In this conversation, Tom talks about the responsibility of stepping into one of the most anticipated characters in the Terminal List universe and why that was never something he took lightly. Raife was already a fan favorite long before appearing on screen, and Tom shares what it meant to carry readers’ expectations while still making the role his own. He and Jack discuss the early test reads, chemistry reads with Taylor Kitsch and Chris Pratt, and how Tom’s connection to the books deepened his excitement in bringing Raife to life.

Tom also reflects on his first days on set, from weapons training and room-clearing work to the pressure of jumping into emotional scenes right out of the gate. He and Jack talk about Raife’s introduction, moments that shifted from the original plan once filming began, and how some of the most memorable beats came from what actors brought into the scene in the moment. They also revisit the lines and themes that resonated most throughout the season, including the moral tension at the heart of Raife’s character and the question of whether he is fighting for the right reasons.

A major part of the conversation explores the Reece, Ben, and Raife dynamic, and why the three of them are strongest together. Tom and Jack break down what happens when one part of that triad is missing, how each man operates by a code of his own, and why Raife is fundamentally different from Ben. Where Ben is willing to live in the gray, Raife is not built to become a dark wolf, and that distinction becomes more important as the story moves forward.

They also look back on standout moments from Dark Wolf, including the Ben and Commander Cox confrontation, the tone of Episode 1 and the sharp shift in Episode 2 as the series expands into the world of espionage. Tom talks about filming in Budapest, the visual and tonal changes in wardrobe, vehicles, and settings, and how the whole production could feel the world opening up. He also shares how his own background helped shape Raife’s voice and presence, giving the character a controlled authority that grounded him on screen.

Jack and Tom spend time talking about the people who helped make the season work, from the SEAL advisors on set who offered guidance and support to castmates like Luke Hemsworth, Robert Wisdom, and Shiraz Tzarfati, whose performances helped elevate the world around Raife. They discuss the authenticity of the series, the moments that felt special while filming, and what it meant to hear that the show got it right from people who served.

The conversation closes with a look at where Dark Wolf fits in the larger Terminal List universe, how it helps lay the groundwork for The Terminal List Season 2: True Believer, and why adapting these stories for screen means both honoring the books and expanding them for television.