While fans were heartbroken when Max Thieriot hung up his tactical gear as Clay Spenser on SEAL Team to lead Fire Country, Thieriot has found a way to bridge the two worlds.
The story behind the highly anticipated SEAL Team reunion on Fire Country is a blend of Thieriot’s creative influence as an Executive Producer and his deep real-life friendships with his former castmates.
The Reunion: Max Thieriot and Alona Tal
The most significant reunion occurred in Season 4, Episode 8, titled “Fresh Start” (aired December 12, 2025). Thieriot reunited with Alona Tal, who famously played his on-screen wife, Stella, for seven seasons on SEAL Team.
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The Role: Tal joined the cast as Chloe Mackenzie, a former high school peer tutor of Bode’s. Unlike their tragic ending on SEAL Team (where Clay was killed off), their Fire Country dynamic offers a “second chance” at a missed romance.
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The Connection: Chloe is introduced as the mother of a troubled teen, Tyler, whom Bode mentors. The chemistry between the two was a deliberate nod to their years of working together, giving fans of both shows a sense of closure and nostalgia.
How Thieriot Made It Happen
As the co-creator, writer, and executive producer of Fire Country, Thieriot has significant say in the show’s casting and narrative direction.
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Creative Control: Thieriot has often spoken about his “complex emotions” leaving SEAL Team. By bringing Tal into the Fire Country universe, he was able to honor that history while moving his new series forward.
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Shared History: Thieriot and Tal worked together from 2017 to 2022. Their established rapport allowed them to skip the “getting to know you” phase and dive straight into a multi-episode arc that felt grounded and authentic.
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The “Producer” Power: Thieriot’s role behind the scenes allows him to pitch guest spots for actors he trusts. He has expressed an openness to bringing in other SEAL Team alumni, notably AJ Buckley (Sonny Quinn), who is also a producer.
Is More on the Way?
While the Alona Tal reunion has been the highlight of Season 4, Thieriot and AJ Buckley have teased a potential appearance by Buckley as well.
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The Relationship: Thieriot and Buckley are best friends in real life.
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The Tease: Buckley has stated on social media and in interviews that they have “talked about it” and thought it would be “funny” for him to show up in Edgewater, possibly as a foil for Bode or a comedic presence to lighten the show’s heavy drama.
Why It Matters to Fans
For viewers, this reunion is more than just a guest spot; it’s a way to see Thieriot interact with the people who helped him grow as an actor and producer. In the wake of Vince Leone’s death, these familiar faces provide a comforting link to Thieriot’s past while helping his character, Bode, build a new future.
