Can't believe nobody mentioned it yet. Russo holding his bloody hand up to her as he is dying and she is just staring at it with her jaw clenched thinking.. thinking... waiting... will she? Will she grab it or will she pull a Neagley and let him die without any human contact because she has a "thing" about touching people.. And she came through. In spades. She grabbed his hand and clenched it hard and then even put her other hand on top. This little touch almost made up for the rest of the episode which was just beyond belief. That ending with Russo dying was so sad and so good. The plot moved along too with learning about Swan.. kind of expected something like that... but now we know.. I wish Marlo had also pointed out that she *didn't* take the money when Dixon cracked that she made a nice payday (she took it but she left it behind..)
39 Reviews
Confused by poor reviews
jacy_dyer14 January 2024
This show is incredible. You're upset Reacher is doing things other people can't? That's the whole premise of the Reacher franchise. To call for an end to the show? Stop. Get over yourselves and stop acting like you're reviewing stuff for the Oscars.
This show is so entertaining. This season is separate from season 1 which I love because it sets this show up to last a long time. It does have some awesome cameos (no spoilers here!) I've been a fan of Alan Ritchson since Blue Mountain State. He is absolutely showing his range as an actor excelling at his role as Reacher.
Entertainment doesn't have to be super realistic. "But, but, but, he shot down a helicopter after they were shooting at him, but he didn't get shot!" - this show has intrigue, mystery, action, romance, comedy, drama... what else do you need?!
Anyone who hasn't seen this show- watch it. Absolutely worth it. Everyone complaining about it being unrealistic? Get over yourself and leave the show to the people to enjoy it then.
This show is so entertaining. This season is separate from season 1 which I love because it sets this show up to last a long time. It does have some awesome cameos (no spoilers here!) I've been a fan of Alan Ritchson since Blue Mountain State. He is absolutely showing his range as an actor excelling at his role as Reacher.
Entertainment doesn't have to be super realistic. "But, but, but, he shot down a helicopter after they were shooting at him, but he didn't get shot!" - this show has intrigue, mystery, action, romance, comedy, drama... what else do you need?!
Anyone who hasn't seen this show- watch it. Absolutely worth it. Everyone complaining about it being unrealistic? Get over yourself and leave the show to the people to enjoy it then.
Good Story--Idiotic Gunfights
Hitchcoc7 January 2024
Remember the Storm Troopers from Star Wars? There were a thousand of them, all firing at Han Solo. He would take ten shots and kill ten of them. All one thousand would fire on him. Not a scratch. While there is good suspense built up here, the ultimate gunfight is ridiculous. Automatic weapon fire at point blank range, and nobody gets hurt. It's a shame about the cop. He was a good character and added some spice to the show. Of course, the bad guy got away. In swoops a helicopter. Off her goes. Of course, Reacher fires at the copter from five hundred feet with a handgun. These are really bad people and we want to see them pay, but they have reached near supernatural status. Now we "really" want to see them decimated. At the top of the list is that British guy.
The pieces fall in to place.
MiloSuperSpesh5 January 2024
For those looking for an improvement over ep5 will find it here, but it's still focusing on the story elements, with a bit of action toward the end.
Nay sayers will rate it low because of this more cerebral take to pay off the sub plot threads, we get definitive answers on a couple of things, but i won't spoil them.
This episode picks up soon after ep5, traveling around is skipped over and they just suddenly somewhere else.
Quality is still high with sound action and most of the casts acting and some good levity and one liners.
Downside: the ending tries to make a statement and develope a character but the final seconds cheapen it.
Nay sayers will rate it low because of this more cerebral take to pay off the sub plot threads, we get definitive answers on a couple of things, but i won't spoil them.
This episode picks up soon after ep5, traveling around is skipped over and they just suddenly somewhere else.
Quality is still high with sound action and most of the casts acting and some good levity and one liners.
Downside: the ending tries to make a statement and develope a character but the final seconds cheapen it.
Much much much better
keanesuvakov5 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
A significant improvement compared to the rest of these season, Atleast to the last two episodes. This season has mainly been piled of a weaker script compared to season 1, meaningless action, significantly worse pacing and a weaker overall plot. However, this episode has managed to catch back up and has been able to redeem itself. New Yorks finest is a great episode, easily the best of the season so far. The episode improves on all aspects of the recent episodes that were lacking, the script in this episode is actually great and the silencer joke was very funny and creative. The pacing is great, spends enough time establishing what's gonna happen as well as showcasing the action. Reacher picking off Langstons guys one by one in a batmanish way was super entertaining to watch and only further highlights the possibility of him being Batman in the future. And finally, some STAKES. Russo's death is executed well, no complaints there. This episode was a great watch and I hope the season continues with episodes like these.
