Summary
Reacher season 1 received positive reviews and was a ratings success, with viewers growing fond of characters like Roscoe and Finlay.
Reacher season 2 brings in fresh faces while also reuniting him with his former army unit, forming a storyline that is both grounded and nostalgic. Just like the novels, Reacher's wandering tendencies mean that familiar characters seldom make a comeback, evoking a bittersweet sentiment among viewers who will undoubtedly long for the presence of beloved characters from earlier seasons.
Viewers who found fault with the ending of the first season of Amazon's Reacher may encounter similar issues in the second season. Despite the immense popularity of Lee Child's Reacher novels, it took nearly 15 years for the imposing hero to be brought to life on screen. While Tom Cruise's portrayal of Jack Reacher in the films was successful, readers believed that Cruise was completely miscast in the lead role. Amazon's adaptation of Reacher introduced Alan Ritchson in the title role, and he instantly seemed to embody the character as if he had stepped out of the pages of Child's books.
The first season of Reacher was based on Child's debut novel, Killing Floor. Not only did the first season achieve high ratings, it also received overwhelmingly positive reviews. This extends to the casting choices of Willa Fitzgerald as Roscoe and Malcolm Goodwin as Finlay, who portray Reacher's friends and allies throughout the season. In line with the novels, the first season of Reacher concluded with Reacher moving on from the town of Margrave - and leaving behind the bodies of numerous villains - as he embarked on his next thrilling adventure.
Why Reacher Season 1's Ending Was Divisive
Reacher's season 1 finale had Jack and his gang successfully dismantling the town's counterfeiting operation and eliminating all the villains, just like in Killing Floor. The conclusion of Reacher did not create controversy due to any deficiencies in the storytelling or the demise of a well-liked character, but rather because it meant that Roscoe and Finlay would not make a reappearance on the show. Neither character makes a comeback in Child's novels, and it was soon confirmed after Reacher premiered on Amazon that there were no plans to include them in future seasons either.
Viewers became quite attached to both Finlay - who developed a buddy cop-style bond with Reacher - and Roscoe. This is particularly true for Roscoe, as the growing romance between her and Reacher was one of the central aspects that resonated in the first season. Even Child himself admitted that the portrayal of the character in the show was more captivating than the Roscoe portrayed in Killing Floor, and expressed sadness that she would not be returning for Reacher season 2.
Reacher Season 2 Will Also Say Goodbye To Jack's Team
Season 2 propels forward by ten Reacher books to Bad Luck and Trouble, where the protagonist is reunited with his former Army unit comrades. This reunion is triggered by the mysterious murders of their ex-colleagues, driving the remaining members to seek vengeance. Choosing to delve into Bad Luck and Trouble is a strategic decision, as it not only reunites Jack with his closest allies but also provides further insight into his past.
Building upon the first season, season 2 introduces the return of Neagley (Maria Sten) and also brings in other former members of the 110th MP Special Investigations Unit: David O'Donnell (Shaun Sipos) and Karla Dixon (Serinda Swan). O'Donnell is recognized for wielding ceramic knuckles and a switchblade, while Dixon excels in numerical analysis and was renowned as one of the top investigators in the unit. Remaining true to Bad Luck and Trouble, Karla also becomes Jack's new romantic interest in Reacher season 2.
Reacher's Endings Should Always Feel Bittersweet
Bad Luck and Trouble presents an engaging mystery that is made even more enjoyable by the presence of Reacher's long-time companions. With years of collaboration and deep friendships, these familiar faces provide a refreshing change from the typical Reacher narratives, where he encounters unfamiliar characters that struggle to deal with his unique demeanor. If the second season proves as successful as the first, viewers might find themselves just as saddened by Reacher's departure from his team as they were when he bid farewell to Roscoe and Finlay.
The Reacher novels have managed to stay fresh due to the protagonist's constant movement. He is fueled by an insatiable desire to keep moving, which is why he left Margrave behind at the conclusion of season 1. As a result, subsequent books rarely reintroduce previous characters, and each story presents Jack in a distinct location with a new set of allies and foes. However, similar to the conclusion of nearly every episode of The Incredible Hulk TV series, there should be a bittersweet feeling when he decides to move on.
Roscoe and Finlay were compelling characters, and it's disappointing that they probably won't make a comeback. This shows that the filmmakers successfully made the audience fall in love with them, making it a bit melancholic that Reacher is moving on. It's probable that similar complaints will arise after the finale of the second season, as Reacher's team is equally endearing and reveals a slightly more vulnerable side of the usually guarded protagonist.
O'Donnell never appeared again in the books, and although Dixon returned in The Affair, it's unlikely to be adapted in the near future since it's a prequel. In fact, the casting choices for the second season imply that there will be flashbacks to the unit's army days, so some content from The Affair might make its way into the upcoming season. Regardless, when Reacher season 2 concludes, it's expected that viewers will miss O'Donnell and Dixon.