Max Thieriot Opens Up About Bringing CBS’ Fire Country to Life and Compares His TV Roles
After years of thrilling audiences with his portrayal of Clay Spenser on CBS’s military drama SEAL Team, Max Thieriot has shifted gears in his career, starring in a completely different type of show: Fire Country. The new CBS series follows Bode Donovan, a young convict-turned-firefighter who works to redeem himself while battling the relentless wildfires of Northern California. The role marks a significant departure from Thieriot’s action-packed military persona, allowing the actor to explore a new range of emotions and challenges.
In this article, we’ll dive into Max Thieriot’s experience bringing Fire Country to life, the creative process behind the series, and how he compares his two iconic roles. Whether you’re a fan of Thieriot from his time on SEAL Team or are just discovering his new role in Fire Country, this deep dive will shed light on the journey that’s led him to this exciting new chapter in his career.
Max Thieriot’s Transition from SEAL Team to Fire Country
A New Kind of Role: From Soldier to Firefighter
One of the most noticeable changes in Thieriot’s career trajectory is his switch from playing a Navy SEAL to portraying a firefighter with a troubled past. For years, Thieriot was known for his role as Clay Spenser on SEAL Team—a dedicated and highly skilled member of an elite military unit. In Fire Country, however, he trades his tactical gear for a firefighter’s uniform, playing Bode Donovan, a man looking for redemption.
While SEAL Team and Fire Country share some thematic similarities—such as intense action, high stakes, and the exploration of personal demons—the tone and nature of the characters couldn’t be more different. Thieriot’s character in SEAL Team was a soldier at the top of his game, focused on duty, loyalty, and the demands of his profession. On the other hand, Bode Donovan is a complex individual with a checkered past. Having made mistakes in his youth, Bode seeks redemption as he battles wildfires and works alongside a team of firefighters, dealing with the psychological and physical toll of his past actions.
A Challenge for Thieriot: Exploring a New Emotional Range
Taking on Bode Donovan was an exciting challenge for Thieriot, as it required him to expand his emotional range beyond the stoic and focused demeanor of Clay Spenser. In an interview, Thieriot shared that Bode’s journey of self-discovery and redemption felt both raw and deeply relatable. Unlike Clay, who was driven by duty and the camaraderie of his SEAL teammates, Bode is someone who must rebuild trust with himself and others.
“Clay was always confident, he was always sure of what he was doing. Bode is different in that he’s constantly questioning his past, his actions, and whether or not he can truly redeem himself,” Thieriot explained. “The emotional complexity of Bode really excited me, and it was a role that pushed me to explore parts of my acting that I hadn’t done before.”
This shift from a military drama to a procedural drama with deeply personal stakes has given Thieriot the opportunity to stretch his acting chops in a new direction. The high-stakes situations Bode faces in the firefighting world also provide a new kind of intensity and action that is different from the military operations of SEAL Team, but still rooted in Thieriot’s ability to handle tough, life-or-death scenarios.
The Creative Process Behind Fire Country
Bringing the Heart of Firefighting to Television
The success of Fire Country can be attributed not only to its lead actor but also to the creative minds behind the series. The show was created by Tony Phelan and Joan Rater, who have a history of producing compelling dramas, including their work on Grey’s Anatomy and The Resident. They brought their expertise in emotional storytelling to Fire Country, ensuring that the show would not only focus on thrilling firefighting scenes but also delve deeply into the personal lives and struggles of the characters.
Thieriot, who also serves as an executive producer on the series, took an active role in shaping the show’s direction, particularly in how it portrays the struggles of convicts trying to make amends. According to Thieriot, it was important for him to bring authenticity to the show, ensuring that Bode’s journey of redemption felt grounded and real. “The world of firefighting is incredibly heroic, but it’s also tough, both physically and mentally. Bode’s path is all about redemption and the hard work that goes into changing one’s life, which I think will resonate with a lot of people,” Thieriot shared.
A critical aspect of the show’s success is its focus on the emotional toll that fighting fires has on the characters. Beyond the physical dangers, the show explores themes of loss, guilt, and trauma. The portrayal of Bode’s relationship with his family and his struggle to overcome his past mistakes provides a strong emotional anchor for the series.
The Chemistry Between Thieriot and the Cast
The success of any ensemble cast lies in the chemistry between its members, and Fire Country is no exception. Thieriot’s on-screen dynamic with his fellow firefighters is essential to the show’s authenticity. The show features a strong supporting cast, including Billy Burke as Bode’s father, Diane Farr as his mother, and Jules Latimer as his romantic interest. These characters provide a deep emotional support system for Bode as he works to rebuild his life.
In interviews, Thieriot has expressed how much he values the relationships he’s built with his co-stars. “The cast on this show is incredible. There’s a camaraderie that we’ve developed, much like the one I had with the cast of SEAL Team,” he explained. “But in this case, the relationships are more complex because they touch on a lot of raw, emotional themes. It’s been a real pleasure to work with such talented actors who bring so much heart to their roles.”
Comparing His Roles: Clay Spenser vs. Bode Donovan
The Military Hero vs. The Troubled Convict
When comparing Thieriot’s two most iconic roles—Clay Spenser on SEAL Team and Bode Donovan on Fire Country—there are some clear contrasts. Clay is a man of duty, pride, and resilience, fighting for his country alongside his fellow SEALs. He faces physical challenges in some of the most dangerous places on Earth, but his mental strength and loyalty to his team are what define him. Clay is driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to protect others, even at the expense of his own happiness.
In contrast, Bode Donovan is a man who is grappling with the weight of his past. As a convict, Bode’s journey is one of redemption, constantly battling inner demons and the fallout from past decisions. His character arc is about regaining trust and proving that he can change, both to himself and to the people around him.
Thieriot highlights the differences in the characters’ emotional journeys. “Clay is a guy who knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s a man of action, and everything is black and white for him. Bode, on the other hand, is in the gray area. His world is filled with contradictions, and that’s what makes playing him so interesting. There’s a lot of emotional turmoil in Bode that I didn’t get to explore with Clay,” Thieriot shared.
Similarities Between Clay and Bode: The Drive to Overcome
While the characters are different in many ways, there are some core similarities between Clay and Bode that Thieriot recognizes. Both characters are driven by a desire to make a difference, though in vastly different ways. For Clay, it’s about serving his country, while for Bode, it’s about saving himself and redeeming his life through hard work and self-discipline.
Both characters are also shaped by their relationships with others, particularly with those they care about most. In SEAL Team, Clay’s bond with his fellow SEALs is integral to his identity, just as Bode’s connection to his family and the firefighter team is key to his redemption.
“The loyalty I played with Clay is definitely something I carry over to Bode’s relationships. Bode might be trying to rebuild his life, but his relationships with others are still central to who he is. He’s not alone in this journey,” Thieriot noted.
