The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, a prequel inspired by Jack Carr’s original novel, features Chris Pratt reprising his role as James Reece, a Navy SEAL who tragically loses his entire team—and subsequently, his wife and daughter—to a brutal murder conspiracy. Over a succession of eight intense episodes, Reece embarks on a mission to hunt down anyone linked to the tragic events, but the series has been described as a right-wing fantasy that sometimes disregards scientific reasoning. Apart from the violence and loyalty to his fallen comrades, Reece’s character lacks depth, making the show feel even more implausible. One bright spot is Taylor Kitsch, who plays Ben Edwards, Reece’s steadfast military friend, and his performance provides some much-needed personality.
Story
The narrative centers around Edwards as he transitions from a member of the SEAL teams to an individual who only battles for his own interests — and ultimately against his own inner conflicts. Within him reside two wolves, with the darker one gaining the upper hand.
Set five years prior to the events of The Terminal List, the story unfolds in Iraq in 2015, following Ben’s discharge from the SEALs after he defies an order he deems unethical. Following this, he and his teammate Raife Hastings (Tom Hopper), a white man originally from Zimbabwe who has enlisted in the U.S. Navy, are approached by chain-smoking CIA operative Jed Haverford (Robert Wisdom). Haverford recognizes their potential as fighters willing to undertake any challenge. He informs them of a mission aimed at preventing Iranian officials from acquiring technology that could significantly enhance their nuclear capabilities. However, they quickly discover that the situation is far more complex and that they are entangled in a shadowy conspiracy. Hastings must determine if the life of an operator still holds meaning for him, while Edwards grapples with the prospect of losing the only existence he knows.
Performances
Taylor Kitsch, who was previously known for his role as Tim Riggins in Friday Night Lights, delivers a stellar performance as an operative grappling with personal turmoil yet excelling in combat. However, the surrounding cast—including Tom Hopper as Hastings, Rona-Lee Shimon as Eliza, and Robert Wisdom as Haverford—also shine with memorable contributions. Even Luke Hemsworth’s character, initially portrayed as a simpleton, evolves into a nuanced figure throughout the series.
Hopper, known for his portrayal of Luther in The Umbrella Academy, adapts seamlessly into Dark Wolf. Though he presents a different character, his performance as a level-headed military veteran facing personal challenges is compelling, albeit sometimes muddled by an inconsistent accent.
Behind the scenes
One notable aspect of Dark Wolf is its persistently dark visual aesthetic. This isn’t simply a matter of tone; the show often features shadowy presentations, even in the daylight. This could pose challenges, especially given many action sequences unfold in picturesque European locations like Geneva and Vienna, yet the majority of the drama unfolds in dimly lit settings such as tunnels and poorly illuminated houses.
The characters often blend into their environments due to their muted colors, sacrificing visual contrast—a decision that, while perhaps realistic for military operations, detracts from the viewing experience. Nevertheless, the compelling narrative of Dark Wolf may overshadow its visual shortcomings. Despite the frustrations stemming from the dim lighting, the storyline remains clear and engaging.
Final Verdict
Indeed, Dark Wolf is filled with action, but it unfolds around a far more captivating storyline than its predecessor offered. Set in 2015, before the events of Reece’s revenge and Edwards’ transformation into a CIA operative, the series positions itself as an origin tale. However, the heart of the plot lies in the journey Edwards embarks on from being a soldier to entering the world of intelligence operations.
The series unfolds in essentially three segments: the lead-up to Edwards and Hastings’ military discharge, their involvement with Haverford, and finally, Edwards going solo against military adversaries. A common thread connects tough characters driven by similar goals, albeit with contrasting methods.
This is an action-packed show, featuring everything from quick eliminations of adversaries on trains to Edwards single-handedly tackling military foes, punctuated by impressive and often brutal action sequences that serve the narrative well. While fans of The Terminal List might find Dark Wolf quite different, those who appreciate higher-quality series like Jack Ryan or Reacher will likely enjoy this one.
The initial three episodes of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf premiered on Prime Video on August 27, with new installments rolling out weekly until September 24.
