This article contains spoilers for Reacher Season 4, Episodes 1-3
Over three seasons, Reacher has become a huge hit on Prime Video, thanks to Alan Ritchson’s portrayal of the one-man revenge squad. You know exactly what you are getting when watching this show, and that consistency is a good thing.
However, as the first three episodes of Reacher Season 4 have shown us, that consistency is now in danger of becoming a bit bland. Yes, the fans are here for a reason, but in its fourth season, the series is beginning to show signs that it’s time to shake things up a bit.
Reacher Finds Trouble in Philadelphia
Reacher finds himself in Philadelphia, and while on the subway, he observes a woman acting very suspiciously. After trying to talk to her, she pulls out a gun and shoots herself. As always, it lands him right in the middle of something much bigger.
He’s interrogated by the police, the funny duo of detectives Tamara Green (Sydelle Noel) and Shaun Docherty (Kevin Corrigan), both of whom are pretty apathetic to the police world at this point. However, it’s apparent that Detective Green still has her wits about her. Reacher is later interrogated by government officials, whom he hilariously dubs Snap, Crackle, and Pop. They quiz him about whether the woman who died passed anything to him.
After the interrogation, Reacher is approached by two more men who ask about a flash drive. After roughing them up Reacher-style, he heads to the coffee shop and meets Jacob Merrick (Christopher Marquette), the victim’s brother. After exchanging information, Reacher takes a fake flash drive and has the two thugs he roughed up lead him to their boss. There he meets Lila Hoth (Agnez Mo), and we finally get some answers.
It turns out Lila has been searching for her father because she needs a transplant for her illness. The woman who died worked for the Pentagon and was trying to find out who he was, as all that is known is that he served in the Army. They get a name, Congressman John Sampson (Marc Blucas), who is very powerful and not at all interested in returning Lila’s calls.
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As with all seasons of Reacher, things quickly go sideways and turn violent. Both Reacher and Lila are targeted by assassins, and the flash drive seems important. Reacher is kidnapped and taken to a CIA black site in Washington, along with Jacob and Detective Green.
After escaping, they meet Russell Plum (Kevin Weisman), a former journalist who has been monitoring the CIA black site for some time. As they keep digging for information, Reacher confronts Congressman Sampson and discovers he isn’t the father Lila is looking for.
The first three episodes follow a familiar pattern from past seasons, in which Reacher tries to help someone, only to uncover a much larger conspiracy or a criminal organization. Ritchson continues to be the anti-hero fans have come to love. He’s a man simply wandering the world, unable to ignore a cry for help.
A few new characters this season are worth mentioning. Weisman, as journalist Plum, is fun and erratic, while Noel, as Detective Green, seems like a logical fit for Neagley (Maria Sten). Neagley has an upcoming spin-off, and fans hope to see a crossover at some point. Blucas plays the Congressman well, making him less black-and-white in his portrayal as a potential villain.
Will the Reacher Formula Wear Thin in Season 4?
As the show enters its fourth season, it is becoming formulaic and familiar. Reacher is based on the books by Lee Child, and Season 4 is based on Gone Tomorrow (2009). There is a clear, well-structured pattern here. Still, some episodes feel a bit monotonous and seem impatient to get to the next scene, forgoing the usual build-up of anticipation.
There are far too many times when you can predict what will happen next. It’s a double-edged sword the show must contend with as the season rolls along. Can the formula for success continue, or does it need to do something different and risk that successful formula?
The first three episodes of Reacher Season 4 stick to what works, giving the hero the bare-bones outline of an issue and then letting his physical and investigative skills do the work. There are some great moments, but there is also a sense of fatigue at times. At this point, the dedicated fan base may be content with what they have come to love… for now.
Reacher Season 4 Episodes 1-3 are now streaming on Prime Video. New episodes premiere every Wednesday through Sept. 16.
