The Terminal List vs The Jack Carr Book: An In-Depth Comparison

The Big Picture

Chris Pratt's performance as James Reece in The Terminal List is exceptional, seamlessly bringing the character from the page to the screen.

The TV series deviates from the original novel in various aspects, such as how Reece's family's deaths are portrayed and the structure of the "terminal list" itself. However, despite these modifications, The Terminal List presents a strong adaptation that stays true to the story, specifically appealing to its intended audience of soldiers and armed forces personnel.

In 2022, Chris Pratt made a significant impact in the streaming world with his portrayal of Lieutenant Commander James Reece on Prime Video's The Terminal List. This series, executive produced by Antoine Fuqua, is based on the thrilling novels by Jack Carr featuring the ex-Navy SEAL. Upon its release, the show received a range of reviews. However, despite the mixed reception, fans were drawn to the series, which soon became a popular hit, earning the title of "your dad's new favorite show" by some. But how closely does the streaming adaptation align with the original novel? From what we can gather, while the core concept remains intact, the specific details are extensively different.

What Is 'The Terminal List' About?

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After his SEAL unit is ambushed and killed, leaving only James Reece and his buddy Ernest "Boozer" Vickers (Jared Shaw) alive, Reece becomes suspicious of a potential cover-up for a more sinister motive when Boozer is later murdered. Unfortunately, when Reece questions the Lieutenant Commander, he is targeted for assassination. Although Reece survives the attempt on his life, his family becomes a target as well. Tragically, his wife Lauren (Riley Keough) and daughter Lucy (Arlo Mertz) are brutally murdered in their own home.

Reece, driven by a desire for justice and vengeance, takes it upon himself to target and eliminate those responsible for the deaths of his family and unit. He carefully compiles a list of targets, known as the 'terminal list,' while uncovering a web of conspiracy. Adding to his troubles, Reece also discovers that he has a brain tumor as a result of undisclosed experiments conducted on him and his team. War correspondent Katie Buranek, played by Constance Wu, becomes entangled in Reece's mission as she seeks to expose the government's secrets. However, Reece's relentless pursuit leaves a trail of bodies that complicates their efforts.

The series delves into themes of grief, betrayal, and the challenges faced by soldiers returning from war, as they try to separate the traumas of the battlefield from their everyday lives. Despite Chris Pratt being an unexpected choice for a serious, politically charged thriller, his performance as James Reece is exceptional, seamlessly bringing the character to life on screen. Since the release of the original novel in 2018, author Jack Carr, who also serves as an executive producer on the series, has written five additional adventures, the latest being "Only The Dead," published in 2023.

In the 'Terminal List' Books, James Reece Flies Solo and Things Are a Lot More Intense

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In The Terminal List, Reece makes the decision to take on the United States military-industrial complex alone, determined to uncover the person responsible for ordering the attack on his unit and family. This choice is an easy one for the Navy SEAL, as he is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that those accountable face the consequences. However, unlike in the series where he is supported by his friends, the book portrays Reece embarking on this mission completely solo. While a narrative solely focused on Reece would be captivating, the addition of recurring characters provides him with the crucial support system he requires following the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter.

Speaking of their deaths, the book approaches the loss of Reece's family in a subtly different and arguably more heartbreaking manner. In contrast to fending off an assassination attempt himself, which does not occur in the novel, Reece never has the chance to see his wife and daughter alive again. Upon arriving home, he is denied access by the police, preventing him from witnessing his wife Lauren's lifeless body on the floor. His daughter Lucy has already been rushed to the hospital, but tragically passes away during the journey. It is revealed that Lauren fought bravely against the assailants, armed only with a pistol, but sadly her efforts were in vain. This chapter truly embodies a profound sense of sorrow.

Though the series features Reece and his unit being ambushed in Syria, the book's version is set in Afghanistan. As Reece embarks on a journey across North America to locate the individuals on his infamous list, he encounters individuals like Hammadi Izmail Masood, an ISIS supporter residing in the U.S. who played a part in the ambush. Reece promptly eliminates Masood and publicly displays his severed head on a pike, adorned with an ISIS flag. It's understandable why this particular scene was omitted. Additionally, the depiction of Reece's search for a lone assassin named El Navajas (Albert Valladares) in Mexico deviates from the actual events. In the novel, Reece massacres everyone in the compound, and although he discovers a wounded individual linked to Lauren's pistol, it ultimately results in a complete and utter bloodbath.

Ben Edwards Isn't Who You Think He Is in the Book

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In the Prime Video series, Taylor Kitsch's portrayal of Ben Edwards, best friend of Reece and a former SEAL himself, deviates slightly from the novel. Kitsch's rendition of Ben showcases him as a sympathetic character, aware of the brain tumor conspiracy and filled with remorse for his actions. Consequently, he aids Reece in locating the individuals on his list and procuring the necessary information to pursue them. In the season finale, "Reclamation," Ben assists Reece in infiltrating Secretary of Defense Lorraine Hartley's compound, rescuing Katie and accomplishing his mission. It is only after this that Ben confesses his involvement in the death of Reece's unit, while maintaining his innocence in regard to the deaths of his own family.

