: A common criticism of this early episode is the heavy reliance on "home-front" drama. Jason Hayes’ investigation into a dead teammate's burner phone and Clay's romantic subplots are often viewed as less compelling than the tactical operations. Rating Summary TV Fanatic : 4 / 5.0 IMDb User Average : ~8.1 / 10 (Series average)
: Critics praised the episode's depiction of the ship-boarding operation, describing the SEALs’ movement across the vessel as a "deadly octopus". The show benefits greatly from using real veterans as consultants and directors, ensuring authentic gear, terminology, and choreography. "SEAL Team" Boarding Party(2017)
"Boarding Party" (Season 1, Episode 3) is a pivotal early chapter in the series that solidifies the show's signature blend of high-stakes tactical realism and domestic drama. While the "mission of the week" provides thrilling action, the episode's true strength lies in its character-building moments, particularly for Clay Spenser and the female leads. Plot Overview : A common criticism of this early episode