The Terminal List,a military thriller series starring and executive produced byChris Pratt, debuted on Prime Video in July 2023. The series is based on a novel of the same name by Jack Carr and follows Pratt’s character, James Reece, a Navy SEAL, as he deals not only with the trauma of having lost his entire platoon while on a mission but also the trauma of having his wife and daughter murdered in their family home. Reece embarks on a mission of vengeance, out to kill everyone who was behind the murder of his family while simultaneously trying to uncover the conspiracy behind the deaths.
At present, quite a few titles are opting to take to screens as series rather than films, and many have found success by choosing to do so.The Terminal Listis one such show, which, with its plot and cast, many feel could have even been a film. However, taking the route of a series has givenThe Terminal Listmany advantages, and ultimately, it looks as though the project works better as a series than as a movie. Season 1 comprises eight episodes, each with a runtime of nearly one hour.
Allows More Time for the Plot to Unravel
The Terminal List
A former Navy SEAL officer investigates why his entire platoon was ambushed during a high-stakes covert mission. Starring Chris Pratt
One benefit thatThe Terminal Listhas availed itself of by choosing to be a show is time. Thanks to having eight lengthy episodes, the series has enough time for its plot and subplots to unravel. From havinghis SEAL platoonkilled and finding his wife and daughter murdered to discovering that the deaths were related to a deeper conspiracy involving corporates and his commanding officers, Reece deals with plot twist after plot twist. He even has to deal with having a brain tumor and episodes related to it while planning out his revenge mission.
The longer runtime of the series, almost eight hours in Season 1 compared to the two or so hours that a film would have offered, also givesThe Terminal Lista sense of unpredictability that keeps viewers hooked on the show. The unpredictability arises from the series having the length to add as many twists and changes as it sees fit to the storyline. Doing so has allowed the show’s first season to weave a diverse and compelling narrative.
Chris Pratt’s Talent on Full Display
Audiences are less accustomed to seeing Chris Pratt take on serious, heavy roles in films and TV series. The actor is widely known for hisroles inThe Guardians of the Galaxy,Jurassic World,andParks and Recreation.Through his characters, he has had the opportunity to be witty, charming, and bring a certain degree of humor to most of his roles. However, in stark contrast to his previous works,The Terminal Listleaves no space for wit or charm. Instead, Pratt’s Reece is stoic and unwavering in his efforts to mete out justice.
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Given Pratt’s out-of-the-ordinary persona inThe Terminal List,the project being a series allows viewers to gradually digest and accustom themselves to Pratt’s more serious form of acting. The producers of the series are also able to delve into Pratt’s depiction of Reece, highlighting the actor’s capability to depict trauma, grief, vengeance, confusion, and frustration. With Reece going through several life-altering events throughoutSeason 1 ofThe Terminal List,the series can expand and focus on each event without giving off the feeling of being rushed. This attention to detail might not have been possible ifThe Terminal Listwere a film instead of a show.
Able to Build the Arcs of Other Characters
The fact thatThe Terminal Listis a series rather than a film also allows it the space to work on the progression and development of characters other than Pratt’s. The series has a talented combination of names, including Taylor Kitsch (Lone Survivor, John Carter)as Ben Edwards, a close friend of Reece and also a former military man; Constance Wu (Crazy Rich Asians, Fresh Off The Boat)as Katie Buranek, a journalist intent on digging up the truth; and Jai Courtney (Suicide Squad, Spartacus)as Steve Horn, the CEO of a firm that deals in pharmaceuticals and is connected to the military.
Although focusing mainly on the titular character of James Reece, the series can also provide a good amount of attention to building the arcs of other characters. For instance, viewers are given a glimpse into the personal life of Katie Buranek, taking her character beyond the identity of a journalist.
Katie’s brother is introduced in the series, providing audiences with a backstory into Katie’s past and her relationship with her family. Ben Edwards is also developed as a character with insight into his CIA background, ultimately leading up to the shock ending of the season. Other characters' arcs are gradually built without giving off a sense of being rushed. Moreover, the series also has the ability to bring in new characters unhurriedly in a manner that a film would not have allowed for.
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The time allowed for the plot to unravel, the opportunity to delve into Pratt’s acting skills, and the chance to unhurriedly build other characters' arcs are a few reasons whyThe Terminal Listworks better as a series than a film. Viewers have been hooked on the military thriller and are now eagerly anticipating theconfirmed second seasonof the series and theprequel that is reportedly in development. However, with a production timeline for the new season not being confirmed at the time of writing, there could be a long wait ahead.
