TV Review: ‘Reacher’ Season 3

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Alan Ritchson (Jack Reacher) in ‘Reacher’ Season 3. Credit: Jasper Savage/Prime. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC.

‘Reacher’ Season 3 receives 8 out of 10 stars.

Landing on Prime Video on February 20th with the first three episodes, the third season of ‘Reacher’ plunges audiences back into the often violent world of Lee Child’s hulking former military police officer, who has a knack for finding trouble –– and solving it with either his fists or the nearest available weapon.

The first two seasons of the show, which stars Alan Ritchson as the title character, have been met with praise from critics and fans (not least because the tall and muscular Ritchson better fits the mold of the character than Tom Cruise did in his two movies), so can the third keep the momentum going?

Will ‘Reacher’ Season 3 say something?

(L to R) Olivier Richters (Paulie), Alan Ritchson (Jack Reacher) in ‘Reacher’ Season 3. Credit: Jasper Savage/Prime. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC.

The biggest secret to ‘Reacher’s working so far is that it never treats the books like some sort of example of high art; instead, the feeling is more a nostalgic throwback to the sorts of shows that used to litter TV in the 1970s and ‘80s, such as ‘The A-Team’ and ‘The Incredible Hulk,’ where the heroes would travel to different places and sort out problems, including corrupt law enforcement or crime bosses. This concept these days is also explored to some degree by the CBS network series ‘Tracker.’

Of course, that and especially the older shows certainly didn’t have the freedom that streaming brings in terms of language and violence, nor do they have the budget of a ‘Reacher.’ All this, combined with a likeable (if sometimes limited, more on that below) lead performance by Ritchson.

Script and Direction

Alan Ritchson (Jack Reacher) in ‘Reacher’ Season 3. Credit: Christos Kalohoridis/Prime. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC

Nick Santora, who developed the show and serves as head writer and showrunner, has a history on high-concept procedurals with some sense of humor –– and he’s also recently created action comedy series ‘FUBAR’, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

‘Reacher’ could never be described as an out-and-out laugh-fest, but it certainly manages to avoid being so self-serious that it’s less fun to watch. The stakes are certainly high (even if we know that, no matter how punishment he takes in the scope of one of his missions, our hero will survive to walk –– or drive –– off into the sunset), and the twisty action keeps you guessing, and there’s enough action and drama to be found within.

For this season, Reacher has more reason than usual to be careful. Not only is he required to watch his back in the usual sense as he wades into trouble, he’s also aware that he has to make sure no one really guesses what he’s up to, as opposed to previous missions where he’s got an out-in-the-open enemy to battle.

The writing team isn’t necessarily looking to keep you guessing, more on the edge of your seat as you wonder whether the truth will be uncovered. And there are layers upon layers of storyline that work effectively if simply.

(L to R) Donald Sales, Alan Ritchson (Jack Reacher), Olivier Richters (Paulie), Anthony Michael Hall (Zachary Beck) in ‘Reacher’ Season 3. Credit: Jasper Savage/Prime. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC.

Reacher’s not exactly a character who is quippy every other line; he’s more of the silent warrior type, but he does have a good line in grim humor –– witness his reaction to learning where the coffee he’s drinking comes from (hint: it’s a very expensive brand that has a history with feline digestive systems).

And Santora is careful to make sure that this season doesn’t come across as a carbon copy of what has gone before –– last time Reacher had a team to work with, this time it’s a scrappy collection of DEA agents operating without major military backing.

There is still some welcome connective tissue from seasons past, though; not the least of which is Maria Sten’s Frances Neagley, who is getting her own spin-off.

‘Reacher’s directing team, led by Sam Hill, keeps the show looking interesting and stylish, while the action scenes are always handled effectively.

Cast and Performances

(L to R) Sonya Cassidy (Susan Duffy), Alan Ritchson (Jack Reacher) in ‘Reacher’ Season 3. Credit: Sophie Giraud/Prime. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC.

Alan Ritchson is our returning central hero, the no-nonsense former officer who these days spends his time wandering the country and living by his own rules. While the character doesn’t exactly brim with charisma, he’s got his own style, and if it doesn’t lead to Oscar-winning work, it definitely gets the job done, just like Reacher.

Season 3 highlights include Sonya Cassidy’s smart-mouthed, sassy DEA agent Susan Duffy, one of the few people to earn Reacher’s begrudging respect. Cassidy is great in the role, providing the right amount of assured capability and human vulnerability.

Anthony Michael Hall is also solid as Zachary Beck, the corrupt businessman that Reacher comes into contact with this season. While the character might initially come across as a gruff, limited rich a-hole, Hall has more to work with when interacting with his son Richard, played with nervy energy by Johnny Berchtold.

And because the biggest problem for a show featuring a character as imposing as Jack Reacher comes in finding someone who is actually a challenge for him to face, Season 3 brings us Olivier Richters’ Paulie, a hulking giant of a man who is more than a match for the taciturn title character. It’s highly entertaining to see someone Reacher can’t simply knock out, and their eventual clash is one for the ages.

Final Thoughts

Alan Ritchson (Jack Reacher) in ‘Reacher’ Season 3. Credit: Jasper Savage/Prime. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC.

‘Reacher’ continues to be an entertaining action series with a solid sense of humor and a compelling central figure.

Some darker-hued flashbacks add an additional layer of emotion and tension.

“Reacher’s back.”

TV-143 SeasonsFebruary 3rd, 2022

What is the plot of ‘Reacher’ Season 3?

In season 3, Reacher (Alan Ritchson) delves into the dark underbelly of a vast criminal enterprise when he attempts to rescue a DEA informant. There, he encounters a world of secrets and violence and is confronted with issues from his past.