‘SEAL Team’: Neil Brown Jr. Talks About Ray Trying to Compartmentalize and Being Forced Back into a Support Role with Jason
In SEAL Team, there’s no shortage of intense action, high stakes, and complex emotional journeys. Among the standout characters is Ray Perry, portrayed by the talented Neil Brown Jr. Ray has been a vital part of Bravo Team throughout the series, balancing his responsibilities as a soldier, leader, and a man struggling with his emotional and mental well-being. His journey has been one of growth, pain, and inner conflict, and as the series progresses, Ray is faced with new challenges that will further test his resilience.
In an exclusive interview, Neil Brown Jr. opens up about his character’s emotional struggle, particularly how Ray is trying to compartmentalize his personal and professional life. Moreover, Brown Jr. touches on a significant development in Season 7: Ray’s forced return to a support role under the leadership of Jason Hayes (played by David Boreanaz). This shift in roles will not only impact Ray’s character arc but also shake up the dynamics within Bravo Team. Let’s take a deeper look at what’s happening with Ray and what it means for the team’s future.
Ray Perry’s Emotional Journey in SEAL Team
Throughout the course of SEAL Team, Ray Perry has been an integral member of Bravo Team. From the outset, Ray has been portrayed as a seasoned operator with strong convictions, yet deeply human vulnerabilities. His character has been through various challenges— from dealing with the physical and emotional toll of combat to grappling with the psychological effects of PTSD. Ray is someone who wears his emotions on his sleeve, and that has often led to intense moments of conflict, especially with the more stoic and reserved characters like Jason Hayes and Clay Spenser.
Ray’s emotional journey is one of the defining aspects of the show. He represents the human cost of warfare, where the line between professional duty and personal trauma often blurs. Over time, Ray’s struggle to compartmentalize his emotions and compartmentalize his life has been a central theme. As he continues to deal with these struggles, his relationship with Bravo Team also faces many obstacles, as he tries to find balance between being a soldier and a person dealing with the trauma of combat.
The Challenge of Compartmentalizing: One of the most significant aspects of Ray’s emotional journey has been his struggle with compartmentalization. In military settings, compartmentalizing is a survival mechanism— separating personal feelings from the mission at hand. For Ray, however, this strategy hasn’t always been effective. The more time he spends in combat and the more personal losses he endures, the harder it becomes to shut off his emotions.
Neil Brown Jr. spoke about Ray’s inability to fully compartmentalize his emotional struggles, explaining that Ray is not the type to bury his feelings and push through, unlike some of his teammates. “Ray’s a guy who really feels everything,” said Brown Jr. “He’s not the type to bottle things up until they explode. So when he’s forced to compartmentalize, it’s like fighting against his nature. And that makes things even harder for him.”
This emotional complexity is what makes Ray such a compelling character. While Bravo Team members like Jason and Clay often exude confidence and focus, Ray’s emotional battles are often more transparent. This vulnerability makes him relatable to viewers, as it brings to light the hidden costs of war that many military personnel face behind closed doors.
Ray’s Forced Return to a Support Role: What It Means for His Character
In a major development for Ray, SEAL Team Season 7 sees him being forced back into a support role under Jason’s leadership. For many fans, this comes as a shock, as Ray has always been more than just a supporting character. He has played key roles in missions, and his growth as a leader has been one of the more notable arcs in the series. Ray has already had to face moments of doubt about his abilities, but now, with Jason back in a position of command, Ray finds himself struggling with this shift in roles.
The Emotional Impact on Ray
For Ray, stepping back into a support role is more than just a professional setback— it’s a personal blow. He has always been deeply invested in Bravo Team’s success, and for much of the series, he has proven himself to be an invaluable team member. To return to a subordinate role, especially after establishing himself as a capable leader, feels like a demotion in his emotional journey.
Neil Brown Jr. shared his thoughts on Ray’s reaction to this forced role shift. “For Ray, this feels like a loss of control. He’s spent so much of his life fighting for his place, earning respect, and proving he’s capable. Now, he has to reckon with the fact that he’s being asked to step back. It’s a tough pill to swallow.”
This struggle with being “forced back” into a support role will undoubtedly impact Ray’s journey in Season 7. His internal conflict will add a layer of tension between him and Jason, as well as between him and the rest of the team. The dynamic between Ray and Jason, in particular, will be one to watch. The two have a complex, yet deeply loyal relationship, and this change in roles could either strengthen their bond or expose new fractures within their partnership.
Jason Hayes and Ray Perry: A Relationship Built on Trust and Tension
The relationship between Jason Hayes and Ray Perry has always been multifaceted. Jason, as the team leader, has relied heavily on Ray’s loyalty, skill, and emotional intelligence. However, Ray’s natural inclination to challenge authority, as well as his emotional struggles, have caused friction between them in the past. Still, there is an underlying bond of trust that has kept them together through thick and thin.
With Ray’s forced return to a support role, Jason will likely face the difficult task of maintaining Bravo Team’s cohesion while also managing Ray’s emotions. It’s a delicate balance, as Jason has his own struggles with PTSD and leadership, and now he must deal with Ray’s emotional turbulence on top of everything else. This dynamic will add a sense of realism to the show, as it reflects the complexities of real-world military relationships, where leadership decisions aren’t always black and white.
Neil Brown Jr. hints that this season will explore the tension between these two characters in greater depth. “Jason’s not the type to ask for help, but Ray’s going to need him in ways he didn’t expect. Their relationship is going to be tested in ways it hasn’t before, and it’s going to get messy.”
The Struggle of Mental Health and Its Role in Ray’s Journey
As with many of the characters on SEAL Team, mental health plays a significant role in Ray’s story. Throughout the series, he has struggled with the psychological toll of his military service, including dealing with trauma and the emotional scars left by war. The ongoing theme of mental health has been explored in different ways, and it’s clear that Ray’s journey is far from over in terms of his healing process.
In Season 7, as Ray is forced to return to a support role, it’s likely that the emotional burden he carries will come to the forefront. His struggle with compartmentalization— trying to suppress his feelings and function as a soldier—could cause him even more internal conflict. This internal battle will likely lead to moments of vulnerability, where Ray has to confront his past trauma and find a way to move forward.
Neil Brown Jr. emphasized that mental health is a core aspect of Ray’s character arc. “Ray is not just a soldier; he’s a human being who is deeply affected by everything that happens around him. In the final season, we’re going to see him confront these feelings head-on. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be a real journey for him.”
What Does This Mean for Bravo Team’s Future?
Ray’s emotional journey and his forced return to a support role will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on the rest of Bravo Team. As the team deals with high-stakes missions and emotional challenges, Ray’s internal conflict could potentially jeopardize their ability to work as a cohesive unit. The impact of his role shift will likely be felt by his teammates, especially Jason, who may be torn between being a leader and being a friend.
Additionally, the team’s dynamics as a whole may evolve over the course of Season 7. With Ray stepping back, it may open the door for other team members—like Clay Spenser or even newcomer characters—to take on more responsibility. How these changes will unfold remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Bravo Team will be tested like never before.
Conclusion: Ray’s Journey in SEAL Team’s Final Season
Ray Perry’s journey in SEAL Team has been one of resilience, growth, and emotional turmoil. As he faces the challenge of being forced back into a support role, viewers can expect an emotionally charged and complex storyline that will push Ray to his limits. Neil Brown Jr.’
