Episode 5 of The Terminal List opens with a pulse-racing scene in Iraq, 2007. James Reece, at the helm of his squadron, charges into a fiery street battle, desperately pushing through waves of enemy soldiers as they race towards a crash site to save lives. The familiar chaos and urgency evoke haunting memories of Black Hawk Down.
Amidst the chaos, James spots Riley and springs into action to aid her. Yet, just as he turns, Lucy stands before him, a ghostly apparition from a dream sequence that sheds light on Riley's deep-seated loyalty and connection to James.
While Steve Horn inches closer to his goal, James Reece conducts his own investigation into Capstone. He stands watch outside as Tony Layun interrogates Steve Horn, probing into his ties with James. Steve maintains a calm demeanor, claiming ignorance of Reece, but his tattoos tell a different story, a silent tribute to their shared squadron days. Horn dismisses the inquiry, attributing the tattoos to his family and friends who have served.
Meanwhile, Katie embarks on a mission, seeking out Mike, the pivotal figure whom Capstone is courting to hand over the deciding share of his business. In the confines of a men's restroom, Katie broaches the subject of RD4895, speculating that it might have played a role in the failed Syrian mission. She leaves her contact details, urging Mike to contact her when he's ready to talk.
Little does Katie know, the FBI has her in their sights. James Reece, alert to the situation, sends a swift message to Katie, warning her that she's been compromised and the authorities are keeping a close eye on her.
Mike eventually decides to open up, arranging a meeting with Katie to discuss the current situation. However, that night, Steve Horn learns of Mike's intentions and sends his henchmen to track them down. As they hurry to infiltrate Mike's location, Mike fills Katie in on the details of the ongoing drama.
Deep within the subterranean maze of the subway, he uncloaked the truth about RD4895, an experimental drug concocted by Nubellum Pharmaceuticals in a quest to vanquish PTSD. Initially, its effectiveness was proven on animals, yet the urge to expedite human trials overshadowed due diligence. Tragically, the lack of proper testing has wreaked havoc, spawning tumors in those who dared to ingest the medication. This revelation sheds light on Steve Horn's urgency to expedite a deal, as he knew the entire endeavor would be rendered worthless if investors discovered its inefficacy in humans.
Months prior, a staggering 100 million shares were distributed to shell companies, a lucrative payoff. The Syrians' futile attempt to eliminate the Seal Team members who had ingested the drug, only to see them succumb to tumors, was a desperate ploy to conceal the truth, but it was a scheme that fell short of its intended outcome.
Before the mystery could unravel further, Mike's life was abruptly extinguished by an assassin dispatched by Horn. Katie, with a sudden burst of adrenaline, scrambled up the stairwell and fired at the assailant to defend herself. James Reece emerged, a beacon of hope, guiding Katie to safety. After sharing her findings with Reece, he demanded a list of the companies profiting from this debacle. Katie stood her ground, adamant that the only way to expose this story was through legitimate means and with utmost precision.
James Reece, impatient and unwavering, was hell-bent on tracking down the men in power and extracting a hefty price from them. Ben cautioned that this approach would undoubtedly draw unwanted scrutiny, yet it unexpectedly unraveled a web of intricate secrets. Among those shocking revelations was the discovery that the Admiral's name lurked among those being targeted. Enraged and blinded by vengeance, James devised a crude bomb, intent on eliminating Steve Horn from the picture.
As the morning sun broke through, Steve Horn stepped outside his headquarters, staging a press conference. He fingered James for Mike's death, accusing him of a psychotic episode that led to a violent confrontation. Katie, determined to confront Horn about his shady deals, approached him, but he dismissed her with a curt remark, claiming the matter was settled.
As she walked away, James stealthily positioned his car beside Steve's, concealing the bomb in the trunk. He retreated to a safe distance, detonating the explosive with a single press of a button. The blast sent Horn flying across the street, his face marred by gruesome gashes.
Undeterred, Reece pursued his vengeance. With the world watching, he pulled the trigger, ending Horn's life with a bullet to the head. Katie lay stunned on the ground as James fled the scene, leaving behind a trail of chaos and unanswered questions.
