15 best TV actresses of 2018

Kerri Medders as Emma Hayes in SEAL Team

The Role: Kerri Medders plays Emma Hayes in SEAL Team. Daughter of Bravo Team leader, Jason, she’s grown up close to her mom. Last year, her parents split up and that certainly put some strain on her role in the house. However, this season brought her mom’s death in the third episode of the season and everything has changed.

Why She’s One of 2018’s Best: Kerri Medders delivered a powerful episode as a grieving teenager. Stealing every scene she was in, it was hard not to feel for Emma on the screen. She didn’t know how to feel, whether she was angry, sad, confused, or scared.

During that single episode, Medders proved herself to be Emmy-worthy. We could feel the anger as she screamed at David Boreanaz’s Jason when he got the call for another mission. Then when Jason decided not to go, we could sense the relief and bittersweet joy that Emma’s dad had chosen her and her brother instead of the team.

Since that one episode, Medders has taken us through the rollercoaster of emotions. It’s built to the point of Emma understanding why her dad has to go on these missions. It’s not for him but to keep others safe. Seeing her emotions change and that understanding grow throughout the season has been positive and has resonated with many.

There have been absolutely no negative thoughts about Medders’ performance. This isn’t a bratty teenager, but a well-written and beautifully performed character.

—Alexandria Ingham, Hidden Remote Co-Editor