The Terminal List

This is the type of entertainment that used to get made on a fairly regular basis yesteryear. Not anymore. Shows like this one are far and few between these days. A show which doesn't preach, insult or attack it's audiences or tries to force-feed a specific message of anykind. It is a series that is unabashedly entertaining, interesting and a pleasure to watch start to finish. The themes and ideas of this show are woven into the storyline and plot points as well as the journey of the characters. No empty virtue signalling or moral grand-standing here.

"The Terminal List" is an edge of your seat mystery-spy-action-thriller with a healthy dose of revenge seeking thrown in there, one that while not necessarily breaking any new ground (there are other similarly-themed series and movies of varying levels of quality) still manages to feel fresh and put it's own spin on the genre.

The show is not necessarily an easy watch and is at times grim and darkly-themed. But that is part and parcel of the story and the different paths the characters have to undertake. Which is also what makes for such compelling viewing.

Some may point to perhaps the overly long run of the episodes. I personally, do not mind that one bit. The series is eight episodes long...and you actually get your money's worth. I am sick and tired of these series that are only six to eight episodes, where individual episodes sometimes a have a forty minutes or less runtime...looking at you Disney Plus! Besides, this is actually a positive, because it allows the show to breathe, the story to unfold properly and the characters to actually develop in a meaningful way.

In addition, perhaps most importantly, this a very solid, well made, cast, acted, written and directed series. I am aware that it is based on the books by James Carr (I'm assuming this series will get more seasons), which I have not read. It speaks to the effectiveness of the series, that it draws those like myself, who have not read the source material, to this world and characters. Of special mention is the pilot/ first episode, directed by Antoine Fuqua himself, who puts on a clinic on how to properly start a show and set the tone. Chris Pratt is no doubt a standout here but by no means the only one. Taylor Kitsch, Constance Wu, JD Pardo, Riley Keough, Jane Tripplehorn, Jay Courtney are all good in their respective roles, as are others not mentioned here. The cinematography, action sequences, the music also nicely round off the whole deal.

"The Terminal List" is an example of talented people in front and behind the camera, working on a project they care about and are invested in.

The Terminal List is an action packed thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat throughout the entire series. It's absolutely loaded with star power led by Chris Pratt and also has incredible performances by the rest of this great cast including Taylor Kitsch, Riley Keough, Jai Courtney, Constance Wu, JD Pardo and Jeanine Tripplehorn just name a few. You don't get that kind of star power (especially Pratt) for a tv show unless you have a good show on your hands. This show is full of action but it's not a mindless action show, it has a good story that keeps you entertained throughout the show.

James Reece (Pratt) is a commander of a Navy Seals platoon that's wiped out except for him and his buddy. He gets a concussion and when explains to his bosses what happened they tell him he's wrong and have their own story of what actually happened. They keep telling him he's wrong and the trauma is why he's not remembering but it's much deeper than that. The only who who believes him is his buddy (Kitsch). Turns out he is right and the US Gov't has an agenda and are against Reece, who's a decorated and respected soldier. What is the Gov't trying to protect? Again, it's a great action show that will absolutely keep you entertained!

Prime isn't mucking around when it comes to hiring coherent creative ensembles for their projects. This is a terrifically well made story, expertly executed in all departments. The final twist was the only failure for me but you decide.

Outstanding emotional arcs, perfect casting and writing. The flashback sequence the last time he's in his house was so well done and appropriate - the montage rose up to meet the strong need for it at that point in the story. A perfect symphony between form and narrative.

This show is genuinely intriguing. For the first few episodes you are wondering what is real versus what is imagined by Reese because of his head trauma. But, this show is a good solid production. Exciting, dramatic, and even touching at times. It's despicable how much critics hate Chris Pratt IRL because he is vocal about traditional family values, and equally wrong that they bring that obvious animous into their reviews, rather than just giving an honest take on the quality of the show. When users en masse dislike a 'woke hot mess' of a show, critics are quick to call it review-bombing, but if they do the same thing to a great show because they don't like an actor IRL... perfectly fine? I highly recommend you watch this show, not only because it is genuinely good, but as a middle finger to critics who are incapable of keeping their political biases out of entertainment reviews. 93% user rating. Enough said. Enjoy!

Seen some of this before, but the execution was very well done.

Chris, when he's not restrained by Jurassic Park crud. Has pretty decent range of emotions for a modern actor. I'd like to see him take on some very heavy subjects that are not just action.

He could pull off a great role in the right type of indie horror film from A24 productions.

Much more respect to him after this series.

I won't go into plot, but it's Chris's show. He executive produced and obviously had a lot of say in this. Not making it politically biased like so many films are now.

Great escapism for 7hr It's shot well and the military aspects seem well researched so a squad moves tactically and they shoot properly. Not John wick style.

I think I saw 1 score votes purely for being too dark in some scenes..... adjust your tv.... far out people. Contrast and brightness are changeable....