The first shot of The Terminal List—Chris Pratt‘s James Reece emerging from a helicopter, his face etched with exhaustion and grief—immediately establishes the series’ tone: grim, relentless, and deeply personal. Based on Jack Carr’s 2018 novel and adapted by David DiGilio for Amazon Prime Video, this action thriller follows Navy SEAL Commander Reece as he investigates the murder of his platoon, unraveling a conspiracy that threatens everything he holds dear.

Pratt is the backbone of The Terminal List, delivering a performance that balances raw emotion with steely resolve. His portrayal of Reece is compelling, particularly in scenes where the character grapples with guilt and loss. Pratt’s physicality shines in action sequences, but it’s his quieter moments—like a heart-wrenching conversation with Constance Wu’s war correspondent Katie Buranek or a tense standoff with Taylor Kitsch’s Ben Edwards—that truly showcase his range.

Wu and Riley Keough, as Reece’s wife Lauren, provide strong support. Wu brings a mix of professionalism and vulnerability to her role, making Katie a relatable and crucial ally for Reece. Keough, meanwhile, imbues Lauren with warmth and strength, creating a believable and emotional connection with Pratt. However, the series struggles to give these characters consistent development, often sidelining them in favor of Reece’s solitary mission.

The action sequences are The Terminal List‘s standout feature. From the opening ambush that sets the plot in motion to later set pieces involving high-speed chases and brutal hand-to-hand combat, the series delivers visceral, well-choreographed thrills. The sound design, particularly Mississippi Twilight’s theme song “Trigger,” enhances these moments, creating an immersive and intense atmosphere.

Yet, the narrative often stumbles under its own weight. The plot defies logic at times, relying on convenient coincidences and contrived twists to keep the story moving. While the series confidently pushes through these inconsistencies, it leaves viewers questioning the plausibility of its events. The pacing is uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed while others linger unnecessarily, particularly in the series’ latter half.

The supporting cast, though talented, often feels underutilized. Arlo Mertz’s Lucy Reece and Jeanne Tripplehorn’s Secretary Hartley are intriguing characters, but their roles are limited, preventing them from making a significant impact. Taylor Kitsch’s Ben Edwards is another missed opportunity; his character arcs are interesting but inconsistently developed, leaving his motivations and actions ambiguous.

The Terminal List also struggles with its tone. It oscillates between gritty realism and over-the-top action that strains credibility. While the series aims for a grounded military thriller, it often veers into territory that feels more suited to a conventional action flick. This tonal inconsistency weakens the narrative’s impact, making it difficult to fully invest in the story.

The series’ themes—vengeance, betrayal, and the cost of war—are woven into the storyline effectively. However, these ideas are often overshadowed by the plot’s convoluted twists and turns. The Terminal List would have benefited from a more focused exploration of its central themes, allowing them to resonate more deeply with the audience.

Comparisons to other military thrillers, such as Jack Reacher or The Bourne Identity, are inevitable. While The Terminal List shares similarities with these films in terms of its action-packed premise and resourceful protagonist, it lacks the narrative cohesion and thematic depth that make those stories compelling. It’s a shame, because with more careful plotting and character development, The Terminal List could have been a standout in the genre.

In terms of direction, David DiGilio’s approach is functional but unremarkable. The series relies heavily on conventional action sequences and straightforward storytelling techniques, failing to bring anything particularly innovative to the table. While the visuals are competent, they lack the distinctive style or cinematic flair that could have elevated the material.

The Terminal List is a serviceable action thriller that benefits from Chris Pratt’s charismatic performance and strong set pieces. However, its narrative flaws, uneven pacing, and tonal inconsistencies prevent it from reaching its full potential.