I Love Amazon’s Reacher, Which Is Why I Need To Deliver Some Harsh Criticism

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If my enthusiasm hadn’t run high for the series “Reacher,” I wouldn’t be penning this piece. There’s an undeniable pleasure in witnessing lead actor Alan Ritchson execute cold-blooded killings with no hint of regret. It’s the kind of show that I can’t help but jump to watch as soon as a fresh episode drops on Amazon Prime. At its finest, it’s a clever, ruthless, engaging, and darkly humorous action thriller. However, it doesn’t always live up to this standard, which is why I’m offering constructive criticism in the hope that “Reacher” can reach its full potential.

Sometimes the writing is just not good enough.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve got to say, there are times when the writing really shines in this series. It seems like they truly grasp who Reacher is as a character, and the dialogues coming from him feel authentic and true to his persona. Moreover, they have a knack for creating compelling supporting characters, which is why I’m thrilled about the Neagley spin-off. She’s an excellent character, and there are some touching moments and relatable conversations scattered throughout each season that really resonate with me. The latest developments between Reacher and Richie perfectly illustrate this.

But sometimes the writing is just not good enough.

As a film enthusiast, let’s delve into the latest season and its intricate narrative. A villain that Reacher once eliminated by pushing him off a cliff for his heinous acts against one of his proteges reappears under an alias, seeking to seize control of an illicit firearms trade. The reason for his survival remains unclear. Remarkably, he doesn’t recognize Reacher due to a selective amnesia condition. This provides our hero with the perfect cover to infiltrate a house he frequents, working alongside him covertly.

Meanwhile, a DEA agent finds herself in a precarious situation when her confidential informant is abducted. She’s kept alive because she saw something she shouldn’t have, but there’s an added twist: she has red hair. This distinctive feature makes her an appealing prize for a subordinate of a Russian mobster who has a penchant for women with red hair, potentially to be handed over at some point in the future as a gift.

Come’on. That’s obviously not good enough.

In simpler terms, the latest season of Reacher didn’t strictly follow one of Lee Child’s books, but that’s not a big concern for me. The primary goal of a TV show isn’t to perfectly replicate a book; it’s to create an engaging television series. This season of Reacher, however, often failed to make sense logically. For instance, the sub-plot involving the ATF was inconsistent and confusing. Were we supposed to believe that everyone involved in that ambush died with no one monitoring the situation? Or should we just ignore these inconsistencies for the sake of convenience?

If I find Reacher to be poorly written, I wouldn’t waste my time voicing my complaints about it. Some TV shows are simply meant for light entertainment, and if you can’t appreciate that, then you might as well look elsewhere. However, Reacher has repeatedly demonstrated its potential for more than just mindless fun. It consistently showcases thoughtful moments, engaging dialogues between characters, a convincing love story, and powerful lines from the lead character. That’s why it’s so disappointing when it fails to live up to that potential.

As a die-hard fan of Reacher, I often find myself in a dilemma when recommending it to others. Although my passion for the series is undeniable, there are moments where the writing falls short, which leaves me needing to add cautions and soft apologies. I eagerly anticipate Season 4, hoping that it will deliver the top-notch quality that I know this story deserves.

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2025-04-07 17:07