Episode 2 of The Terminal List opens with James Reliving the agonizing moments that shattered his life's foundations. His world collapses as he learns of the tragic demise of his beloved wife and daughter. Half of his squadron lies dead, and with them, seemingly, the clarity of his memories surrounding these devastating events.
Amidst the sorrow, James listens, numb, to the stories shared about Lauren at the funeral by those closest to her. But the grief is too overwhelming; he retreats to the solitude of his home.
In the desolate silence of his darkened abode, James Reece grapples with the haunting specters of his past. Inevitably, we are drawn into a series of vivid flashbacks, witnessing the transformation of his idyllic family life into a nightmare.
As dawn breaks, Special Agent Joshua Holder from the NCIS knocks on James' door. He questions a discrepancy in Reece's account, particularly regarding the gun supposedly stored in the safe. Reece is adamant that these are skilled assassins at work, but Holder remains unconvinced. He probes about the gun's location, speculating that perhaps it was never in the safe after all.
Following this encounter, James approaches Admiral Pillar with his theories, convinced that this is retaliation for a covert operation gone awry. The Admiral is displeased, once again highlighting James' mental state and his fortunate retention of his position. In a flash of anger, James grabs Pillar by the throat and pins him against the wall. However, he eventually releases his grip and walks away.
Meanwhile, Katie encounters Holder, who confesses that he suspects Reece might be the one who harmed his own family. But Katie harbors a different theory. At the crime scene, she notices the absence of bullet fragments or any evidence of a struggle. This suggests that either Reece has conjured the entire ordeal in his mind... or someone has masterfully covered their tracks, painting Reece as the perpetrator. I, for one, incline towards the latter explanation.
Katie approaches James Reece with a compelling theory, adamant that they must collaborate to restore his reputation. Despite Reece's certainty that Holder is orchestrating his downfall, the fact that the alleged perpetrator remains at large offers a ray of hope. As the truth unfolds, it transpires that Josh Holder was indeed the first to arrive at the crime scene. How? It was he, cloaked in a balaclava, who assaulted Reece that fateful night. He was also the first to arrive at Boozer's apartment. James recognizes Holder's eyes from their close encounter, realizing he could have been the one to murder his family as well.
Katie updates her boss, Jordan Groff, on the progress of her investigation and the status of her story. Jordan's impatience is palpable, demanding a piece to run within 24 hours, further pressuring Katie's already tight schedule.
With newfound determination, James turns his focus to Josh Holder, eager to uncover the truth behind the agent's motives. Reece breaks into Holder's apartment, joining forces with Ben Edwards, on a mission to determine if the agent is truly corrupt.
However, James' plans are interrupted by Secretary Hartley, concerned about his confrontation with Admiral Pillar. James raises the possibility of Holder's involvement, but news breaks that the Iranian Chemical Weapons Specialist, Reece's original target, has been assassinated.
Upon returning home, Reece discovers that Holder had already obtained his fingerprints, paving the way for a potential break-in into the sophisticated safe housing his gun. This revelation solidifies Holder's status as a prime suspect.
Katie maneuvers her way to obtaining the hospital report, her voice filled with urgency as she calls Jordan, insisting that a neurologist must examine her findings. She declares that the story is "only getting better."
That night, James Reece confronts Josh Holder, a gun pressed against his lips. He demands that Holder turn his arm over to reveal a knife wound, but finds nothing. Nonetheless, Reece is convinced that Holder had set him up.
Holder, under pressure, finally confesses, admitting that he was paid for information. He utters the name "Saul Agnon," claiming that he is the man Reece is truly after. But as Holder lunges at James, Reece pulls the trigger, executing the officer in cold blood. He then stages the scene to resemble a suicide and slips away into the night.
