The Urgent Need for Roscoe & Finlay's Return in Reacher: Unveiling Alan Ritchson's Candid Insights

Summary

Alan Ritchson argues that it would be a shame not to see Roscoe and Finlay again in Reacher, as they set a high bar for supporting characters.

The reason for Roscoe and Finlay's absence in Reacher season 2 is tied to the show's storytelling format, where Jack needs to explore new locations in every season.

Although Roscoe and Finlay will not be seen in season 2, there are possibilities for their return in future seasons. This could be achieved through Jack mentioning them or providing valid reasons for their involvement in the story once again.

Alan Ritchson made a strong case for the return of Roscoe Conklin (Willa Fitzgerald) and Oscar Finlay (Malcolm Goodwin) to the series Reacher. Ritchson plays the lead role of Jack Reacher in Amazon Prime Video's adaptation of Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels, and his character is the only one guaranteed to appear in every season. Each season of the show focuses on one book, taking a procedural approach to storytelling. While this keeps the show fresh for long-time viewers, it also has some significant drawbacks, which will become evident in the show's second season. Unlike the first season, which was based on the debut installment of the series, Killing Floor, the second season will skip ahead to book 11, Bad Luck and Trouble. This means that the characters Jack formed a bond with in the first season will not be returning for the second season, as established in the season one finale when Jack left Margrave and went separate ways from Roscoe and Finlay.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Alan Ritchson Is Right: It'd Be Too Big A Shame To Not See Roscoe & Finlay Again

In 2022, during an interview with Collider, Ritchson discussed the potential of adopting an anthology-type structure for Reacher. While acknowledging the advantages of this format, he expressed concerns about the inability to reunite with the talented individuals he had collaborated with in season 1, specifically Fitzgerald and Malcolm. Ritchson highlighted the exceptional performances of Roscoe and Finlay, noting they had set a high standard for the supporting characters in Reacher. Consequently, he emphasized the importance of finding a way to bring them back in future seasons, irrespective of the narrative approach chosen for the series. Ritchson's complete statement can be found below:

It's unfortunate that there's a possibility I may not reunite with some of them. They set such a high standard that it would be a mistake not to see them again. Therefore, I hope we have the opportunity. Although I'm unsure how this will unfold, it could be an area where we deviate slightly from the books, benefitting the audience if they make more appearances.

Ritchson's statement reflects the anticipation surrounding Reacher season 2. Both Roscoe and Finlay were compelling characters in their own right, making them invaluable allies to Jack. Their unique dynamics with the show's protagonist elevated him significantly. While the cast for Reacher season 2 seems promising, they have big shoes to fill, placing additional pressure on the show to deliver in its next installment.

Why Roscoe & Finlay Aren't In Reacher Season 2

The absence of Roscoe and Finlay in Reacher season 2 is determined by the storytelling format of the series. To give justice to Child's beloved books, the show follows a narrative blueprint that requires Jack to move on from one setting to another each season. Being a hobo and constantly on the move is an important aspect of Jack's story, making it nearly impossible for him to settle in one place. Despite his feelings for Roscoe, he chooses to move on from Margrave.

Not being able to stay in one place is a crucial characteristic of Jack, and Reacher on Amazon Prime Video adheres to this trait, even mirroring Tom Cruise's portrayal of the character in the movies. In season 2, Jack teams up with Frances Neagley to investigate the deaths of their former team members, leaving no room for Finlay and Roscoe to be central players in the story. Additionally, Finlay and Roscoe are occupied dealing with the aftermath of their actions against the Kliners' criminal activities.

How Can Roscoe & Finaly Return In Reacher?

Despite not appearing in Reacher season 2, it is essential for both Roscoe and Finlay to remain integral to Jack's world. One way to achieve this in the upcoming second season is by having Jack mention them, which should not be too difficult since Neagley also knows his former allies in Margrave. However, beyond Reacher season 2, the project must bring back the duo. With Finlay having left the small town and returned to Boston, the chances of him being recruited for Jack's next mission are higher.

Bringing back Roscoe, on the other hand, is more challenging. When Jack left Margrave, she expressed her plans to reclaim and rebuild the town that her family established. Assuming she succeeds in this endeavor, there needs to be a valid reason for her to leave her hometown and reunite with Jack and Finlay. It is preferable for her to be absent in Reacher season 2 due to this reason, but moving forward, it is not impossible to convince her to leave Georgia and assist Jack if he requires her help.

Source: Collider

Editor's P/S

As an ardent fan of the Reacher series, I share Alan Ritchson's sentiments regarding the crucial need for Roscoe Conklin and Oscar Finlay's return. Their absence in Season 2 was disheartening, leaving a void that was difficult to fill. Roscoe and Finlay were not just supporting characters; they were integral to Jack Reacher's journey, providing invaluable assistance and forming deep connections with him.

Their departure from the show diminished the sense of continuity and camaraderie that had been established in Season 1. While I understand the narrative necessity of exploring new settings and characters, I believe that Roscoe and Finlay's roles could have been adapted to fit within the new storylines. Their return would not only be a treat for fans but also an opportunity to further develop their characters and explore their dynamics with Jack in different circumstances.