Just a minor criticism
pmfrqxddm5 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
OK just a minor criticism here, when Reacher got there the first thing he should / would do would be to reach in the SUV and grab an automatic weapon, like they were using. They had clearly left them behind because now they were using handguns not automatic weapons as they search for him. So if you're Reacher, you grab an automatic weapon from the SUV and then with that helicopter arrives you're gonna blast that thing out of the sky nobody gets away. Now I realize that would have ended things for this season two episodes short of what they intended but there is some logic in it, especially Reacher logic.
Gripping action
jgfrvyg6 January 2024
Quite an engaging episode with a lot of shooting and a tragic death towards the end! This series continues to please with its muscle bound titular character and supporting ensemble cast. There's a lot of shooting action and violence in this one but it's still an enjoyable ride, with even a sex scene thrown in where a female character wants to reduce some "pent up tension." The lead baddie, played by Robert Patrick of Terminator fame is fairly menacing but you just know Reacher is going to avenge his friend's death by throwing him out of a helicopter. All in all, a good episode though felt sorry for the traffic cop just doing her job who became collateral damage.
Why?!?!?!
hazangel-8991020 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Russo is truly my favourite character in Season 2. I must say I have been pretty disappointed with this season. Russo could have been so good in future episodes. It makes no sense to get rid of him.
I was a Reacher fan girl from season one. Admittedly I was not familiar with any other Reacher stories but I fell in love with this one during the first season. This season is just not that interesting or compelling. Perhaps it was best when Reacher was more or less on his own and found allies on the way.
Honestly the best part of this season was Russo and the opening scene with the ATM machine. It's been downhill since, unfortunately.
I was a Reacher fan girl from season one. Admittedly I was not familiar with any other Reacher stories but I fell in love with this one during the first season. This season is just not that interesting or compelling. Perhaps it was best when Reacher was more or less on his own and found allies on the way.
Honestly the best part of this season was Russo and the opening scene with the ATM machine. It's been downhill since, unfortunately.
Amazing!!
I3R0K3N7FEET6 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
One of the most realistic acts of heroism captured in the TV and film industry.
Spoilers ahead.
The closing scene of this episode was fantastic, emotional, realistic and believable.
The end gunfight was absolutely amazing. Guy Russo is a f*****g HERO!! This is the first time I have seriously seen accurate assessment of a gunfight played out in a TV or movie ever. And the acting and assessment was believable and awe consuming.
Guy Russo is an experienced law man and will know what's what regarding the type of firearms the offenders are using (machine pistols). Mostly effective as close range/short distance, low armour penetration. Guy knew the car would provide reasonable protection for a while but not for long, and so used the time to make time and provide enough time for the girl to escape. Knowing that he has to close the distance to get a couple of clean shots, he assessed the guys were not expert marksmen and realised his best hope of at least one of them serving was relying on the offenders to shoot sporadically and uncontrolled. He managed to take out two guys with trained accurate shooting, approaching sideways to reduce his target size.
He gave his life and achieved his aim of protecting the girl. Yes he had some help eventually, but this echos takes of real heroism. No celebration, no overreacting, just the silent respect and recognition of a hero dying for the greater good. Fantastic character, fantastic writing and screen play!!
Spoilers ahead.
The closing scene of this episode was fantastic, emotional, realistic and believable.
The end gunfight was absolutely amazing. Guy Russo is a f*****g HERO!! This is the first time I have seriously seen accurate assessment of a gunfight played out in a TV or movie ever. And the acting and assessment was believable and awe consuming.
Guy Russo is an experienced law man and will know what's what regarding the type of firearms the offenders are using (machine pistols). Mostly effective as close range/short distance, low armour penetration. Guy knew the car would provide reasonable protection for a while but not for long, and so used the time to make time and provide enough time for the girl to escape. Knowing that he has to close the distance to get a couple of clean shots, he assessed the guys were not expert marksmen and realised his best hope of at least one of them serving was relying on the offenders to shoot sporadically and uncontrolled. He managed to take out two guys with trained accurate shooting, approaching sideways to reduce his target size.
He gave his life and achieved his aim of protecting the girl. Yes he had some help eventually, but this echos takes of real heroism. No celebration, no overreacting, just the silent respect and recognition of a hero dying for the greater good. Fantastic character, fantastic writing and screen play!!
New York's Finest
Prismark103 February 2024
I like how a cop turns up when a rental car has something loose hanging on the windscreen. Bad news for the cop. Maybe she should not have attempted to write up a warning when the guy is visiting from Britain.
