Alan Ritchson returns as Jack Reacher for Amazon Prime’s Reacher season two and if that has you excited, please know that the show has been renewed for a third season as well! Season one was an entertaining introduction to Ritchson’s premiere as the iconic Lee Child character. Does season two live up to the first and did it deserve to get renewed for a third season?
The Reacher series is certainly a treat for anyone who enjoys the book series that features the titular character by Lee Child. Starting with a bang, the viewer immediately knows the mystery that will be explored throughout the rest of the season. Of course, Ritchson does a great job as Jack Reacher and incredibly embodies the character. From saving damsels in distress at the ATMs, to his small-town mannerisms, and his well-placed quips, Jack Reacher is a bit of a power fantasy for anyone who daydreams of being the hero of their own story.
Let’s get one thing out of the way. Jack Reacher is big. Very big. In our season one review, we mention that fans of the character were unhappy with Tom Cruise’s casting in the previous movies based on Lee Child’s work. This is because Reacher is frequently described as large and hulking in the books and as we know, Cruise is not. The overemphasis on Jack Reacher’s height in season one felt earned; almost as if telling viewers that they knew fans weren’t happy with Tom Cruise’s casting and with Alan Ritchson, they got it right.
The overemphasis on Jack’s height in season two feels a little tiresome at times. It’s repeated quite frequently in each episode by multiple different characters and yes, Alan Ritchson is 6’3″ and the character is supposed to be 6’5″, but he’s not so large that he’s some sort of freak of nature. As a viewer, you might sit there and say “I get it, he’s tall and muscular”.
Other than that, there’s a great dynamic this season. Jack Reacher reunites with some of his old MP unit buddies and they each have their own interesting personalities. While the characters are not overly unique and their personalities could be somewhat surface-level, they’re overall fun to watch. There’s a romance this season, but the better bond is between Jack Reacher and Maria Sten as Frances Neagley. These two are great together. While their relationship is not on the same level as Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler from Law & Order: SVU, they still have a great bond together. Ritchson and Sten work really well together and Frances’ personality is a highlight – such as being the only one to put stickers on her laptop (like having an Autobot sticker on it!).
Does the second outing of Reacher warrant a season three renewal? We say yes! Reacher does a great job for long-time fans of Lee Child’s book series while also being accessible to those who have not read the source material. It’s a good mystery/drama that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re looking for something to put on that’s easy to watch, we suggest Reacher season two!
Reacher will return for its second season on Prime Video on December 15, 2023.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC-rRhQcnlI]
Does the second outing of Reacher warrant a season three renewal? We say yes! Reacher does a great job for long-time fans of Lee Child's book series while also being accessible to those who have not read the source material. It's a good mystery/drama that doesn't take itself too seriously. If you're looking for something to put on that's easy to watch, we suggest Reacher season two!
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GVN Rating
A girl with too many fandoms to count.
