If you've already torn through Season 2 of Chris Pratt's gripping military thriller The Terminal List and are hungry for more, Prime Video's new prequel series The Terminal List: Dark Wolf is your next binge. The show not only brings back James Reece (Pratt) during his Navy SEAL days but also shines a spotlight on Taylor Kitsch's Ben Edwards—the man who would eventually become entangled in the very conspiracy that shattered Reece's world. But with a prequel landing between two seasons, where exactly does Dark Wolf sit in the franchise's timeline?
Seven Years Before the Storm
Given that both Edwards and Reece are central to this seven-episode arc, it's clear Dark Wolf unfolds before the events of the original show—specifically, before Reece kills Edwards at the end of Season 1. That shocking twist saw Edwards executed for his role in the deaths of Reece's wife and daughter, a devastating blow that left fans reeling. Dark Wolf fills in the blanks, offering a deeper look at Edwards' backstory and how he got swept into the Capstone conspiracy that would cost Reece everything.
The series is set seven years prior to the opening of The Terminal List, when Reece and Edwards were still serving together alongside Raife Hastings (Tom Hopper) and Ernest "Boozer" Vickers (Jared Shaw) as SEALs. It's a period that fans have only glimpsed before, and now we get to see the brotherhood that would later fracture so tragically.
From Soldier to Shadow
Dark Wolf doesn't just revisit old missions—it chronicles Edwards' final operation as a Navy SEAL and the events that led to his discharge, alongside Hastings. After leaving the military, both men are recruited by CIA agent Jed Haverford (Robert Wisdom) for a joint CIA-Mossad mission. This is where Edwards' slow corruption begins, transforming him from a loyal soldier into the morally gray figure we meet in Season 1.
For fans of the books, this prequel offers a fresh perspective. In Jack Carr's original novel, Edwards is far more manipulative and unrepentant than his TV counterpart. The show's version shows a man wracked with guilt, even helping Reece hunt down those responsible for his family's murder—until the truth about his own involvement comes to light. Dark Wolf bridges that gap, showing how a good man can be led down a darker path.
More Than Just a Character Study
While Dark Wolf is a deep dive into Edwards' psyche, it's also essential viewing for anyone who wants the full Terminal List experience. The series introduces Raife Hastings, a character teased at the end of Season 1 and set to play a major role in Season 2. It also reinforces the bond between Reece and Edwards, making the eventual betrayal all the more heartbreaking.
If you're new to the franchise, think of Dark Wolf as a perfect entry point—or a rewarding rewatch companion. And if you're already a fan, it's a chance to see the pieces fall into place before the storm hits. For more on the franchise's future, check out our coverage of the next chapter's delay.
What's Next for the Franchise?
Author Jack Carr has hinted at more stories to come. In an interview with ComicBook, he revealed his initial plan to write a novelization based on the Dark Wolf scripts, but he's since moved on to other ideas. "[I have] a new plan as we move towards a possible second season of Dark Wolf," Carr said. "Because once you get to the end, you realize there's more road to go down as we explore the Ben Edwards character."
While a Season 2 hasn't been officially confirmed, the door is wide open. For now, fans can dive into all seven episodes of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, which premiered on August 27 on Prime Video. If you're looking for more edge-of-your-seat thrillers, check out our list of forgotten thriller gems or revisit some sequels that outdid their originals.
