Reacher Review: A Fresh Face on an Age-Old Tale

Amazon’s newest hit series Reacher is certified fresh thanks to the latest face attached to the franchise.

Based on the book series by Lee Childs, Reacher follows the first book in Childs’ Jack Reacher series, Killing Floor. 

Childs’ series was first brought to life in 2012 with Tom Cruise at the helm and two movies produced under his influence. Cruise was decent in his portrayal of Jack Reacher, thanks to his ability to take charge in any action movie he stars.

However, the role fell a bit flat under his wing beyond the action sequences. And let’s face it, for a character that’s supposed to be 6’5 and 250lbs, Cruise could never live up to those expectations. When fans imagine the Jack Reacher described in Childs’ books, Cruise is not one to come to mind, even as a big-time action star.

In the newly rebooted series, however, Alan Ritchson embodies the role perfectly, staying accurate to the book characters’ description and taking charge from the moment he’s on-screen. Ritchson’s Hulk-like stature is peak Reacher, and the series excels in resetting the franchise and allowing viewers to see the character in a different light.

Coming from someone who has not yet read Killing Floor, I can’t attest to the show sticking true to the book completely. I, however, can say that each actor involved brings these characters to life eloquently, giving their all, making it easier for the audience to fall in love.

The story follows Reacher (Alan Ritchson) as he makes his way to Margrave, Georgia, after hearing an old song from Blues singer Blind Blake. Upon hearing the song, he remembers a conversation with his brother about Blind Blake’s burial in the town, so he makes his way for a visit.

Instead of a small-town friendly embrace, Reacher is met with brute force and guns in his face as he innocently tries to enjoy a slice of peach pie. Unknowing to him, he fits the description of a man wanted in questioning for a murder. In comes Roscoe (Willa Fitzgerald), a local police officer, and Finlay (Malcolm Goodwin), the local detective.

There’s almost an unspoken bond between Reacher and Roscoe from the first meeting. She’s not as vicious as her fellow police officers, visibly less threatened than the rest, but she isn’t playing any games and makes it known she can’t be intimidated. Reacher instantaneously clings to Roscoe and her helping nature.

He can sense that there’s inherently something good about her, which she later confirms to be accurate as their relationship builds.

The chemistry between Fitzgerald and Ritchson is electrifying from the beginning with Roscoe’s patient but firm and sarcastic attitude and Reacher’s ability to soften up around her. Fans of the book series head into Amazon’s adaptation with the knowledge that the two end up with one another.

However, going into the series as a viewer who has not read the books, it’s easy to see the connection between them and quickly put two and two together. It’s a classic action hero storyline that follows a format seen often, but it’s a fun ride, nonetheless.

As a fan of slow-burn relationships that involve pining for one another, my only issue is how fast the two move. By Season 1 Episode 4, “In A Tree,” they are already sleeping with one another, and even with the adrenaline rush after fighting, it still feels a bit rushed. If the two were going to be intimate once during the entire season, I would much rather have had them get together at the end.

Finlay and Reacher’s relationship is more cat and mouse as the two banter consistently throughout the season. And while they’re on the fence about working together at the beginning, the bond that grows between them is genuine and heartfelt.

As a man secretly going through one of the most challenging times of his life, Finlay is cold, firm, and not one that you would typically want to party or joke around with – that’s part of what makes his relationship with Reacher work. The two are polar opposites, but they play off each other exceedingly well and keep the audience laughing even during stressful moments.

A mysterious cloud lingers around Finlay throughout the series, until Season 1 Episode 6, “Papier,” when he reveals that his wife is dead. Up to this point, it’s implied and assumed that Finlay is holding on to a broken marriage, but in reality, he can’t move on.

Instead of staying in a city that forces him to relive old memories, he moves to Margrave. Moving allows Finlay to live in denial because nobody knows the truth in a new town unless he wants them to.

There are layers to Finlay that are little by little pulled back, allowing viewers to connect with him on an emotional level. Viewers may not be able to relate to the compunction he feels for his wife’s death. But, that pain and grief that holds him back from truly living life is one that hits home.

Grief is sneaky, dangerous, and something that takes time to overcome. With the loss of his wife, Finlay uses the guilt he feels as an excuse to torture himself. It doesn’t matter that there’s nothing he could have done to save his wife – it’s the principle. He promised himself and her that he would do whatever it took, and in his eyes, he failed.

So, he uses the inner turmoil he feels to punish himself because he thinks it’s what he deserves. The battle that he fights alone may not include broken bones, torn limbs, or blood everywhere, but it’s one of the most emotional. Finlay’s actions are a prime example of how some people get through their day-to-day lives.

Finlay’s myopic viewpoint, in multiple contexts, would never change without outside influence. It’s Reacher that opens Finlay and Roscoe’s eyes to the level of corruption they’re dealing with, essentially saving them before they know they need it. Without his help, the two would have never made it out of Margrave alive. And, Finlay wouldn’t have been able to move on in the end, moving back to the city where he and his deceased wife fell in love. All he needed was a bit of tough love, and Reacher has plenty to go around.

And of course, we can’t forget about the epic fight scenes – they’re executed phenomenally, and there is no shortage of them. My personal favorite appears in Season 1 Episode 1, “Welcome to Margrave.” Reacher is mistakenly targeted in the jail bathroom by five decent-sized guys but has them on the ground in a matter of minutes. Bones are broken, faces bloody, and egos destroyed all in the span of mere moments, and Reacher barely breaks a sweat. It’s glorious to watch. 

Reacher’s brief run-in with KJ in Season 1 Episode 5, “No Apologies,” comes in second – no question. Watching Reacher slap the dog s*** out of KJ the way he does is so satisfying. KJ wanted him to instigate a fight, but he wasn’t prepared for the slap, literally, to his ego that Reacher so easily delivers. 

Overall, Reacher is a pleasing adaptation to Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series that leaves the audience wanting more, and left more in love than the first go-round in 2012. Ritchson brings a new level to the character of Reacher. With their recent Season 2 announcement, I can’t wait to see how he’ll elevate the character in the coming season(s), and which books they’ll choose to adapt next. 

Other Thoughts:

• Harvey Guillén and Maria Sten are exceptional in their supporting roles. Guillén brings laughter to almost any scene he’s in, no matter the severity or circumstance. He always finds a way to take the spotlight. Sten’s portrayal of Neagley is one of my personal favorites – she calls it how it is with Reacher, putting him in his place when needed. She’s also the only one he can talk to on a personal level and be real. Reacher may not call Neagley “friend,” but there’s no denying that she is his best friend. She’s also an all-around badass.
• Roscoe should have been given a chance to provide Teal with a real beating. The little one-two she gets in is not enough. 
• One of my favorite storylines is Reacher’s obsession with saving the poor dog being abused by the owner. Him putting the choke chain on the owner and Finlay adopting the dog is a real highlight.

What did you think of this episode of Reacher? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Reacher is available to stream on Amazon Prime.

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