The Terminal List: Season 1, Episode 1 - The Engram (2022)

The episode opens with a flashback to a military operation in Syria, where Navy SEAL Commander James Reece leads his team on a mission to eliminate a high-value target. The atmosphere is tense as they navigate through a hostile environment, showcasing Reece's leadership and tactical skills. The mission appears to go smoothly until they are ambushed, resulting in chaos and casualties. Reece experiences a traumatic moment when he witnesses the death of his team members, which deeply affects him.

Following the mission, the scene shifts to Reece back home in San Diego, where he is reunited with his wife, Lauren, and their young daughter, Lucy. The warmth of the family reunion contrasts sharply with the earlier violence. Reece struggles to adjust to civilian life, haunted by memories of the ambush. He tries to engage with his family, but his internal turmoil is evident. He feels disconnected and burdened by the weight of his experiences.

As Reece prepares for a debriefing with his superiors, he is shown grappling with the psychological effects of his recent mission. During the debrief, he is questioned about the ambush and the decisions made during the operation. Reece's frustration grows as he feels that the higher-ups do not understand the realities of combat. He expresses his concerns about the mission's outcome and the loss of his team, but his superiors seem dismissive, leading to a sense of isolation.

The narrative then shifts to Reece's interactions with his close friend and fellow SEAL, Ben Edwards. They share a moment of camaraderie, discussing the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life. Ben encourages Reece to seek help for his mental health struggles, but Reece is resistant, feeling that he should be able to handle it on his own. This internal conflict highlights Reece's pride and reluctance to show vulnerability.

Later, Reece attends a family gathering where he tries to put on a brave face for his loved ones. However, he is plagued by flashbacks of the ambush, which disrupt his ability to engage fully with his family. The emotional strain becomes evident as he struggles to maintain a facade of normalcy. His wife, Lauren, notices his distress but is unsure how to help him, creating a rift in their communication.

The plot thickens when Reece begins to experience severe headaches and memory lapses. He visits a doctor, who suggests that these symptoms may be related to a traumatic brain injury from his time in combat. Reece is reluctant to accept this diagnosis, fearing it will further complicate his life and career. The doctor's warning about the potential long-term effects of his condition weighs heavily on him.

As the episode progresses, Reece receives a call from Ben, who informs him that they need to meet urgently. When they meet, Ben reveals that he has been investigating the circumstances surrounding the ambush. He shares his suspicions that there may have been a betrayal within their ranks, leading to the deadly attack. This revelation ignites a sense of urgency in Reece, who feels compelled to uncover the truth behind the ambush and seek justice for his fallen comrades.

The episode culminates in a shocking twist when Reece discovers that his family is in danger. He receives a cryptic message that suggests someone is watching them. In a frantic attempt to protect his loved ones, Reece rushes home, only to find that their house has been broken into. The scene is tense as he searches for any signs of his family, his heart racing with fear and anger. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers anxious about the fate of Reece's family and the dark forces at play.

In the ending of "The Terminal List," Season 1, Episode 1, titled "The Engram," former Navy SEAL James Reece confronts the reality of his situation after a traumatic mission. He grapples with the loss of his team and the betrayal he feels from those he trusted. The episode concludes with Reece beginning to piece together the conspiracy surrounding his team's deaths, setting the stage for his quest for vengeance.

As the episode unfolds towards its conclusion, we see James Reece, portrayed by Chris Pratt, in a state of emotional turmoil. After the disastrous mission in Afghanistan, where his entire team is ambushed and killed, Reece is left grappling with the aftermath. The scene shifts to a somber hospital room where Reece is recovering from his injuries. He is haunted by flashbacks of the ambush, the faces of his fallen comrades, and the chaos that ensued. The weight of survivor's guilt is palpable as he struggles to reconcile his memories with the reality of their deaths.

In a pivotal moment, Reece is visited by his commanding officer, who attempts to provide him with support. However, Reece's internal conflict is evident; he feels betrayed by the system that failed to protect his team. The conversation reveals Reece's growing suspicion that there is more to the story than what he has been told. His determination to uncover the truth begins to take root, fueled by anger and a sense of justice for his fallen brothers.

The narrative then shifts to Reece's home life, where he interacts with his wife, who is concerned about his mental state. Their relationship is strained as Reece struggles to communicate the horrors he has experienced. This scene highlights his isolation and the emotional toll of his experiences, emphasizing the disconnect between him and his loved ones.

As the episode nears its end, Reece's investigation into the circumstances surrounding the ambush intensifies. He begins to connect the dots, leading him to suspect that there are powerful forces at play, manipulating events from behind the scenes. The tension builds as he uncovers evidence that suggests a conspiracy involving high-ranking officials.

The final scenes depict Reece in a moment of quiet resolve. He stands alone, contemplating the path ahead. The camera lingers on his face, capturing the determination in his eyes as he vows to seek vengeance for his team. The episode closes with a sense of foreboding, hinting at the challenges and moral dilemmas he will face in his quest for justice.

In summary, the episode concludes with James Reece firmly set on a path of vengeance, driven by the loss of his team and the betrayal he feels from those in power. The fate of Reece is one of transformation, as he transitions from a soldier grappling with grief to a man on a mission, ready to confront the forces that wronged him and his comrades. The emotional weight of the episode leaves viewers with a sense of anticipation for the journey that lies ahead.

In "The Engram," the first episode of The Terminal List, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes after the credits roll, focusing instead on the intense narrative and character development throughout the episode. The story wraps up with a strong emotional impact, leaving viewers with a sense of the protagonist's turmoil and the challenges he faces ahead.

In 'The Engram', James Reece experiences vivid flashbacks triggered by the traumatic events he faces during a mission gone wrong. These memories are intertwined with his emotional state as he grapples with the loss of his team and the betrayal he feels.

James Reece's relationship with his wife and daughter is a central emotional anchor for him. His love for them drives his determination to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy that led to his team's demise, showcasing his internal conflict between duty and family.

Ben Edwards serves as a crucial ally for James Reece, providing support and resources as Reece begins to unravel the mystery surrounding his team's deaths. Their camaraderie highlights the themes of loyalty and trust amidst betrayal.

The key events leading to the death of Reece's team involve a covert operation that goes awry due to a setup orchestrated by higher-ups. This betrayal is revealed through Reece's investigation and flashbacks, showcasing the intense pressure and danger faced by the team.

The episode vividly portrays the psychological impact of war on James Reece through his struggles with PTSD, manifested in nightmares and flashbacks. These elements illustrate his internal battle as he tries to reconcile his military experiences with his current reality.

"The Terminal List," season 1, episode 1 titled "The Engram," contains several elements that may not be suitable for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some potentially objectionable aspects:

1. Violence: The episode features intense scenes of military action, including gunfire and combat, which may be graphic and disturbing.

2. Death and Grief: There are themes of loss and mourning, particularly surrounding the main character's family, which may evoke strong emotional responses.

3. Trauma: The protagonist experiences significant psychological trauma, including flashbacks and emotional distress, which could be unsettling for some viewers.

4. Language: There is the use of strong language throughout the episode, which may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

5. Mature Themes: The narrative explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and moral ambiguity, which may be complex and heavy for children to understand.

These elements contribute to a tone that is more suited for mature audiences.