In the explosive Season 2 finale of The Terminal List, Raife Hastings (Tom Hopper) finds himself at a crossroads, his loyalty to James Reece (Chris Pratt) tested like never before. The season, based on Jack Carr's novel True Believer, follows Raife as he uncovers a weapons trafficking ring linked to terrorists, teaming up with journalist Katie Buranek (Constance Wu) to expose a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power.
Hopper recently sat down with Collider to unpack the finale's jaw-dropping action sequences and what lies ahead for his character. "The authenticity is something we pride ourselves on," Hopper said, emphasizing the show's commitment to realism. "We aim for 90% authenticity and 10% Hollywood sprinkle. That's why I love being part of this."
Raife's Evolution and the Bond with Reece
The prequel series The Terminal List: Dark Wolf was instrumental in fleshing out Raife's backstory, showing his time as a SEAL alongside Reece and their mutual friend Ben. "Dark Wolf was invented to introduce these characters that appear in True Believer," Hopper explained. "It's crucial to know who Raife and Reece were together in the SEALs." That shared history deepens their connection in Season 2, turning their partnership into a blood-brother dynamic that drives the narrative.
Hopper also touched on the moral complexities of warfare, describing a "Dark Wolf/Light Wolf dial" that operators can turn. "SEALs can sit in Light Wolf, being normal, but when the time comes, they turn that dial," he said. "Personal connection affects that ability." This internal struggle is central to Raife's arc, especially as he confronts threats that hit close to home.
The Finale's High-Octane Action
The finale features some of the most intense action of the series, including a thrilling sequence involving a Black Hawk helicopter. "Me and Chris Pratt were pinching ourselves," Hopper recalled. "Flying around in a Black Hawk and shooting machine guns out of it—it's insane." The camaraderie on set, with military advisers and SEALs ensuring every detail is accurate, made the experience both exhausting and exhilarating.
Hopper also praised the cross-pollination between Dark Wolf and the main series, noting that characters like Mo and Landry were introduced in the prequel to enrich the main storyline. "There's a lot of potential there," he hinted about future seasons.
What's Next for Raife?
When asked about the future, Hopper expressed eagerness to tackle Savage Son, the third book in Carr's series, which continues Raife's story. "I'd love to keep playing Raife as long as the franchise continues," he said. The actor also shared his love for escapist roles, reflecting on his time on Black Sails and his recent dual role in Better.
As The Terminal List continues to expand its universe, fans can expect more high-stakes action and deeper character exploration. For now, the finale leaves Raife's fate uncertain, but Hopper's enthusiasm suggests this isn't the last we've seen of him.
For more on the action-packed world of The Terminal List, check out our interview with Luke Hemsworth about Landry's brutal endgame, and explore other action series that nail it every episode.
