Reacher - Season 2
Reacher – Season 2 (Based on the book Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child)
Distributor: Streaming on Amazon Prime
Directors: (2 episodes each) Julian Holmes, Carol Banker, Omar Madha, Sam Hill
Writers: Nick Santora (ep.1), Scott Sullivan (ep. 2, 5, 8), Penny Cox (ep.3, 7), Cait Duffy (ep.4, 6),
Michael J. Gutierrez (ep. 6), Lillian Wang (ep.7)
Production: Skydance Media, Amazon MGM Studios, & Paramount Television Studios
Catchphrase: “You do not mess with the Special Investigators”
Rating: Mature Audience
Amazon Prime’s Reacher season 2 far surpassed its first release. Although for the most part I enjoyed Reacher season 1, I loved the second season. The storyline and character development was better even than the book! I cannot remember the last time a show surpassed the novel. Rare indeed. From the beginning scene taking place on the east coast instead of the west to the climactic scene in a helicopter, the show’s choices were better. Most especially the helicopter climactic scene in the show was far more believable than a man of Reacher’s size going unseen in a helicopter as the book depicted.
I loved the differences the show writers and directors chose. Even the ATM scene was better with Reacher saving a woman and child and then discovering the hidden message. It makes sense that Neagley would have included the 110th with the 1030. This addition made the bank teller scene unnecessary as well as showing Reacher’s affinity for numbers and compulsive habit of getting mini receipts.
To list all of the changes made from the book version would result in a multiple page review. I was disappointed with this Lee Child book. He can do better. Amazon Prime’s show succeeded where he didn’t. I was not surprised at all to learn season two was the most streamed show from February 7th-13th per Nielsen's Rankings and Amazon’s biggest hit since The Lord of the Rings.
I also loved the strong female supporting characters who were not paraded around nude and portrayed as nothing but sex objects. Maria Sten and Serinda Swan’s characters were well developed with nuances and depth. Well done, ladies.
The comedic elements infused within the scenes by Shaun Sipos’ character, David O’Donnell, were especially enjoyable. His character showed the most growth, though his cocky sarcastic humor remained intact. One of my favorite lines of O’Donnell’s was, “…typically it’s hard for women to say goodbye to me, so let’s get you girls out of here before you get too attached.”
In addition, Alan Ritchson did better in his portrayal of Reacher this season. Although I would still like to see more intelligence in his mannerisms and expressions, his flat affect was improved.
Well done everyone. I hope season 3 surpasses season 2! I can’t wait to find out. Enjoy.
