‘SEAL Team’ Season 4 Episode 5: Images, Plot, Cast and Air Date

Military drama fans know that SEAL Team doesn’t just deliver action—it dives deep into the emotional and mental complexities of elite warriors. As we reach Season 4 Episode 5, titled “The Carrot or the Stick”, viewers are bracing for another high-stakes mission filled with tension, loyalty, and choices that challenge the core of Bravo Team.

This guide covers everything you need to know about SEAL Team Season 4, Episode 5: plot breakdowns, cast appearances, behind-the-scenes images, and when to tune in.

Air Date: When Does SEAL Team Season 4 Episode 5 Premiere?

Air Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Network: CBS
Streaming: Available next day on Paramount+

After a brief winter hiatus, SEAL Team returned with Episode 5 ready to kick the adrenaline back into high gear. With emotional cliffhangers still lingering from earlier episodes, fans were eager to see how the Bravo Team would navigate a mission that tests both strategy and morality.

Episode Title & Synopsis

Episode Title: “The Carrot or the Stick”

Official Synopsis:

“With no leads on Ray’s whereabouts, Jason pushes Bravo Team to extreme lengths and considers crossing a dangerous line to help locate their missing brother. Meanwhile, Ray tries to survive captivity long enough for his team to find him.”

This episode explores one of the darkest and most personal arcs in SEAL Team history. The stakes are higher than ever—Ray Perry is missing, presumed captured, and Jason Hayes must grapple with how far he’s willing to go to bring his brother home.

First Look: Exclusive Images from Episode 5

Fans were treated to a batch of intense and emotional stills released ahead of the episode’s air date. These first-look images teased a blend of combat-ready sequences and quieter, emotionally fraught scenes between team members.

Highlights from the images include:

• Jason (David Boreanaz) looking increasingly desperate as he takes command of a rogue rescue attempt

• Ray (Neil Brown Jr.) shown bound in captivity, bruised but determined

• The Bravo Team gearing up in full tactical gear, suggesting a major operation is underway

• Sonny (A.J. Buckley) and Clay (Max Thieriot) locked in a heated exchange, hinting at internal tension

• Lisa Davis (Toni Trucks) working behind the scenes, likely aiding intel operations

These visuals reinforce the emotional and physical toll the mission is taking—and the brutal reality of time running out.

Full Cast for SEAL Team Season 4 Episode 5

Episode 5 brings back the core ensemble while adding a few recurring characters to deepen the stakes.

Main Cast:

• David Boreanaz as Jason Hayes

• Neil Brown Jr. as Ray Perry

• Max Thieriot as Clay Spenser

• A.J. Buckley as Sonny Quinn

• Toni Trucks as Lisa Davis

• Jessica Paré as Mandy Ellis

Recurring/Guest Stars:

• Parisa Fakhri as Naima Perry

• Tyler Grey as Trent Sawyer

• Justin Melnick as Brock Reynolds

• Judd Lormand as Lt. Cdr. Eric Blackburn

Plot Breakdown: What Happens in Season 4 Episode 5?

Mission: Find Ray Perry

Ray’s disappearance during a covert operation becomes the driving force of the episode. With intelligence growing cold and official channels offering little help, Jason takes matters into his own hands.

This episode marks a darker turn for the Bravo Team. Without proper authorization, they consider breaking protocol and conducting a rogue operation—a move that could end careers and lives alike.

Jason’s Breaking Point

Jason is haunted by memories, guilt, and leadership burdens. With every passing minute, his desperation grows, and viewers see him teeter on the edge of morality. His actions blur the lines between commander and avenger, duty and personal vengeance.

Emotional Complexity

This isn’t just another mission. Ray isn’t just another soldier—he’s Jason’s brother-in-arms. The emotional weight of potentially losing him pushes every team member to question their limits.

Meanwhile, scenes with Ray in captivity show his resourcefulness and resilience. He uses subtle tactics to manipulate his captors and buy time, even as his physical condition deteriorates.

Key Dialogues & Character Moments

Jason’s Guilt:

“He trusted me. He followed my call. And now he’s gone.”

Jason’s internal conflict explodes in this episode, reminding fans of his leadership burden.

Ray’s Strength:

“They think they broke me. But they haven’t met Bravo.”

Even in captivity, Ray’s loyalty to his team shines through.

Lisa and Blackburn:

A quieter subplot involving Davis and Blackburn shows the administrative and ethical dilemmas facing command—especially when a rogue op is in the works.

Action Sequences: Tactical but Personal

While this episode isn’t the most explosion-heavy of the season, it delivers precision-driven suspense. Think more tension and infiltration than bullets flying. The final act delivers a gripping setup that leads directly into the mid-season arc’s climax.

Themes Explored in This Episode

Loyalty vs Protocol

Should Bravo go rogue to save one of their own? The episode forces every character to question the rules of engagement—on and off the battlefield.

The Cost of Brotherhood

The bond between Ray and Jason underscores everything in this episode. How far will one man go for the other?

The Psychological War

We see Ray endure mental and physical torture, while Jason fights a battle inside his own mind. It’s a powerful juxtaposition of internal vs. external conflict.

Fan Reactions and Online Buzz

Episode 5 sparked strong reactions online, trending under #SaveRay, #BravoTeam, and #SEALTeamCBS

Fans were emotionally moved and thrilled by the storytelling:

“This episode hit HARD. Jason’s pain is palpable, and Ray’s strength gave me chills.” – @TeamBravoFan

“If Episode 5 is the buildup, I’m scared for Episode 6. This is cinema-level tension.” – @SEALTeamObsessed

SEO Recap: What You Searched For

If you’re here for quick answers, here’s a breakdown of the top searches surrounding Season 4, Episode 5:

What’s Next for Bravo Team?

Episode 5 ends on a massive cliffhanger, setting up a larger arc about trust, loyalty, and the impact of war—not just on the battlefield, but on the soul.

Episode 6 promises:

• A rescue attempt

• Potential consequences of rogue actions

• More insight into Ray’s captors

Fans can expect the emotional intensity to escalate, with each member of the team pushed to their breaking point.

Final Thoughts: Why Episode 5 Matters

SEAL Team Season 4, Episode 5 isn’t just another mission. It’s a turning point—one that redefines character motivations, explores the trauma of war, and shows just how far soldiers will go to bring one of their own home.