Unveiling Amazon's Boldest Move Yet: The Controversial Decision to Skip 10 Lee Child Books in Reacher Season 2!

While it may seem that Reacher season 2 is taking a considerable narrative risk by omitting 10 Lee Child novels, this decision is actually more calculated and intelligent than it appears. In season 1, Amazon's Reacher adapted Killing Floor, Child's debut novel from 1997, and while creative liberties were taken, the show effectively captured the essence of Child's captivating stories. It portrayed Reacher as a mysterious and formidable hero who defies societal expectations and breaks traditional norms to deliver justice wherever his path leads.

After Reacher's escapades in Margrave during season 1, season 2 will now fast forward to the 11th book in Child's Jack Reacher series, titled Bad Luck and Trouble. Skipping over ten novels and diving right into this one might initially seem odd, as it bypasses the character development that Reacher undergoes beforehand. However, upon closer examination, this decision begins to make more sense when considering certain factors.

Reacher Season 2 Adapting "Bad Luck & Trouble" Is Perfect

Most TV shows do not exceed six seasons, especially in the era of streaming where viewers have a multitude of options. Considering that Lee Child's Jack Reacher book series has 27 novels, it would not be practical for Amazon's Reacher to adapt each book sequentially. If the show were to adhere to the order of the books and adapt "Die Trying" in season 2, it may never reach the later books in the series.

With "Bad Luck & Trouble" being one of the standout installments in Lee Child's Jack Reacher series, it makes more sense for Amazon's Reacher to skip ahead instead of following the chronological order. Season 1 has already established the action and drama surrounding Jack Reacher, making it narratively fitting for the series to explore the character's military past by adapting "Bad Luck & Trouble." Unlike the novels that gradually develop Jack Reacher's character over 27 installments, Amazon's Reacher is constrained by its limited runtime.

Therefore, in order to consistently engage audiences and provide them with a deeper understanding of Jack Reacher's character, Amazon's Reacher must introduce new elements of his overarching storyline with each season. Bad Luck & Trouble accomplishes this by exploring Reacher's military police background, which is a subject of curiosity for viewers following season 1. Moreover, since Reacher season 1 only offers glimpses of his military history through flashbacks, incorporating Bad Luck & Trouble into season 2 also ensures a sense of narrative continuity for the show.

Reacher Season 2 Skipping So Much Source Material Remains A Risk

Although it seems logical for Reacher season 2 to deviate from the original order of the novels and adapt the 11th book first, it remains a risky decision. By skipping over 10 books in the series, Amazon's Reacher season 2 runs the risk of neglecting pivotal character developments that shape Jack Reacher's evolution up to the 11th book. Additionally, numerous secondary storylines in the ten skipped books play a vital role in providing further context to Jack Reacher's relationship with his fellow military comrades.

By directly introducing the military allies of the titular character in season 2, Amazon's Reacher will skip several foundational stories. These stories subtly contribute to Jack's Bad Luck & Trouble arc and add more depth to it. In order to maintain consistency with season 1, the creators of Reacher season 2 will have to make noticeable revisions to the storylines of Bad Luck & Trouble. If these retroactive changes are not executed effectively, readers of Lee Child's work, who enjoyed the first season of Reacher for its faithfulness to the source material, may be disappointed, posing a significant risk for the series.

Amazon's Reacher Can Still Use Books 2-10 (Eventually)

Due to limitations in runtime and the audiovisual nature of storytelling, Amazon's adaptation of Lee Child's book series, Reacher, may not be able to cover all the books. However, it can still incorporate content from books 2-10 seamlessly into future seasons, ensuring no important arcs of Jack Reacher's overarching narrative are missed. In doing so, Amazon's Reacher can provide TV audiences with a comprehensive understanding of the world in which Jack Reacher operates, satisfying both avid readers and those new to the source material.