The Terminal List - Season 1

The Terminal List is a strong action drama that could have become just another cliché series, but the cast and excellent production lift this series above average. The story of The Terminal List is told in eight exciting 55-minute episodes. James Reece (Chris Pratt, Parks and Recreation) is the commanding officer of a group of Navy SEALs. In their fight against international terrorism, they mainly target important executives. They often put their lives in the hands of informants and traitors to obtain the necessary information.

When an important mission takes a dramatic turn, Reece must answer for the events. It then turns out that he remembers crucial events differently than the witness accounts say. He seems to have made a wrong assessment with deadly consequences for his team.

Once back with his family, he is increasingly burdened by doubts and feelings of guilt. He also suffers from very realistic hallucinations. He wonders whether he is still able to do his job properly. When new facts come to light, his doubts flare up.

Reece suspects there is a conspiracy. Should he fear for his life and that of his family, or has he suffered brain damage during the mission? There seem to be more and more indications of the latter…

Reece increasingly wonders whether he can still trust himself

When the situation turns into a tragedy, he searches for answers, even if it could cost him his life. He finds allies who want to help him. They trust him with their lives, but Reece increasingly wonders whether he can still trust himself.

I often read widely differing opinions about Chris Pratt. It's not entirely clear to me why. I always find him very worthwhile in his comedic roles, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. In this serious production, however, he proves that he can also handle a good dramatic role. I think he should be cast in these types of roles more often.

Of course, the professional critics had a slightly less positive opinion. I understand why. The series collapses a bit here and there under the weight of its own ambitions. However, not every fan of this genre will be annoyed by this. On average, The Terminal List is much better than many competitors.

On average, The Terminal List is much better than many competitors.

While some things may have escaped a TV critic, I noticed many realistic details. The way Reece moves, how he constantly watches his surroundings, always looks for a place where his back is covered, all things a paranoid person would do. But a trained professional who knows that he always has to be on the lookout for an attack does the same things. The way Pratt handled his weapons also looked very believable.

Those details come from writer Jack Carr. He is a veteran of the United States Army, where he served as a Navy SEAL for 20 years before retiring in 2016. So he knows what he's talking about. To rebuild his life as a citizen, he started writing. For his subjects he had to look no further than his own experiences as a SEAL and sniper.

The Terminal List is the title of his first book about Navy SEAL Jack Reece. Five books have now been published starring James Reece. As far as I'm concerned, they can also film the rest, if the quality remains at this level. I give The Terminal List an 8. With a little more pace in the story, this score could have been even higher.