Prequel series to “The Terminal List” (2022) following Ben Edwards’ journey from Navy SEAL to CIA operative.
In a movie and television environment filled with war and conflict, one might wonder if the world needs another military/spy thriller. “The Terminal List: Dark Wolf” answers that question with a definitive Yes. Starring Taylor Kitsch, Tom Hopper, and Chris Pratt, the seven-episode series compels from start to finish, much the way Taylor Sheridan’s “Special Ops: Lioness” on Paramount+ captivated audiences in 2023.
Taylor Kitsch plays Ben Edwards, a Navy SEAL undertaking missions in Aleppo, Syria, and Iraq, aside close friend Raife Hastings (Tom Hopper). When a local member of the team is compromised and his Iraqi wife is murdered, the trail leads back to CIA skullduggery. An infuriated Edwards – along with implicit support by fellow team members, including Lieutenant Commander James Reece (Chris Pratt) – takes matters into his own hands.
The subsequent blowback from higher-ups for going off-mission derails an otherwise promising career not only for Edwards but also for Hastings. Returning home in disgrace, Edwards stumbles upon what appears to be a chance encounter with a former SEAL named Jed Haverford (Robert Wisdom), who turns out to be a CIA operative with the ability to maneuver outside the usual rules of engagement. Faced with unattractive alternatives – combined with unfinished business tracking down a known terrorist moving freely throughout Europe – Edwards and Hastings agree to become part of the clandestine organization. They are joined by Mossad agents Eliza Perash (Rona-Lee Shimon), Tal Varon (Shiraz Tzarfati), and Nasrin Rahimi (Raha Rahbari) – all of whom lend a strong presence to the harrowing exploits. The last five episodes delve even further into deception and politics, making for a riveting narrative.
The fine supporting cast fills out the production nicely and includes Luke Hemsworth, Riley Keough, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Patrick Schwartzenegger, and D.B. Sweeney, to name but a few. Even the list of producers is impressive, sporting several of the actors as well as famed director Antoine Fuqua.
The opening credits make clear that the events depicted are purely fictitious, though the visceral politics and startling betrayals ring true to life. Unlike so many action flicks, the new Amazon Prime series anchors the proceedings with an engaging story, making good use of creative set design while avoiding commonly clichéd camera shots or dialogue. Not surprisingly, the cinematography by David Stockton and Matt Windon is first-rate. This competent production – with its long list of second unit and assistant directors – shows off its exquisite craftsmanship in every scene. Based on the characters in the books by former Navy SEAL Jack Carr, who also serves as co-creator and co-writer, along with director, co-creator and co-writer David DiGilio, “The Terminal List: Dark Wolf” will please viewers looking for an exhilarating plot line and intelligent characters forced to deal with both internal and external conflict on many levels.
Releases on Prime Video on August 27th
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