Genre: Action / Espionage Thriller / Drama

Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Chris Pratt, Tom Hopper, Luke Hemsworth, Dar Salim, Robert Wisdom, Rona-Lee Shimon, Shiraz Tzarfati

Created by: Jack Carr & David DiGilio

Overview:

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf is a prequel spin-off to The Terminal List, focusing on the backstory of Ben Edwards (Taylor Kitsch) — a Navy SEAL whose journey into the darker side of black ops and covert CIA operations shapes his later betrayal and transformation. The series explores how a dedicated warrior becomes a morally complicated operative, shedding light on motivations that were only hinted at in the original series.

Chris Pratt also reprises his role as James Reece, tying the prequel into the story of the main series while expanding the world of shadow warfare and conspiracy.

Review:

A Compelling Origin Story That Deepens the Universe

Dark Wolf succeeds as a character-driven expansion rather than just another franchise extension. It answers long-standing questions about Ben Edwards’ evolution — from loyal SEAL to conflicted CIA ground operator — and does it with intensity and emotional weight that feel earned rather than forced.

Standout Performances

Taylor Kitsch anchors the series with a gritty, layered performance, portraying Edwards’ descent into moral ambiguity with palpable internal conflict.

Chris Pratt’s James Reece adds connective depth, showing a familiar character from a different angle and grounding the series in the original show’s tone.

Action That Feels Real and High-Stakes

The series combines tactical combat realism with broader espionage thriller elements. Gunfights, covert missions, and CIA maneuvers are staged with a sense of practical danger and immersive intensity.

Story & Themes

Rather than simple heroics, Dark Wolf emphasizes:

Brotherhood and betrayal

Duty versus conscience

The psychological toll of clandestine warfare

This thematic depth elevates it above typical action fare.

Reception:

Critics have responded well, with the show earning around 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, a notably stronger critical reception than the original series, and audiences showing solid engagement and discussion around its character complexity and narrative expansion.

Final Verdict:

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf is a worthy and ambitious prequel that deepens the franchise by focusing on why Ben Edwards became who he is — exploring the cost of war, loyalty, and personal darkness with visceral action and thoughtful character writing. For fans of military thrillers and character psychology alike, it’s one of Prime Video’s most compelling TV hits of the 2025–2026 streaming season.

“The wolf inside isn’t born in battle… it’s forged when war becomes personal.”