Episodes watched: 8 out of 8
Alan Ritchson is back as the vigilante man mountain, beating up even more criminals than ever in the third outing of Prime Video’s hit action series Reacher. While the second season felt somewhat disappointing in comparison to the first – with too much of a focus on the larger 110th Special Investigations unit – thankfully the third is back to it’s best, course correcting certain issues for an entertaining and brutal outing. Plus it’s certainly a rare instance to see Reacher facing an even bigger opponent than him, courtesy of the 7ft 2″ Dutch bodybuilder Olivier Richters!
Loosely adapting Lee Child’s 2003 novel Persuader, the seventh instalment in the Jack Reacher series, Reacher (Alan Ritchson) is recruited by DEA agent Susan Duffy (Sonya Cassidy) to help retrieve a missing DEA informant from a shady smuggling business by going undercover as their new head of security. Meanwhile, the former military investigator is using his new position to find out more information on a major threat who’s resurfaced from his past.
For those who were disappointed with the shaky second season, thankfully the third outing goes back to basics with a small-town setting, less flashbacks and most importantly, Ritchson’s Reacher front and centre once again. The undercover element also adds a fresh angle to the format, along with a thrilling layer of danger and high-stakes as the man mountain faces some of his largest (literally!) foes yet.
Following a particularly explosive opening, as Reacher seemingly intercepts a kidnapping attempt and “accidentally” shoots a cop in the process, it’s clear from the get-go that the action and pacing has also improved. There’s also plenty of gripping twists and turns to enjoy throughout, along with less of the distracting flashbacks. Granted, there is an extended flashback fleshing out Reacher’s relationship with his promising protégé, Lieutenant Dominique Kohl (played by Mariah Robinson), but this is primarily contained to one single episode and sets up Reacher’s motivations for hunting down nemesis Xavier Quinn (Brian Tee).
Along with the return of fan favourite private investigator Neagley (an excellent Maria Sten), the supporting cast feature some of the best characters yet, with standouts including Sonya Cassidy’s tougher than nails DEA agent Susan Duffy and her incredibly endearing partner Guillermo Villanueva (played by Roberto Montesinos). Despite a slightly overegged Boston accent, Duffy often goes toe-to-toe with Reacher and is equally as tough, proving a fantastic match for the vagrant. Olivier Richters is another fantastic addition as the gigantic Paulie, as his dynamic with Reacher really is an entertaining element.
However, there is a bit of a villain issue this time round, as Zachary Beck (Anthony Michael Hall) is a somewhat weak antagonist, until a shocking and unnecessary order later on in the series halts his supposed ‘redemption’ arc. Brian Tee is excellent as the all out psychopath Quinn, it’s just a shame it takes the series so long to finally include the character.
One key change is the improvement to the action and fight sequences, which are head and shoulders above the second season. With the 110th special investigations unit out of the picture, Reacher is once again elevated to a one man wrecking machine – and he’s certainly back to his brutal best in this mission. He’s not afraid to take out as many bad guys as needed, and there’s certainly a number of gnarly kills this season. The much teased showdown between Reacher and Paulie is also a real standout of the three seasons, proving a surprisingly amusing and extended sequence.
Verdict
Reacher is back and bigger than ever with an excellent third season, courtesy of a gripping high-stakes mission, outstanding action and even more dry humour from the man mountain. With a fourth season already confirmed by Prime Video, along with a Neagley spinoff, there’s certainly a lot to look forward to from the hit franchise.
