You Should Be Watching: The Terminal List
Look there are a ton of big, high profile streaming shows going on right now. You got Obi-Wan Kenobi, Stranger Things, Ms. Marvel, The Boys, Umbrella Academy…Stranger Things again. It can be hard to watch everything and it is crazy that a Chris Pratt led Amazon show can fly under the radar but without a well known property to build off of (yes I am aware it’s a book) it can be hard to carve out a spot. That’s why we are here, The Terminal List is a twisted tale of revenge and mind games. Amazon has found a niche when it comes to violent military action thrillers with shows like Jack Ryan and Reacher. At least they didn’t just name this show James Reece to fit the cliché.
This is a very different Chris Pratt role. For much of his career he is the lovable unapologetic good guy. Whether Owen Grady or Peter Quill or his character in his other Amazon project The Tomorrow War, he is always the good guy. It is obvious we are supposed to root for him and his wit and charm is always on full display. This role is a break in that type. For the most part James Reece is a broken vindictive man hell bent on getting to the bottom of his felt betrayal and making those responsible pay. While we may empathize with his motives his actions are exceedingly gray and really murky on if they are right or wrong or justified. I will say I was pleasantly surprised and figured it would be another Amazon show where Chris Pratt played Chris Pratt in military garb but he really goes for it and it may be his best straight acting role he has done.
But the big question is will it work for our audience here at Bulletproof Action? Well, it is ex-military brutally leaving bodies on a revenge trail… I mean that is kinda our thing. If you are a fan of military dramas or action revenge tales this will be right down your alley with just enough twists and turns to keep it flowing from episode to episode. Starring alongside Pratt is another ex-military film alumnus Taylor Kitsch so the show has the pedigree. Kitch’s character, Ben Edwards, takes some interesting turns throughout the show as he is the mirror through much of Reece’s development comes with a really amazing scene with the two towards the end of the series. It’s been nice to see Kitsch find a groove in Hollywood after everyone in the late 00’s decided to make him a big thing and it didn’t really pan out. It can be hard to come back from that but by doubling down on his performances he has really turned in some great work outside the big blockbuster limelight. Seriously, anyone that could come back from John Carter and Battleship should be commended.
If you can find the time between the hours of streaming content and summer blockbusters I feel The Terminal List gives a compelling story with some interesting performances and will be worth your time. Just keep me off your list if you don’t like it.
