This was a solid episode, the series is on a roll. Dig the focus on action and dirty politics.
Initially rated 1/10, "Social Justice Warriors". First half was weak and brimming with PC indoctrination. The unrealistic / unprofessional risk-Americans-to-save-the-children VX gas plot was godawful. Jason's divorce and Stella's immaturity were grating. The constant feminist narratives - cross-dressing oppressed Muslim girl and "the daughter's the terrorist, you silly sexist!" were rather on the nose.
Now it's a decent military show. Solid, but a little cliché, lacking edge.
I've watched every episode and Cavell and co have found a nice balance between their progressive values (Mandy and Lisa are realistically strong for women in a male-dominated environment) and a respectful and sympathetic portrayal of the team. We're seeing some interesting character nuance, less driven by race/class/gender politics. Neal's shoulder and Jason's inner distress point at the vast world of apolitical but real issues available to our writers. "Six" for example drew some realistic edge from Rip's war crimes vs. Seal Team's righteous moral paragons. Ever read the article "The Crimes of Seal Team Six?" "Seal Team" could be a lot "darker and edgier".
Liked Boreanaz's direction, especially the first few minutes after the crash. The dead pilot / screaming inner Jason had a tinge of distasteful anti-"alpha-male" / anti-"toxic masculinity" critique to him, but was interesting and well-acted. Welcome the sophistication, worth the benefit of the doubt. More psychology / flashbacks could be nice, if done gracefully (not anti-war / anti-male gender-deconstructionist critique). Screaming pilot interlude was a bit like the training flashbacks in "the Unit", but way smarter.
Clay and Stella. Currently meh but they have potential. She's hot and smart which is awesome, but this subplot is way too treacly. He should stop being such a whiny ***** and letting her wear the pants. It's unattractive and cringeworthy. No wonder she's checked out. She dug him because she's a ball-buster but he's a badass navy seal who makes her feel like a woman. What happened to that cocky dude she picked up in the bar? Make him someone that men wanna be and women wanna be with.
Stella has potential. She started superficially strong but weak inside. Let her be "weaker" on the surface but stronger inside. She's obviously not committed right now, but she could forget the critical theory for a minute and "fall for" Clay. She always holds him at arms length with her "empowered woman" boundaries and dissecting the relationship. Aren't they supposed to be engaged? Obviously the lukewarm status quo can't last. Mercifully a minor part.
Paré's character is solid. Her sexy pout is sometimes out of place but love the deception / spy games / power games. Do more power games.
Plot could be better with a dash of Bourne or Le Carré - it's all a bit lily-white and cliché at the moment. The British contractor angle is promising. Maybe bring in the Russians, run shady black ops, or do some other international Charlie Foxtrot plot line. Maybe something a little more outlandish. Global intrigue, sex and explosions a la old "Strike Back" (Stonebridge and Scott) before the disastrously propagandized current season could be fun.
Watching this ad-free. Real creativity is a lot to ask of network show, anything too dark, edgy, or complicated makes audiences less receptive to ads and doesn't work when it's chopped up. At least Cavell and co are trying.
