REACHER: S2

Reacher’s second season starts with intrigue, an engaging mystery and thrills that once again features an excellent performance from Alan Ritchson that promises a great follow up to the series’ stellar first season.

Amazon Prime Video’s Reacher is not the first time that audiences have seen Jack Reacher come to life on screen, but it is without question the better of the two adaptations of the character. From Alan Ritchson’s performance that perfectly captures the man that Lee Child has written so many novels about and the long format to fully develop each mystery that Reacher investigates, this series of novels was always best suited to television. This season adapts the eleventh novel in the series, picking up two years after the events of the first season, and it's another strong outing for Reacher. With an intriguing mystery full of twists, turns and brutal fight sequences, it’s a great start to the season that promises Ritchson and the creative team has lots more excitement up their sleeves, which should excite fans for the rest of this season and the already in production third season.

When Jack Reacher learns that Calvin Franz, one of his special investigators from the 110th Special Investigations Unit, has been found dead after being thrown out of a helicopter, Reacher heads to New York to investigate Franz’s death. Soon upon arriving and reuniting with Frances Neagley, they both soon discover that there is a larger conspiracy at play that goes beyond Franz, making both of them and the remainder of their unit targets from an unknown enemy.

The first season of Reacher was defined by the intensity and silent stoic nature of the titular character. We met Reacher with no idea of his past, much like that season’s supporting characters, slowly starting to see the man behind the hulking stature and mystery. Well we no doubt saw glimpses of his good nature and lack of concern towards operating in gray areas for a just outcome in the first season, we did not get to learn too much about Reacher on a personal level. Though, this season provides a case that is personal to Reacher, allowing the audience to learn more about him as an individual. We get glimpses of his past in the 110th Special Investigations Unit, meet the individuals he served with as he reunites with them years laters, and explore the relationships from where they were left years earlier. While Reacher is still a man of select words, there is more dialogue with his old friends that reveals pieces of him to the audience. It’s informative from a character perspective, allowing the audience to better understand why Reacher is the way he is and why he is so loyal to his ex-unit members. At the same time, the plot slowly builds over the first three episodes, revealing critical pieces of the mystery that keeps evolving the investigation, ending with a shocking reveal that changes everything for Reacher and his team. With five episodes still left in the season, there is a strong foundation for the mystery to incur a few more twists and turns and deliver a thrilling ending to this season of Reacher.

As with the first season, Reacher is the role that Ritchson was always meant to play. Ritchson dominates the screen with his towering size and strength,and Reacher’s intelligence and keen eye for clues that others would miss. He is excellent in the fight sequences, brutally disarming anyone that gets in his path. But with a more personal storyline to Reacher as a character this season, there is a heartbreak in Ritchson’s eyes and a haunting presence at times that breaks down his strong exterior and allows the audience to connect with Reacher on a more emotional level. It truly allows Ritchson to fully engage with all aspects of the character as an actor, continuing to prove why no one else could play Reacher as brilliantly as he does.

Reteaming with Ritchson this season is Maria Sten as Frances Neagley, a member of the 110th Special Investigations Unit who we previously met halfway through the first season. Sten continues to be a great co-star opposite Reacher, complementing his more silent nature with wise comments and just as much intelligence, creating a true dynamic duo. Joining the cast this season is Serinda Swan and Shaun Sipos as Karla Dixon and David O’Donnell, two other members of Reacher’s 110th Special Investigations Unit. Sipos provides some excellent comedic relief as the more arrogant member of the unit, while Swan taps into Karla and Reacher’s past to create some tender moments with Ritchson, showcasing these two Canadian talents. As the lead cast, the on screen chemistry between Ritchson, Sten, Swan and Sipos is outstanding, creating a quasi family unit that draws the audience in as you immediately care about all of their characters as they investigate the death of one of their own, carefully watching over their backs as they are all next on the hit list.

In only three episodes, Reacher kicks off its second season with a thrilling bang that is sure to get audiences excited for what the rest of the season has in store. With a more personal story for Jack Reacher, this season raises the stakes and emotions for Jack Reacher, that combined with another excellent performance from Alan Ritchson, ensures that the second season of Reacher makes the long wait between seasons worth it.