‘SEAL Team’: AJ Buckley Reveals There’s a ‘Release’ for Sonny in Finale After Losing Clay
The hit military drama SEAL Team has captivated audiences for years with its realistic portrayal of Navy SEALs’ lives, both on and off the battlefield. However, it’s the personal struggles of the Bravo Team members that truly resonate with fans, with each character facing their own emotional and psychological battles as they deal with the aftermath of war. One of the most heart-wrenching storylines in recent seasons revolves around the death of Clay Spenser (played by Max Thieriot), and how it profoundly impacts Sonny Quinn (played by AJ Buckley).
In the Season 5 finale of SEAL Team, viewers witnessed an emotionally charged moment in which Sonny, struggling with the loss of his close friend and fellow SEAL, experiences a moment of release. This release becomes a critical turning point in Sonny’s character development, offering a rare glimpse into his emotional vulnerability. AJ Buckley, who portrays Sonny, opened up about this pivotal moment, revealing how Sonny’s loss of Clay ultimately leads to a cathartic release that changes his trajectory.
In this article, we’ll explore Sonny’s journey of grief, healing, and release in the SEAL Team Season 5 finale, with insights from AJ Buckley on how this loss shaped his character. We’ll also dive into the significance of Sonny’s release, both emotionally and narratively, and what it means for his future in the series.
Sonny Quinn’s Struggle After Losing Clay
The Bond Between Sonny and Clay
To fully understand the emotional release that Sonny experiences in the SEAL Team Season 5 finale, it’s essential to grasp the deep bond between Sonny and Clay. Throughout the series, Sonny and Clay’s friendship has been a cornerstone of Bravo Team’s dynamic. They’ve shared countless dangerous missions, moments of triumph, and times of personal hardship. Their camaraderie goes beyond just being teammates; they are brothers-in-arms, always having each other’s backs, even when things get tough.
However, Sonny’s world is shattered in the Season 5 storyline when Clay is killed in action. The loss of Clay is not just a professional blow to Sonny; it’s personal. Clay was one of the few people who truly understood Sonny’s complex emotions, his vulnerabilities, and his struggles with the violent world they inhabit. Losing him leaves a void in Sonny’s life, one that’s impossible to fill, and the grief he experiences is palpable.
Sonny’s Emotional Burden
Sonny is no stranger to emotional struggles. Throughout the show, he has been portrayed as a tough, sometimes brash, character who keeps his emotions bottled up. He’s often shown using humor and aggression to mask the pain he feels. But with Clay’s death, Sonny’s usual coping mechanisms aren’t enough. The loss of his best friend and brother-in-arms becomes a turning point that forces Sonny to confront his grief and the unresolved emotional trauma he’s been carrying for years.
In the wake of Clay’s death, Sonny begins to spiral. His anger and sadness are compounded by feelings of guilt and helplessness. He blames himself for not being able to save Clay, a burden that weighs heavily on him throughout the season. As Bravo Team’s mission leader, Sonny is supposed to be the strong, composed figure who keeps the team together, but in the face of this unimaginable loss, he finds himself crumbling under the pressure.
The Significance of Sonny’s Release in the Finale
A Moment of Catharsis
In the SEAL Team Season 5 finale, after an entire season of internal turmoil, Sonny reaches a pivotal emotional moment. AJ Buckley, who portrays Sonny, describes this moment as one of “release” for his character. After weeks of suppressing his emotions, Sonny finally allows himself to grieve openly, without holding back. This cathartic release is a crucial moment for Sonny, as it marks the beginning of his emotional healing.
AJ Buckley has spoken about how deeply this scene affected him as an actor, explaining that Sonny’s release represents a breakthrough in his character’s emotional journey. For much of the season, Sonny’s pain is evident, but he’s been unable to process it. The finale offers a rare, raw moment where Sonny lets go of his grief and allows himself to feel the weight of his loss. Buckley emphasizes that this release isn’t about moving on from Clay’s death, but rather about acknowledging the depth of the pain and starting the healing process.
The Power of Vulnerability
One of the most powerful aspects of Sonny’s emotional release is the vulnerability it reveals. Sonny, who has spent much of his life masking his true feelings, finally exposes himself emotionally. This moment of vulnerability is a significant departure from his usual tough-guy persona. For fans who have followed Sonny’s character from the beginning, it’s a poignant realization that even the strongest among us have breaking points and that it’s okay to ask for help and express pain.
