EXCLUSIVE | 'SEAL Team' star Emily Swallow sheds light on Season 3 and mastering the art of taming Jason Hayes
Despite being a series that revolves around military men, it is quite compelling to see how 'SEAL Team' prides itself on all the strong women in its cast. Known for her power-packed stint in 'The Mandalorian' and 'Supernatural', Emily Swallow is the latest to join the bandwagon as Natalie Pierce.
A research physiologist, she is all set to revive the physical health and longevity of the SEALs on the show. In an exclusive interview with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW), the actress brings her role to light and delves deeper into where the action-drama will take her character.
"I love that Natalie is not at all dissuaded by the strong and often aggressive energy that's coming at her," Swallow says. "I think she knows not to take it personally."
She continues, "She's delving into incredibly vulnerable territory because, even if she ultimately wants to help extend the SEALs' operating life, to do so she must target their vulnerabilities and ask them to make changes."
Drawing attention to the one thing that attracted her to this role, she says, "Natalie is incredibly persistent and doesn't back down, but she's willing to meet them where they are."
When asked what is the one unforgettable aspect of the character that she takes home, Swallow says, "I admire that she's able to put aside her ego in order to help others."
As Natalie, she first faced quite a lot of resistance from the team. But as the season progresses, she is slowly breaking into the minds of the characters and solving their struggles, especially Jason Hayes' PTSD and his mental health.
Played by David Boreanaz, the Master Chief Special Warfare Operator aka Bravo 1/1B is battling his demons as the third season delves deeper into the team's identity and personal relationships.
"I think Natalie feels a kinship with Jason, so she's really striving to find a way to help him. As we saw in 'The Ones You Can't See,' she understands that he's terrified of being kept from doing the thing he knows best."
"He's afraid of being alone with his thoughts and memories. He's afraid of stopping. The fact that she relates to that is huge in gaining his trust and helping him through the next steps," Swallow says.
Her words take proper shape in the episode titled 'Danger Crossing' which shows how she convinces Jason to undergo surgery. At every juncture, she challenges his independent streak with a logical explanation.
Towards the end of the episode, it is Natalie who saves him when he has a panic attack after frisking through boxes of old memorabilia from his late wife, Alana.
In the same episode, Swallow finally helps him to let his bottled feelings out. In his gut-wrenching performance, Jason tells Natalie, "The past is haunting me. I don't know how to stop it. I need help. Can you help me?"
Moving forward, where will Natalie's character go in the show? Will she have more interactions with Ray, Clay and Sonny and help them out with their personal issues?
Shattering hopes of involvement with other characters, Swallow says, "Natalie has her hands full with Jason, so I think we'll continue to see her devote most of her time to him."
As of now, it is quite interesting to see the fun dynamic of Jason Hayes and Natalie Pierce develop into a powerful bond that helps both in their personal as well as professional lives. However, there's hope Natalie might aid Sonny if his relationship with Lisa develops more complexities in the future.
Set to spell more danger for the Navy SEALs, the CBS show 'SEAL Team' airs every Wednesday at 9 pm EST.
