While it is great that Amazon is reportedly moving forward with aNeagleyspinoff series, the show should avoid breaking one importantReacherrule. Apart from Jack Reacher, Frances Neagley is the only character in Amazon’sReacherwho has appeared in the first two seasons and is also set to play a role in season 3. Given how she is not such a recurring character inLee Child’s originalJack Reacherbooks, her presence in all threeReacherseasons had already hinted that the streaming platform was planning to expand the franchise with her spinoff series.
Reacherseason 2 also perfectly paved the way for aNeagleyspinoff by revealing that when she is not collaborating with Jack Reacher, she works as a private investigator. The spinoff has the perfect opportunity to leverage this detail by following Neagley’s solo adventures as an investigator. However, while the prospect of aNeagleyspinoff sounds interesting, the Amazon series should ensure it respects one crucialReacherrule.
The Neagley Spinoff Should Avoid Featuring Too Many Jack Reacher Cameos
Too Many Reacher Cameos Could Harm The Parent Series
AsReacherseason 2 establishes,Jack Reacher only expects Neagley to call him when there is an emergency. He loves the open road more than anything else, and, even though he considers themembers of the 110th Special Investigation Unitfamily, he hates being tied down by his relationships. Owing to this, if theNeagleyspinoff features too many Jack Reacher cameos, it could diminish the significance of his rule of only being called for help when absolutely necessary.
Portraying him as a sidekick for Neagley could potentially harm his image as a lone-wolf, self-reliant hobo who has both the brain and the brawn to solve crimes without anyone’s assistance.
Since Neagley will be the star of the spinoff series, Jack Reacher will be treated as a side character whenever he makes an appearance. Portraying him as a sidekick for Neagley could potentially harm his image as a lone-wolf, self-reliant hobo who has both the brain and the brawn to solve crimes without anyone’s assistance.Reacherseason 2 has already shown that when Jack Reacher and Frances Neagley work together, Neagley almost always overshadows him with her intelligence, leaving Reacher wondering, “I ever tell you you’re smart, Neagley.”
Since Lee Child has not written any spinoff books centered on Neagley, the spinoff show will introduce an original set of stories.
As seen inReacherseason 2’s endingmoments, Reacher and Neagley have great chemistry as friends and should reunite, time and again, throughout the franchise. Just like Neagley appears towards theend ofReacherseason 1and briefly offers him a helping hand, Reacher, too, could show up and assist her when she is struggling with her private investigations. However, since Reacher loves his life as a self-proclaimed hobo, and Neagley respects his lifestyle choices, it would make little narrative sense if he becomes a recurring character in the spinoff.
Reacher Season 2 Proves The Neagley Spinoff Can Stand On Its Own
Season 2 Establishes Neagley Can Single-Handedly Solve Crime
Reacherseason 2 establishes that Neagley is as smart as Reacher (if not more) when it comes to solving crimes and finding relevant hints and clues to solve mysteries. Even during action sequences, she stands her ground during fistfights and single-handedly takes down more than one villain. Although Neagley seems even more stoic and reserved than Reacher,the show adds emotional depth to her characterization by showing how distraught she feels when Guy Russo dies.
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Lee Child’sJack Reachernovels
Hermilitary backstory inReacherseason 2also discloses that she was always looked down upon by several officers because she was “enlisted.” This crucial detail about her past establishes her as an underdog who has risen in the ranks through sheer will and determination. If that does not make her worthy of having her ownReacherspinoff series, what does?
Reacher
Reacher follows Jack Reacher, a former military police investigator, as he navigates civilian life. Without a phone and carrying minimal belongings, Reacher drifts across the country, experiencing the nation he once served, and encounters intriguing challenges along the way.