In Buckley’s words, this release is a “breaking open” for Sonny. It’s a moment where he no longer has to carry the emotional weight alone. By allowing himself to feel, Sonny starts to understand that healing doesn’t come from holding everything in, but from facing the truth of his emotions. This is a crucial step in Sonny’s journey toward healing and emotional growth.
Sonny’s Emotional Release as a Turning Point
For Sonny, the release in the finale is more than just a cathartic moment—it marks a turning point in his life and in his role within Bravo Team. Throughout SEAL Team, Sonny has struggled with finding balance between his job and his personal life. His relationship with his teammates, especially his bond with Clay, has always been an anchor for him. But with Clay’s death, Sonny is forced to reassess what matters most.
In the finale, Sonny’s release doesn’t just signify the beginning of emotional healing; it also serves as a narrative pivot for his future in the series. Sonny has long been the team’s emotional core, but his grief forces him to step back and reflect on his place within the team. The release is a necessary part of his journey as he navigates the complexities of being a leader, a friend, and a man who has experienced unimaginable loss.
AJ Buckley’s Approach to Sonny’s Release
Preparing for Sonny’s Emotional Moment
AJ Buckley has always been deeply invested in bringing authenticity to Sonny’s character, and his portrayal of the emotional release in the Season 5 finale is no exception. In interviews, Buckley has discussed the emotional weight of playing such a complex character and the responsibility he feels to honor the struggles that many real-life veterans face. For Buckley, portraying Sonny’s journey through grief and release was not just about acting—it was about tapping into the raw emotions of loss and vulnerability.
Before filming the emotional release scene, Buckley took the time to reflect on Sonny’s entire journey. He spent time thinking about how Sonny would realistically process such a profound loss, considering his history of suppressing emotions. Buckley also drew on his own experiences and understanding of grief to bring depth and authenticity to the moment. He wanted to ensure that Sonny’s release felt genuine and true to the character, acknowledging that this was not just a plot point but a crucial part of Sonny’s evolution.
The Importance of Sonny’s Release to the Actor
For AJ Buckley, the moment of release wasn’t just significant for Sonny’s character—it was also a cathartic experience for him as an actor. Buckley has often spoken about how deeply he connects with Sonny’s struggles and how playing this character has allowed him to explore complex emotions that resonate with him personally. The Season 5 finale scene was a culmination of years of work on the character, and Buckley acknowledges that it was an emotional experience for him as well.
In interviews, Buckley shared that he felt a sense of emotional weight lifting after filming the scene. Just as Sonny experiences a release in that pivotal moment, Buckley too felt a sense of closure and emotional catharsis. For both the actor and the character, the scene represents a transformative experience that allows for growth and healing.
The Impact of Sonny’s Release on ‘SEAL Team’ Fans
Connecting with the Audience
Sonny’s emotional release in the Season 5 finale not only resonates with fans of SEAL Team but also serves as a reminder of the broader theme of emotional resilience and healing. The show has always depicted the intense realities of military life, but it also highlights the importance of addressing mental health and seeking emotional support. By portraying Sonny’s vulnerability, SEAL Team offers a message of hope to viewers who may be struggling with their own grief or trauma.
The scene also offers a sense of closure for fans who have followed Sonny’s journey over the years. Watching him go through this emotional release allows fans to see that even the toughest soldiers, like Sonny, can experience healing after loss. It’s a message of strength in vulnerability and a testament to the enduring power of friendship, loyalty, and emotional healing.
Setting the Stage for Sonny’s Future
As the SEAL Team series continues to evolve, Sonny’s emotional release sets the stage for his character’s growth in future seasons. With the weight of his grief now acknowledged and starting to heal, Sonny can begin to rebuild his life and his relationships. This release offers him the space to move forward and explore new emotional territory, which will likely play a crucial role in his character development going forward.
Conclusion
AJ Buckley’s portrayal of Sonny Quinn’s emotional release in the SEAL Team Season 5 finale is a powerful and moving moment that marks a turning point for the character. The loss of Clay forces Sonny to confront his grief in a way he never has before, leading to a cathartic release that sets the stage for his emotional healing. Through this moment, SEAL Team delivers a poignant message about the importance of vulnerability, emotional expression, and the long road to recovery after trauma.
For both fans and the actor himself, Sonny’s release is a significant milestone in the series, one that not only shapes Sonny’s future but also reinforces the show’s commitment to portraying the emotional realities of military service. With this release, Sonny Quinn takes one step closer to healing, and fans are left hopeful for his future in Bravo Team and beyond.
