Alan Richson, who played a supporting role in the box office hit Fast X last summer, returns to a lead role for Season 2 of the popular Prime series Reacher. Showrunner Nick Santora has adapted Lee Child’s 11th Reacher book, Bad Luck and Trouble, as the plot for the upcoming season.
Episode 1 starts with Richson in full-on Reacher mode, saving an innocent woman from a knuckleheaded carjacker. Things take an unexpected turn, though, when Reacher receives a coded message that the members of his former U.S. Army unit, the 110th MP Special Investigations, are being mysteriously and brutally murdered one by one.
After leaving his wandering lifestyle behind, Reacher joins three of his ex-teammates, who are now like family to him, to conduct an investigation. The team includes Frances Neagley (played by Maria Sten), Karla Dixon (played by Serinda Swan), a forensic accountant whom Reacher has always been fond of, and David O’Donnell (played by Shaun Sipos), a fast-talking family man who always carries a switchblade with him.
As a team, they are determined to solve the mystery even when the stakes get higher at every turn. They start connecting the dots, but in the process, questions arise about who has betrayed them and who will be the next victim. With his unique intelligence and strength, Reacher will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth and protect his unit. One thing is sure – Reacher and his team are not to be messed with, as they are the Special Investigators.
Other supporting characters in season 2 are the mysterious and dangerous A.M. (Ferdinand Kingsley) and Shane Langston (Robert Patrick), the head of security for a private defense contractor with a doubtful history. And the always enjoyable Domenick Lombardozzi as Guy Russo, a tough detective from the NYPD,
While I’m one of the few who didn’t mind Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher, seeing what Richson does with the character is refreshing. Richson has a physically domineering presence but also a huge heart. There are great moments throughout the Season where Reacher shows his sensitive side in scenes with Maria Sten and Serinda Swan.
Kudos to the writing team for developing Reacher’s team; they all play well off the complexities of Richson, adding depth to the story. Fans will also enjoy that this season delves deeper into Reacher’s military past, shedding light on his experiences and relationships.
As with most shows like this, things get a bit formulaic, which may result in viewers finding the season predictable. Nevertheless, with another strong performance from Richson, Season 2 pays homage to Lee Child’s skillful storytelling, and I can’t wait for Season 3.
Final Grade: B+
The first three episodes of Reacher Season 2 arrive on Prime Video this Friday, December 15th, with the remaining episodes coming every Friday until January 19th, 2024.
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