Reacher 2 Review: Alan Ritchson's action series is bigger, slicker

Season 2 of Alan Ritchson starrer Reacher, based on Lee Child's novels, has dropped on Prime Video. The 'Big Guy' is back to avenge the killing of his special investigations squad members and seems relentless in his pursuit to tie the loose ends. Those who are aware of Child's novels will know what Reacher has to offer. A brooding, upright ex-military Major, who "doesn't like to get involved", is drawn into an investigation of missing and presumed dead soldiers from his unit. While one is fully aware of where the series might be headed, it is Reacher's journey that makes the show exciting to watch.

Hot Take

With just 3 episodes out on Prime Video, Reacher has set the tone for what is to come. The eponymous lead is a man of few words but packs a solid punch. In the first scene, he bashes a carjacker within an inch of his life in a matter of seconds, drawing us immediately into his perilous life. Reacher is an authority in his own right, an absolute beast, whose name is enough to ruffle the feathers.

But his vulnerability, mostly emerging from his past life and high-value living makes him human and one among us. This is where Reacher strikes an emotional cord. Despite his noticeably huge size, his soft heart shines through his deep and soft eyes. Reacher excels once again in delivering action with emotion in equal measures and is a worthy entry to the list of the most popular shows of 2023.    

Does Reacher live up to the hype?

Reacher is a vigilante whose unauthorised investigation and how he bulldozes his way through the bad guys form a major part of the storyline. When he confronts someone, there's only one way things can go. While the show develops at a slow pace, giving equal weightage to sleuthing and how Reacher's past connects to everything unfolding in his present, action blocks elevate the pace within minutes.

To see Reacher shift gears from internalising his thoughts to going all out in taking down his opponents is one of the most entertaining aspects of the show and like the first season, this essence is retained. From small apartments to dimly-lit streets and spacious diners, the sound of crashing glass panes and broken bones is a joy to witness when Reacher goes for the kill.

In one of the emotional scenes in season 2 that gives a glimpse into Reacher's hobo-like life, he is seen discussing how he just walks around town, sleeping in cheap motels and sharing food with strangers. It makes you feel for him. We soon realise it is what makes the man, the myth. The action scenes are spaced out and don't weigh down the series. Reacher's dialogues are crisp and are meant to convey what he is feeling.  

When Reacher hits it's like a car has rammed into you. The show is also just like that. It's taut, to the point and with measured moments of action and drama. The camaraderie between him and his teammates adds moments of light humour and takes the edge off in moments it begins to wear us down.

Stream it or skip it?

Reacher is certainly one of the best shows of 2023 in its genre. Before the year wraps up, it will make for a good binge-watch over a weekend. It is action, entertainment and drama rolled into one and it is certainly fun to watch a towering Reacher run his way through his enemies.

Bottomline

Reacher is everything you will expect from it and more. It's slicker and more entertaining than the first installment and worth a watch.  

Rating: 3.5/5 stars