“The Terminal List,” based on Jack Carr’s novel, featured Chris Pratt as James Reece, a Navy SEAL who experiences his entire team’s massacre, along with the murder of his wife and daughter. Across eight intense episodes and several perplexing moments, Reece seeks retribution against anyone connected to the conspiracy. “The Terminal List” resembled a conservative fantasy, occasionally disregarding science. Outside the relentless action and camaraderie, Reece lacked depth. However, Taylor Kitsch’s portrayal of Reece’s loyal military friend, Ben Edwards, provided some personality to the series. This left me wondering if the prequel series “The Terminal List: Dark Wolf,” centered on Edwards and once again crafted by David DiGilio and Carr, would follow suit or surpass the original.

I’m pleased to report that “Dark Wolf” significantly outshines “The Terminal List.” Unlike a solitary avenger targeting unexpecting individuals, Edwards’ narrative offers something new. He starts as a Navy SEAL in Iraq, leading a team training local Iraqi soldiers before passing the baton to James Reece. However, before this transition, Edwards and his second-in-command, Raife Hastings (Tom Hopper), are discharged from the SEALs for their actions.

While returning to the States, they have a stopover in Germany, where CIA officer Jed Haverford (Robert Wisdom) recruits them for their skill set. With few options and a desire to complete their mission, they join a team comprising other military personnel, including Mohammed Farooq (Dar Salim) and Jules Landry (Luke Hemsworth), alongside Mossad agents Eliza Perash (Rona-Lee Shimon) and Tal Varon (Shiraz Tzarfati). As they navigate double-crosses and betrayals, Edwards learns the complexities of his situation, relying on firepower to resolve conflicts.

“Dark Wolf” features considerable gunplay, but it supports a more engaging narrative and characters than “The Terminal List.” Set in 2015, before Reece’s quest for vengeance and Edwards’ transition to a CIA agent, the series is labeled as an origin story. Yet, it’s the journey between the military and the CIA that fuels the plot and enriches the series.