart not just the muscle. This show is going places.
Laura: I think the pilot episode was overall okay.
Micha: Absolutely loved it! I’m really looking forward to the next episode and the rest of the season. My plan is to watch and live tweet for the West Coast every week. I’ll try for the East Coast, but that’s always dependent on whether or not I get home from work early enough to watch the episode right at the beginning.
Pam: I thought this was an awesome start! You have to give new shows the benefit of the doubt. They have to give some type of background and the ability to set their characters up.
Marilyn: I loved it! But it just made me want more. I kind of wish they’d had a two-hour series premiere, but that’s just because I’m already addicted! Is it Wednesday, yet?
Final Verdict: SEAL Team showed us some good and bad sides of being in the military, or part of their family, and we’re here for it!
Even though this was the first episode, the writing was that of a show that has been on for years. There were times when you clenched your fists right along with the characters, and others you wanted to throw something at them. It isn’t a show that everything is going to be wrapped up with a bow at the end every week. We don’t feel it’s going to be one that you can rely on characters staying alive. Anyone of our favorites could go at any time. It’s a show that isn’t afraid to display a little of the darkness we as civilians don’t always understand.
Naturally, there were some flaws. While this is only the first episode, there really wasn’t a lot of back story given. It kind of feels as if they’re starting the story halfway through. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if they expand on it as the season progresses. But, it can make it a little hard to follow at times. Or even a little frustrating when you don’t know why the relationships are as they are. We also would have liked to see a little bit more of the dynamic between Jason and Alana. But, again, that could and probably is something that is coming in future episodes. Which is why everyone really needs to tune in next week! Who knows what will be revealed!












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