Reach season three could avoid repeating its predecessor’s biggest mistakes if it learns a crucial lesson from Netflix’s 96% Rotten Tomatoes action film. Although a confirmed release date for Reach season 3 has not yet been announced, production on the next season of the Amazon show is already underway. Considering casting details and choosing the book for adaptation Reach season three is apparently on track to continue the series’ success.
As reports confirm, Reach season three is adapting Lee Child’s Persuaderwhich offers a compelling story that will likely translate well to the small screen. It’s also marking the return of Maria Sten’s Neagley, whose appearance in the season will likely pave the way for her confirmed spinoff series. Even the casting choices made for Reach season three, so far, seems perfectly compatible with the characters from the original book. However, even if Reach season three has a lot going for it, it could benefit from learning a lesson from a hit action movie on Netflix.
Reacher Season 2 leaned too much into over-the-top action
That stretched the suspension of disbelief a little too much
Like the first season, Reach season 2 was a critical and commercial success when it premiered on Prime Video. However, a common complaint surrounding its action sequences suggests that it took the plot a little too far. Although Jack Reacher is considered a domineering protagonist who apparently has borderline superhuman abilities, even in Lee Child’s original Jack Reacher books, season two changes many scenes from Lee Child Bad luck and trouble to make Alan Ritchson’s character seem even more formidable than his original counterpart.
For example, at the end of the book, Jack Reacher just hides inside a helicopter and waits for Langston and his man to arrive before attacking them. However, in the show, he jumps into the helicopter, grabs the landing skid and climbs inside to fight with the bad guys. Moments later, he somehow manages to defeat the bandits alone, despite having a knife going through his arm. In several other scenes Reach Season 2 makes the titular character seem very invincible, which takes away the sense of realism that made Season 1 compelling.
Rebel Ridge proves that Reacher better keep its action realistic
Rebel Ridge defies expectations with its action scenes
In its initial moments, Rebel Ridge is similar to Reach in more ways than one. Like Jack Reacher, its protagonist, Terry Richmond, arrives in a small town with few or no belongings. However, before he knows it, he finds himself in the crosshairs of the local cops when they unfairly confiscate his money. Similar to Jack Reacher, Terry Richmond chooses to fight corrupt local law enforcement. However, unlike Jack Reacher, Terry Richmond takes a more cerebral approach.
While Reach season two diminishes its sense of realism by increasing Jack Reacher’s kill count to unrealistic levels, Rebel Ridge opts for a more grounded portrayal of the overall conflict.
He realizes he can’t afford to leave a trail of blood behind him. So instead of engaging in a mindless fight for revenge against the local cops, he resorts to non-lethal combat methods. By emphasizing Terry Richmond’s approach, Jeremy Saulnier’s film hints at his martial arts background in the military. At the same time, it also highlights that Regardless of how domineering he may be, Richmond is not above the law and could face serious legal consequences for his actions..
|
Film/Program |
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
|
Reacher Season 1 |
92% |
91% |
|
Reacher Season 2 |
98% |
78% |
|
Rebel Ridge |
96% |
72% |
While Reach season two diminishes its sense of realism by increasing Jack Reacher’s kill count to unrealistic levels, Rebel Ridge opts for a more grounded portrayal of the overall conflict. This undoubtedly makes Rebel Ridge more engaging and relatable than Reacher season two. It also allows the film to draw a clear distinction between the morally righteous protagonist and the antagonistic, corrupt police officers. Rebel Ridgethe ability to be identifiable proves that Reach It could also benefit from keeping its action sequences more grounded in realism.
Reacher season 3’s story is more suited to realism than season 2
It has all the right ingredients to right the wrongs of Season 2
Since Reach season three is adapting Lee Child’s Persuaderwill have a smaller setting than season 2. This in itself reduces the overall stakes of Jack Reacher’s mission, grounding his quest for justice in a more personal and relatable context. As the original book suggests, Jack Reacher will also face formidable enemies like Quinn and Paulie who will give him a run for his money.
Unlike Langston from season 2 Reach Season 3’s Paulie will be able to hurt Jack Reacher in a one-on-one fight. This would portray a side of Jack Reacher that viewers didn’t see in the series’ first two seasons. By presenting a more vulnerable and less invincible version of the character Alan Ritchson, Reach season three will likely allow for deeper, more realistic story explorations.