Amazon Prime Video’s The Terminal List: Dark Wolf exploded onto screens on August 27, 2025, delivering a pulse-pounding prequel to the 2022 hit The Terminal List. Starring Taylor Kitsch as Navy SEAL-turned-CIA operative Ben Edwards, this seven-episode series has been hailed as “Jack Ryan on steroids” for its relentless action, intricate conspiracies, and raw emotional depth. With a cast featuring Tom Hopper, Dar Salim, and Chris Pratt in a supporting role, Dark Wolf swaps the original’s vengeance-driven narrative for a darker, more nuanced dive into the moral quagmire of covert operations. Fans are already calling it a binge-worthy triumph, with Kitsch’s magnetic performance finally cementing his status as a leading man who deserves to be a household name. Packed with brutal fight scenes, shadowy spy games, and a story that doesn’t let up, The Terminal List: Dark Wolf is the military thriller 2025 didn’t see coming.
A High-Octane Prequel with a Fresh Edge
Set in 2015, The Terminal List: Dark Wolf traces the origin story of Ben Edwards, a character who left a lasting impression as James Reece’s (Chris Pratt) loyal friend in the original series. Here, Kitsch takes center stage as Edwards, a Navy SEAL whose career unravels after a fateful decision in Mosul, Iraq. After executing a CIA asset in a fit of rage during a mission against ISIS, Edwards is dishonorably discharged, alongside his comrade Raife Hastings (Tom Hopper). As they face an uncertain future, a shadowy CIA officer, Jed Haverford (Robert Wisdom), recruits them for a high-stakes black ops mission in Europe to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear device. What follows is a whirlwind of betrayal, gunfire, and moral ambiguity that transforms Edwards from a disciplined soldier into a haunted operative.
Unlike The Terminal List, which leaned heavily on James Reece’s quest for revenge, Dark Wolf pivots to the murky world of spycraft, evoking Jack Ryan’s geopolitical intrigue and The Bourne Identity’s relentless pace. The series, co-created by Jack Carr (a former Navy SEAL) and David DiGilio, balances gritty authenticity with cinematic flair. Each episode, clocking in at roughly 50 minutes, delivers a mix of tactical operations, close-quarters combat, and psychological tension, with Edwards grappling with the “two wolves” within him—one seeking justice, the other succumbing to the darkness of his new CIA role. Fans on social media have praised its intensity, with one X user declaring, “This is Jack Ryan cranked to 11—Kitsch is a beast, and the action hits like a freight train!”
Taylor Kitsch Shines as a Flawed Antihero
Taylor Kitsch, long an underrated talent in Hollywood, finally gets the spotlight he deserves as Ben Edwards. Known for roles in Friday Night Lights, Lone Survivor, and American Primeval, Kitsch has often been overshadowed by high-profile flops like John Carter (2012). In Dark Wolf, he proves his star power, delivering a performance that’s equal parts menacing and vulnerable. Edwards is no clean-cut hero; he’s a man wrestling with guilt, loyalty, and the cost of his choices. Kitsch imbues him with a raw intensity, whether he’s mowing down enemies in a Vienna subway or staring down his own reflection after a betrayal. One memorable scene, where Edwards confronts a traitor in a rain-soaked alley, has fans raving, with an X post calling it “Kitsch at his absolute peak—those eyes tell a whole story.”
The supporting cast elevates the show’s stakes. Tom Hopper (The Umbrella Academy) is a standout as Raife Hastings, a towering SEAL with a moral compass that contrasts Edwards’ descent. Their brotherly bond, forged in combat, grounds the series’ emotional core, especially in a gut-wrenching episode where Hastings questions Edwards’ reckless tactics. Dar Salim (The Covenant) brings heartbreaking depth as Mohammed “Mo” Farooq, a soldier whose loyalty is tested by the CIA’s murky agenda. Rona-Lee Shimon and Shiraz Tzarfati, as Mossad operatives Eliza Perash and Tal Varon, steal scenes with their fierce competence, with Tzarfati’s close-quarters fight in a Budapest safehouse earning cheers for its brutal choreography. Chris Pratt, reprising James Reece in brief but impactful appearances, adds continuity, though some fans on X noted, “Pratt’s great, but this is Kitsch’s show—Reece feels like a guest star.”
Action That Packs a Punch
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf delivers some of the most visceral action sequences on television, rivaling the polished chaos of Jack Ryan and the raw intensity of Reacher. Filmed in Budapest, Esztergom, and Szentendre, Hungary, the series uses its European settings—cobblestone streets, dimly lit tunnels, and grand train stations—to stage breathtaking set pieces. A standout is a high-speed chase through Geneva, where Edwards and Hastings take on a team of mercenaries, with bullets tearing through car windows and a heart-stopping leap onto a moving train. Unlike some action shows that rely on shaky cam, Dark Wolf’s fights, choreographed with input from Navy SEAL consultants, feel precise and grounded. A fan tweeted, “The combat feels so real I forgot I was watching TV—not a stunt double in sight.”
