Terminal List Confirms Why Ben Edwards Betrays Reece In Season Finale – And It’s Tragic

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As a devoted movie enthusiast, let me share my take on the plot twist in “The Terminal List” Season 1. In this gripping Amazon Prime Video series, I, as James Reece (portrayed by Chris Pratt), found myself on an unforgettable journey of vengeance. The reason behind my former comrade-in-arms, Ben Edwards (played by Taylor Kitsch), betraying me was tragically revealed: he had been manipulated into participating in a sinister conspiracy linked to our previous mission in Syria. This underhanded operation resulted in the fatalities of my beloved wife and daughter. Throughout the gripping eight-episode debut season, I teamed up with Edwards to systematically eliminate all those involved in this horrific scheme.

Ben Edwards, once the head of the Navy SEALs, finds himself out of service following an imprudent act from his past. The details of this incident are delved into in the prequel series, The Terminal List: Dark Wolf. Although the nature of his former mission remains obscure, the consequences of his actions surface throughout Season 1 of The Terminal List, culminating in the revelation of his betrayal in the finale.

According to the title, Amazon Prime Video’s show “The Terminal List” is inspired by a novel of the same name. The show boasts a renowned cast including Chris Pratt, Taylor Kitsch, Constance Wu, Riley Leough, Sean Gunn, Jai Courtney, and Jeanne Tripplehorn. Premiere on July 1, 2022, marked the beginning of this series, and it has already been granted a Season 2 renewal.

The Reason Why Ben Edwards Betrays James Reece In Terminal List

In the final episode of Season 1, it was unveiled why Ben Edwards chose to deceive his closest friend, James Reece. As it transpired, Ben had orchestrated the events that led to Reece and his Alpha team’s tragic demise during their operation in Syria – an operation they were undertaking for a $20 million reward.

It became clear to Ben that the soldiers’ unit had been administered a trial drug called RD-4895, intended to prevent PTSD. Unfortunately, this medication had an adverse effect, causing Reece and the entire platoon to develop tumors instead. The situation grew more complex as it was revealed that these soldiers were given the drug without their consent, which helped explain Reece’s periods of memory loss and unexpected fainting episodes.

In a surprising turn of events, Reece learned about Edwards’ deceit as it was uncovered that Oberon Analytics had been involved in a covert operation. It came to light that someone from Oberon had bribed an individual within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and this person happened to be based in Peru – the same country where Edwards had relocated following his involvement with Reece in bringing down Secretary Hartley. Edwards, it seemed, was working as a CIA informant for Capstone, the company responsible for concealing the RD-4895 drug trial’s details. His mission was to manipulate events and coordinate the attack on the Alpha platoon in Syria.

As a movie buff, I found myself in a difficult position when I decided to aid Reece and his team, knowing they were afflicted by RD-4895. The inevitable outcome was their fatal tumors, and I couldn’t bear the thought of them suffering through it in a hospital. Instead, I wanted to ensure they had an honorable death during the Odin’s Sword mission, avoiding a slow, painful end elsewhere.

Ben Edwards said that the Admiral declared, “You were already deceased. They claimed you and your comrades had tumors. It struck me then, ‘It’s better for them to perish wearing their boots, rather than lying in a hospital bed.’

In spite of the perceived betrayal, Ben maintained that he hadn’t used the $20 million he received, but it was devastating for Reece when his close friend confessed that he took the money and did so partly to ensure their demise. However, Ben clarified that he had no hand in the death of Reece’s wife and daughter.

Reece: “So did you do it for us or you do it for $20 million?”

Edwards: “Perhaps it’s both ways initially, but I haven’t spent a single penny yet, I can’t. However, I feel it is crucial for you to understand… what I want you to grasp… is that the situation regarding Laura and Luce is absolutely irreversible. I have no involvement with it.

Ben’s act of betrayal was deeply regrettable for numerous reasons. Not only was he a close friend to Reece over a long period, but they also embarked together on a quest for vengeance. Reece didn’t see it coming, which is forgivable since the idea that his loyal companion had already deceived him right from the beginning would have been unthinkable.

Is Ben Edwards Dead in ‘Terminal List’? Here’s What Taylor Kitsch Said 

Towards the conclusion of “Terminal List” Season 1, it appears that Reece may have fatally shot Ben Edwards on his boat in Peru; however, since the event transpired off-screen, some viewers speculate that Ben might not actually be dead due to his intriguing personality and the unfinished exploration of his backstory.

In the gripping story penned by Jack Carr, I find myself connected to a character named Ben Edwards, whose fate mirrors real-life events. However, the murky depiction of his ending in the series leaves a glimmer of doubt, implying there might be a chance that he’s somehow still with us.

In a chat with The Hollywood Reporter, Taylor Kitsch subtly hinted at the possibility of Ben’s survival in Season 1 of “The Terminal List”, stating, “There might still be hope for him. Perhaps he’s still around.

The intricate and ethically ambiguous depiction of Ben Edwards by Taylor Kitsch has led to a spin-off series on Amazon Prime Video titled “The Terminal List: Shadow Howler“.

The opening episode of this spin-off didn’t miss the chance to clarify why Ben left the Navy, a departure tied to his impulsive actions that led to the cold-blooded killing of a CIA operative, despite explicit orders to halt and avoid engagement. This murder was instigated due to the discovery that one of the operative’s children was involved in the operative’s harem. It was a decision born out of emotion, driven by revenge.

In “The Terminal List: Dark Wolf,” I anticipate gaining a deeper understanding of the events that led me, Ben, to turn against my brothers-in-arms during the Odin’s Sword mission in Syria. This narrative may shed light on why I chose to betray Alpha Platoon.

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2025-09-01 20:06