“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is not a motto that David Boreanaz and the rest of the “SEAL Team” crew are following right about now, as they have chosen to shake up a brand new series that was doing just fine ratings-wise. But Boreanaz tells TheWrap that move was planned “from day one.”
The star and producer of CBS’ new hit military drama explained why they made the bold decision to deploy Jason Hayes (Boreanaz) and his team of elite Navy operatives, not just halfway through the first season, but in the middle of an episode. Specifically Wednesday night’s installment, “Getaway Day.”
“I was involved from the start, with all of us deciding where we were gonna take the show from day one,” Boreanaz told TheWrap. “It’s going to allow the viewers an insight into [the team’s] lives more — not just what it’s like being at home. And as far as the workplace is concerned, it opens up big doors. I love it and it’s been great to shoot in such a different way. There is a lot coming up that will change these guys’ lives and it’s gonna be fun to watch.”
During Wednesday’s episode, the SEAL team must leave their families immediately because their deployment to Afghanistan moves up after another team is ambushed and killed. The story dives into how this line of work actually affects the loved ones they leave behind.
Moving forward, the series will reset itself for the rest of the season and will be shown from the point of view of Jason and his team, so that viewers experience the underlying toll it takes on everyone during deployment.
“It’s really what happens,” Boreanaz said of the jarring turn of events. “We are talking about guys that are operators and this is their life. We’re not sugarcoating stuff. We’re not gonna stay home and go to missions once a week. That’s not what happens. That’s not real. This move also sheds light into what these guys do when they are in the field.
“You’re gonna find new characters on deployment,” he went on to say. “You’re gonna see these new characters in their lives. And that’s going to be a nice arch in the show. We’re just scratching surfaces here with the show. It has so much more to explore.”
“SEAL Team” airs Wednesdays at 9/8 c on CBS.