The series’ commitment to authenticity, overseen by creators Carr and Jared Shaw (a SEAL veteran who also plays Ernest “Boozer” Vickers), shines through in its tactical details. From the way Edwards clears a room to the realistic chatter over comms (“Team 1, go!”), the show immerses viewers in the world of special operations. However, some critics have noted that the action can feel “too slick,” with silencers on every weapon and a lack of the chaotic messiness of real combat. One X user griped, “The fights are awesome but sometimes too clean—like a video game.” Despite this, the smaller, sweat-soaked brawls, like Tzarfati’s knife fight with a Russian operative, linger long after the credits roll.
A Deeper Dive into Moral Gray Areas
What sets Dark Wolf apart from Jack Ryan or Reacher is its unflinching exploration of the human cost of warfare. The series doesn’t glorify its violence; instead, it probes the toll of covert ops on its characters. Edwards’ journey from SEAL to CIA operative is marked by betrayals—by allies, superiors, and his own ideals. A mid-season twist, where a trusted colleague is revealed to be a double agent, forces Edwards to confront how far he’s willing to go for the mission. The show’s dialogue, sharp and laced with military jargon, underscores this tension, with lines like Raife’s warning to Edwards: “If we do this, I need to know you can find the brakes.”
The conspiracy arc, centered on the nuclear device and a shadowy cabal within the CIA, keeps viewers hooked, though some have criticized its slow burn. Unlike The Terminal List’s straightforward revenge plot, Dark Wolf weaves a complex web of double-crosses, with Jed Haverford’s motives remaining ambiguous until the finale. The show’s darker tone, both narratively and visually—many scenes are shot in shadowy tunnels or at night—has drawn mixed reactions. One critic on X noted, “It’s gripping, but why is every scene so damn dark? I can barely see the action!” Yet, the narrative’s focus on Edwards’ internal struggle, coupled with its refusal to paint the U.S. as infallible, adds a layer of depth that resonates with fans of morally complex thrillers.
Mixed Reception, Massive Potential
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf has sparked a polarized response. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 78% audience score but a lukewarm 40% from critics, who argue it leans too heavily on “macho posturing” and American exceptionalism. Some, like Variety, called it a “swan song for fading American global leadership,” criticizing its casual dismissal of civilian casualties in European shootouts. Others praise its craftsmanship, with Collider hailing it as “Dad TV done right” for its bingeable pace and stellar performances. Fans on X are more enthusiastic, with one posting, “Kitsch carries this show like a SEAL with a full pack—give him all the awards!” Another added, “It’s not perfect, but the action and story are so addictive I binged it in two days.”
The show’s flaws are evident. Edwards’ character arc, while compelling, doesn’t fully explain his transformation into the colder operative seen in The Terminal List, leaving some fans wanting more. The female characters, though well-acted, are underutilized, with Shimon and Tzarfati deserving more screen time. The reliance on familiar tropes—corrupt bureaucrats, rogue agents—can feel derivative, and the dark cinematography occasionally obscures the action. Yet, these issues are overshadowed by the show’s strengths: Kitsch’s star-making turn, the ensemble’s chemistry, and a story that balances spectacle with substance.
A Star Is Born, and a Franchise Expands
Dark Wolf finally gives Taylor Kitsch the platform to shine as a leading man, proving he’s more than a supporting player in Hollywood’s action pantheon. His portrayal of Edwards—a man torn between duty and doubt—elevates the series beyond its genre roots, making it a must-watch for fans of Jack Ryan or The Bourne Identity. The show’s success, topping Amazon Prime’s charts within two weeks, has fueled talk of further seasons, with creator David DiGilio hinting at a “team television” approach that could explore other characters like Raife or Mo. The return of The Terminal List cast members, including LaMonica Garrett as Boozer and Constance Wu in a brief cameo, has fans hopeful for more crossovers.
The series also taps into Prime Video’s growing stable of military thrillers, following Reacher and Jack Ryan as a flagship for action fans. Its authenticity, driven by SEAL veterans like Carr and Shaw, sets it apart from glossier fare, though its “rah-rah USA” moments may alienate some viewers. As one X user put it, “It’s not Zero Dark Thirty, but it’s got heart and guts—Kitsch makes you feel every punch.” With a second season of The Terminal List slated for 2026, Dark Wolf is poised to expand the franchise, potentially giving Kitsch the breakout role he’s long deserved.
A Thriller That Hits Hard
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf is a triumph of action and emotion, delivering a thriller that’s as brutal as it is bingeable. Taylor Kitsch’s commanding performance, paired with jaw-dropping set pieces and a story that dares to question the cost of covert warfare, makes it a standout in the crowded military thriller genre. While it stumbles with overly dark visuals and familiar tropes, its heart lies in Edwards’ journey and the stellar ensemble that brings it to life. For fans craving a Jack Ryan-style ride with more grit and moral ambiguity, Dark Wolf is the adrenaline shot you didn’t know you needed. As one fan tweeted, “Kitsch is the action star we’ve been sleeping on—this show is pure fire.” Strap in, because The Terminal List: Dark Wolf is a wild, unmissable ride that proves some stars shine brightest in the darkest ops.