Reece's killing of Ben on the show is an incredibly emotional moment that is difficult to watch. Surprisingly, the final blow is not shown, as the scene cuts to an establishing shot, leaving only the sound of the gunshot. However, in the books, Ben Edwards is depicted differently. Firstly, he does not assist Reece much in his mission, unlike what was alluded to before. Additionally, he is a member of the conspiracy right from the beginning. Towards the end of the book, Reece eliminates Hartley, Steve Horn (who dies much earlier on the show), and Ben simultaneously. The three of them seek refuge in Hartley's compound along with Katie, who is held hostage with an armed explosive.

In comparison to the show, the book presents Ben Edwards as a much more deceitful and scheming character. While some may argue that this deviates from the original source material, the change is deemed necessary. Kitsch's portrayal of the character was one of the highlights of the first season, and it is unfortunate that he will not be part of the future storyline. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that Amazon has already approved a prequel series centered around Ben Edwards.

The Terminal List Is Different in the Original Novel

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The actual terminal list in the show differs slightly from how it is presented in the novel. While the basic idea remains the same, the individuals on the list are different. In the show, the list includes "Josh Holder, Saul Agnon, Steve Horn, Marcus Boykin, Navajas, Pillar, Cox, Howard, Lorraine Hartley, Ben Edwards." However, the novel also includes the entire CJNG Mexico cartel, changes Pillar's name to Admiral Gerald Pilsner, and adds Mike Tedesco, J.D. Hartley, Leonard Howard, and Hammadi Izmail Masood. Notably, Masood is excluded from the story entirely, and Reece's mission in Mexico focuses solely on El Navajas instead of the entire group of sicarios. There are clearly other significant differences as well.

A noteworthy aspect of The Terminal List is the re-imagining of Dr. Mike Tedesco, the CEO of Capstone's subsidiary Nubellum, who is directly involved in the RD4895 drug. In the show, Tedesco is portrayed as a somewhat sympathetic character. Eventually, he provides Katie with classified information but is subsequently killed. However, in the book, Tedesco not only appears on Reece's list, but Reece also sends him to Admiral Gerald Pilsner (Admiral Pillar in the show) to be killed in a homemade explosion. For Reece, there is no leaving anyone alive.

Another significant difference between the book and the show lies in the fate of Captain Leonard Howard (Matthew Rauch) and his family. Contrary to the book, where they are discovered by Reece in the Florida Keys and he abandons the shamed Captain to the sea creatures, in the show, they never reach their destination. Instead, Ben Edwards intercepts them and escorts them to Reece. Subsequently, Reece assigns Howard the task of detonating Admiral Pillar (assuming Tedesco's role in the book), while his family is released.

Which Characters Are Added or Changed for 'The Terminal List' Series?

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Apart from the aforementioned revisions, there is another noticeable difference in how a specific portion of The Terminal List novel is portrayed in the TV series. In the novel, Reece takes the initiative to approach Katie Buranek with the information regarding the conspiracy that led to the murder of his family. She is portrayed somewhat similar to a Katie Pavlich type in the book, which may explain why the conservative commentator made a brief appearance in two episodes of the Prime Video series. However, the show depicts Katie as the one driving the story forward this time, relentlessly pushing Reece to reveal the narrative she is so eager to share. While this change is understandable, it could be argued that it was possibly unnecessary.

FBI Agent Tony Layun, portrayed by J.D. Pardo, was specifically created for the show. This addition adds to the suspense as Reece carries out his daring actions in the mountains and during the climactic raid on the Hartley compound. In contrast to the novel, where Lorraine Hartley's husband, J.D. Hartley, serves as the Secretary of Defense and is involved in the conspiracy, the show eliminates Mr. Hartley's character entirely and focuses on Lorraine's role as the villainous Secretary of Defense. The show also presents Lorraine's motives in a more sympathetic light compared to the novel, which portrays the Hartleys as being primarily self-centered. The show brings about J.D. Hartley's demise in the same manner as Steve Horn's death in the book, with Horn being one of the conspirators revealed in the climactic ending of the novel.

Additionally, the show does not address several characters from the book, such as Raife Hastings. Raife is briefly mentioned as providing the boat needed for Reece to reach Hartley's island. In the novel, Raife and Reece are friends who met while attending the University of Montana in the mid-1990s, and Raife even assists Reece in escaping from New York. It is possible that Raife will make an appearance in Season 2.

Despite the Changes, 'The Terminal List' Is a Solid Adaptation

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Prime Video's The Terminal List is a relatively faithful adaptation of the original content, with some notable differences between the page and the screen. The core storyline remains intact, featuring the character James Reece, and the events of the season serve as a precursor to the second book, True Believer, which will likely be the basis for the show's second season. While The Terminal List could stand alone as a compelling story, the series has been greenlit for a second season, promising further exploration of Reece's outlaw status. The extent to which the show will align with the remaining books by author Jack Carr remains uncertain.

While The Terminal List has garnered some controversy, author and executive producer Jack Carr asserts that much of the criticism stems from individuals who are not part of the show's intended audience: soldiers, sailors, airmen, and those who have served in the armed forces in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. As one of Prime Video's most successful series in recent years, The Terminal List demonstrates that there is indeed an audience for such shows. While other narratives centered around Navy SEALs, like Paramount+'s SEAL Team, exist, The Terminal List stands out as a distinctive production.

The Terminal List is available for streaming exclusively on Prime Video in the U.S.

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