Fans Are Shocked: Where Is Oscar Finlay in ‘Reacher’ Season 3?

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  • Who Is Oscar Finlay, and What Happened to Him in ‘Reacher’?
  • Will Oscar Finlay Return in ‘Reacher’ Season 4?

On February 20, 2025, the much-anticipated third season of the show “Reacher” premiered. The initial launch included the first three episodes, and it’s been doing incredibly well so far, boasting a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer. Originating from Lee Child’s ‘Jack Reacher’ novels and screen-developed by Nick Santora, “Reacher” made its debut in February 2022. Since then, the series starring Alan Ritchson has been a crowd favorite.

Across its various seasons, Reacher has treated viewers to a host of unforgettable characters such as Maria Sten’s Frances Neagley, Serinda Swan’s Karla Dixon, Willa Fitzgerald’s Roscoe Conklin, and Malcolm Goodwin’s Oscar Finlay. Although Reacher is known for introducing new cast members in each season, Finlay was a recurring figure in the first two seasons. However, it seemed like this trend ended in Season 3, as Finlay did not appear. Nevertheless, there remains a possibility that Finlay could reappear in Season 4.

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Who Is Oscar Finlay, and What Happened to Him in ‘Reacher’?

In the pilot episode of “Reacher”, the skilled actor Malcolm Goodwin portrayed Oscar Finlay, a character who immediately captivated viewers. As Jack Reacher passes through Margrave, Georgia and is arrested for murder, it’s in the police station that we first meet Oscar Finlay. Amidst a bustling room of eager officers determined to imprison Reacher, Finlay, the chief detective, stands out as a beacon of calm amidst the chaos, walking confidently into the room and taking charge of the situation. Thus, the intriguing dynamic between the detective and Reacher unfolds. Within the first 10 minutes of the series, Finlay makes a strong impression on viewers, ultimately becoming one of the most memorable characters in “Reacher”.

In stark contrast, Finlay and Reacher, while one being a meticulous stickler for rules and the other relying on brute force in crime-solving, form an unexpected bond. This friendship became particularly exciting when Finlay appeared as a guest star in the fourth episode of ‘Reacher’ Season 2, causing immense joy among fans. Similarly, series lead Alan Ritchson expressed his delight about Goodwin’s return for another season, praising it as something special to him.

“I screamed, too, when I saw his name in the script. I couldn’t wait to have him back”

In Season 2, the arrival of Finlay provided some answers about his life after Season 1. We find out that he moved back to his hometown and re-joined the Boston Police Department where he had been promoted to lieutenant. His loyal dog, Jack, was still by his side from the end of the first season. The reappearance of Finlay in Season 2 hinted at the possibility of more characters returning from earlier seasons, such as Malcolm Goodwin, in future seasons, exciting fans for potential returns in Season 3.

Where Is Oscar Finlay in ‘Reacher’ Season 3?

In contrast to previous seasons, Season 3 of Reacher finds Jack Reacher reverting back to his solitary lifestyle. With only the clothes on his back and his personal toothbrush, he seems to have cut most ties with his past. Despite Maria Sten’s character, Frances Neagley, being present in this season, her role appears to be minimized within the storyline. This shift in narrative direction could be a response to the criticism that Season 2 received for portraying Reacher as more of a team player.

It appears that Oscar Finlay was probably left out of the upcoming season due to the backlash received by Season 2. In contrast, Reacher’s defining characteristic is his solitary nature, but Season 2 placed him in a team-oriented scenario. Although this change showed another aspect of the character, many viewers felt it negatively impacted Reacher’s development as a drifter and lone wolf, who typically handles conflicts independently. If Season 3 were to heavily involve Reacher’s past connections to fight his battles, there could be concerns about damaging Reacher’s reputation as a self-reliant force. In an interview with Collider, Malcolm Goodwin confirmed that his character would not feature in Season 3.

Indeed, I may not be directly involved in Season 3, but let me share some insights. The creator of the series is Nick Santoro, who happens to be a close acquaintance of mine. Additionally, there’s Alan, a character I hold in high regard. So, if you’re expecting more thrilling moments, captivating adventures, outstanding storytelling, and a plethora of stunning action sequences, then you’re on the right track!

Will Oscar Finlay Return in ‘Reacher’ Season 4?

Although Oscar Finlay was missing from Reacher Season 3, it doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t show up in future seasons. The initial three episodes of Season 3 have shown that characters from earlier seasons can return but may have smaller roles this time around, providing more room for Reacher to embody his signature solitary demeanor.

In contrast to many other characters from the series, Finlay seems to have survived and might even be advancing in his career, potentially providing valuable resources for Reacher in future episodes. Similarly, Goodwin hints that his character could reappear, indicating a readiness to collaborate on the Reacher project again.

In Season 2, I appeared as a guest star, which means my character is yet to meet its end in the storyline. Unlike many other characters in the world of Reacher, I am still present and kicking. Here’s hoping that we get to witness more of me in the future.

Since the makers of Reacher have historically parted ways with characters in the series without hesitation, keeping Finlay alive suggests there’s something significant ahead. The reason for this choice might remain unclear for now, but as time progresses, it could hint at a future role for Finlay. Despite Finlay not appearing in Season 3, his destiny might alter in Season 4. By the way, you can catch Reacher on Prime Video.

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2025-02-24 02:32