Reacherseason 3 could avoid repeating its predecessor’s biggest mistakes if it learns one crucial lesson from Netflix’s 96% Rotten Tomatoes action movie. Although aconfirmed release date forReacherseason 3has not been announced yet, the production for the upcoming season of the Amazon show is already underway. Considering its casting details and book choice for adaptation,Reacherseason 3 is seemingly on the right path towards continuing the series' successful run.
As reports confirm,Reacherseason 3 is adapting Lee Child’sPersuader, which offers a compelling story that will likely translate well to the small screen. It is also marking the return of Maria Sten’s Neagley, whose appearance in the season will likely pave the way for her confirmed spinoff series. Even thecasting choices made forReacherseason 3, so far, seem perfectly in tandem with the original book’s characters. However, even thoughReacherseason 3has a lot going on in its favor, it could benefit from learning one lesson from a successful action movie on Netflix.
Reacher Season 2 Leaned Too Much Into Over-The-Top Action
It Stretched The Suspension Of Disbelief A Little Too Far
Like season 1,Reacherseason 2 was both critically and commercially successful when it premiered on Prime Video. However, a common complaint surrounding its action sequences suggests it took its plot armor a little too far. While Jack Reacher is supposed to be an overpowered protagonist who seemingly has borderline superhuman abilities even inLee Child’s originalJack Reacherbooks, season 2changes many scenes from Lee Child’sBad Luck and Troubletomake the Alan Ritchson character seem even more formidable than his original counterpart.
All Jack Reacher Books In Order (Where To Start)
The Amazon Prime Video television show Reacher is based on Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books – read on for all the novels in the lengthy series.
For instance, towards the end of the book, Jack Reacher merely hides inside a chopper and waits for Langston and his man to arrive before attacking them. However, in the show, he leaps onto the helicopter, grabs its landing skid, and climbs inside it to duke it out with the bad guys. Moments later, he somehow manages to single-handedly beat the bad guys despite having a knife ripping through his arm. In several other scenes,Reacherseason 2 makes the titular character seem too invincible, which takes away the sense of realism that made season 1 compelling.
Rebel Ridge Proves Reacher Is Better Off Keeping Its Action Realistic
Rebel Ridge Defies Expectations With Its Action Scenes
In its opening moments,Rebel Ridgeis similar toReacherin more ways than one. Like Jack Reacher, its protagonist, Terry Richmond, arrives in a small town with little to no belongings. However, before he knows it, he finds himself in the local law enforcers' crosshairs when they unjustly seize his money. Similar to Jack Reacher, Terry Richmond chooses to fight against the corrupt local law enforcers. However, unlike Jack Reacher, Terry Richmond takes a more cerebral approach.
WhileReacherseason 2 diminishes its sense of realism by stacking Jack Reacher’s kill count to unrealistic levels,Rebel Ridgeopts for a more grounded portrayal of the overarching conflict.
He realizes he cannot afford to leave a trail of blood behind him. Therefore, instead of getting involved in a mindless fight for vengeance against the local police officers, he resorts to non-lethal methods of combat. By emphasizing Terry Richmond’s approach, theJeremy Saulnier moviehints at his martial arts background from the military. At the same time, it also highlights thatregardless of how overpowered he may be, Richmond is not above the law and could face severe legal consequences for his actions.
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WhileReacherseason 2 diminishes its sense of realism by stacking Jack Reacher’s kill count to unrealistic levels,Rebel Ridgeopts for a more grounded portrayal of the overarching conflict. This arguably makesRebel Ridgemore immersive and relatable than Reacher season 2. It also allows the movie to draw a clear distinction between the morally righteous protagonist and the corrupt, antagonistic police officers.Rebel Ridge’s ability to be relatable proves thatReachercould also benefit from keeping its action sequences more grounded in realism.
Reacher Season 3’s Story Is More Suited To Realism Than Season 2
It Has All The Right Ingredients To Fix Season 2’s Mistakes
SinceReacherseason 3 is adapting Lee Child’sPersuader, it will have a smaller setting than season 2. This alone reduces the overarching stakes of Jack Reacher’s mission, grounding his pursuit of justice in a more personal and relatable context. As the original book suggests, Jack Reacher will also face formidable enemies like Quinn and Paulie, who will give him a run for his money.
While Jack Reacher is 6 feet 5 inches tall in the original Lee Child books, Paulie is close to 7 feet.
Unlike season 2’s Langston,Reacherseason 3’s Pauliewill be able to harm Jack Reacher in a one-on-one fistfight. This would portray a side of Jack Reacher that viewers have not seen in the show’s first two seasons. By presenting a more vulnerable and less invincible version of the Alan Ritchson character,Reacherseason 3 will likely allow for deeper and more realistic story explorations.
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.
Rebel Ridge
Former Marine Terry Richmond travels to Shelby Springs to post bail for his cousin, only to find his savings unjustly seized by a corrupt local police force. With the help of court clerk Summer McBride, Terry uncovers a deep-seated conspiracy and vows to bring justice to the town.
