The sixth season of SEAL Team delivered one of its most heartbreaking exits ever when Clay (played by Max Thieriot) was killed off by a trigger-happy security guard. Clay had already been put through the wringer after losing his leg following the season five finale attack but his death left a sour taste in CBS viewers’ mouths as he died away from the battlefield.
The decision to kill Clay off wasn’t an easy one for the writers of the show, who’ve since cited Thieriot’s schedule on fellow CBS drama Fire Country as a major factor.
And with his funeral taking place before season six could come to an end, the likes of Jason Hayes (David Boreanaz) and the rest of Bravo got to say goodbye and bring Clay’s story to a seemingly definitive close.
However, could there be a possibility of Thieriot somehow reprising the role of Clay should SEAL Team be renewed for season seven or beyond?
Showrunner Spencer Hudnut has addressed the possibility directly, confirming he’d “never say no” to somehow reintroducing Clay to the fray.
READ MORE: SEAL Team boss pays tribute to Max Thieriot after exit
“We’ve done things like that in the past,” Hudnut said when asked by TV Insider if Clay could return in a flashback sequence.
He continued: “I just think part of this decision was that just to finish Max’s work this season was such a struggle.
“The idea of being able to plan ahead and figure that out just seems hard, but we’ll never say no to anything.
“Clay’s legacy will live on within the show. And yeah, if there’s an opportunity where we could do something like that, I’d be all for it because he’s such a huge part of the show.”
However, there is still no word from CBS as to whether Fire Country will be renewed for season two.
If it fails to earn a renewal, which does seem unlikely, Thieriot may find his work diary freeing up somewhat.
After all, at the time Fire Country was given a full series order alongside fellow drama East New York and sitcom So Help Me Todd, CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl was full of optimism.
“We are thrilled to have the three most-watched new series, each with their own unique settings, characters and storylines,” she began.
“These dramas are elevating our already successful lineup, resonating with diverse audiences both on-air and on streaming, and continuing to grow each week.”
However, SEAL Team’s future also hangs in the balance as, despite Hudnut already developing plans for season seven, network bosses are yet to give another season the green light.
There is also the rather pressing subject of a SEAL Team feature-length movie coming to Paramount+, although the focus, for now, is on the flagship series.
SEAL Team seasons 1-6 are available to stream on Paramount+ now.
