“You Do Not Mess with the Special Investigators”
Jack Reacher comes in from the cold in Season 2 but doesn’t stop raging. Nothing much has changed at the start of the first episode. Once again, Reacher (Alan Ritchson) is grabbing clothes that are new-to-him from a thrift store (including boxers), but the series wastes zero minutes in reminding us our hero is good-hearted with a propensity for solving problems with his fists. A good deed leads Reacher to the discovery his former Army unit mate, Neaghley (Maria Sten), needs his help.
Another member of their old Special Investigators team was killed under suspicious circumstances and two more appear to be missing. From there the memories, loyalty, and action are relentless in the best possible way and yet the levity is high. Reacher and Neaghley build on their bond as they put the team back together to avenge the fallen. After all, “No one messes with the Special Investigators.” Although we’re meeting the others for the first time, characters like the snarky but charming O’Donnell (Shaun Sipos) or the perceptive and charismatic Dixon (Serinda Swan) feel lived in. This makes the friendship between the four easy to invest in.
Other than Reacher himself, Sten’s Neaghley remains top dog. There’s something about her charming nonchalance, wit, and aversion to being touched that makes you want to know more. Alternately, Ritchson’s brawny bravado, over-it-attitude, and hidden compassion are still the power-core of the show. He excels at it. And if you haven’t noticed, he’s even bigger than in the first season, which makes you wonder what kind of internal mechanics allow him to move with such grace. Stay ready for lots of good fights in varies places using every weapons possible—including wet concrete.
The central mystery of the season is strong and there’s a chameleon-like villain (Ferdinand Kingsley) who makes it spicier. While not the best baddie in S2, Robert Patrick still chews on morality and blows it up like a bubble (he also gets in a good Terminator joke). The plot is hard to talk about without giving it away. Let’s just say good deeds led to bad enemies. Reacher continues to be a favorite for those of us who like our procedurals seasoned with fisticuffs and one-liners. And this season proves ensemble action is at its best when it’s about family—found, enlisted, or bloody.
WATCH IT AS SOON AS YOU CAN.
Good News: It’s already been renewed for Season 3