On the other hand Cop Russo is getting chased all over New York with a scared child in the back of his car. No cops at all anywhere.
Neagley is chasing to intercept the baddies chasing Russo. She must have been moving in slow motion.
As for Reacher, overjoyed by the news that his old army buddy Tony Swan might not be a villain in all this. Finally has Shane Langston cornered.
Only Reacher forgot to watch the skies.
It is enjoyable hokum despite all the plot holes and some laughable lines. Reacher telling Langston there was only way for him to leave and he would need to go past him. Langston went past him alright.
On the other hand Cop Russo is getting chased all over New York with a scared child in the back of his car. No cops at all anywhere.
Neagley is chasing to intercept the baddies chasing Russo. She must have been moving in slow motion.
As for Reacher, overjoyed by the news that his old army buddy Tony Swan might not be a villain in all this. Finally has Shane Langston cornered.
Only Reacher forgot to watch the skies.
It is enjoyable hokum despite all the plot holes and some laughable lines. Reacher telling Langston there was only way for him to leave and he would need to go past him. Langston went past him alright.
Reaching a crescendo as the Finale gets close!
jijo-sonicforce6 January 2024
After the slower pace to set up plot points in the last episode, this picks up right where it left off and like a jigsaw puzzle, things are starting to fall into place.
A few friends complained after last episode's ending that (SPOILER) how can there be such a massive blast without waking anyone up. Great to see that the remote detonation was addressed within the first few sequences only.
The involvement of bent cops, AM being merciless as usual, and Reacher being himself (in some amazing action in the final 10 minutes) was really stitched up nicely together. (SPOILER) That Russo scene was absolutely brutal. There is only one more episode to go, and honestly I just can't wait !! Wow.
A few friends complained after last episode's ending that (SPOILER) how can there be such a massive blast without waking anyone up. Great to see that the remote detonation was addressed within the first few sequences only.
The involvement of bent cops, AM being merciless as usual, and Reacher being himself (in some amazing action in the final 10 minutes) was really stitched up nicely together. (SPOILER) That Russo scene was absolutely brutal. There is only one more episode to go, and honestly I just can't wait !! Wow.
"I AM a first-person shooter."
LegendaryFang565 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
(1,620-word review) I'm starting to notice what some people were talking about concerning the second half of this season. I've seen comments mention how more apparent instances of a logically questionable nature end up occurring, possibly accompanied by a slight sense of a dip in quality as well, at least compared to whatever level at which you'd put the beginning of the season.
I can't pinpoint it, but this episode's "quality" felt lower than previous episodes. This one also had an ordinary, overall "basic" air about it in contrast to the unique individualistic identity this season has somewhat had, or seemingly had, at the start, up to this point. That came as a shock, given the stark difference here to the familiarization we've acquired by now with the similitudes of the on-the-surface facets within the presentations of every prior episode. It's like successfully holding something past the halfway mark of whatever you think fits appropriately in this terrible analogy, then suddenly dropping it. "Locked-in...ness" became unlocked. Houdini is alive, ladies and gentlemen.
There were also moments that, yes, you could point out in episodes besides this one (but were more easily excusable), that stood out a little brighter as a result: Reacher calling out to Langston instead of only calling his phone, then quietly but quickly heading to his location - instead, he called out to him, called his phone, then walked at a snail's pace a step or two towards that direction of the sound before the helicopter teleported close enough for him to magically hear, given he didn't hear it coming way sooner (though I suppose you can justify the first part of that whole sequence with the likely assumption of Reacher wanting to kill him slowly and one-on-one); then, he walked out into the open to shoot at the helicopter while being shot at for the first couple of seconds.
Followed by Russo's "heroic" (drawing symbolizing connections with him giving Mikey Franz a toy of a comic book superhero in the prior episode and the story about his father's death at the hands of dirty cops because he refused to lower himself to their level, adding another facet to an act of being a cop who dies a sacrificial, "heroic" death to protect a kid) entirely avoidable, last-stand of excessive foolishness by heading directly towards the guys shooting at him because the plot/source material said so (maybe that was written better in the novel), and the last guy wasting a couple of seconds to shoot out a one-liner instead of shooting Jane, as well as conveniently standing in the middle of the road, giving Neagley enough time to run him over - another instance of a character not hearing a loud noise until the plot allows them.
The biggest offender was Russo's death itself. There was this feeling that it was meant to be impactful; I mean, what death of a significant/semi-significant character wouldn't have that intention? But it didn't feel like that at all. They tried to gaslight us into seeing it that way, with the on-the-nose, "heroically sacrificial" score cue as he was "walking into the fire" - and as if that wasn't enough, they tried even harder to bestow a genuine sense of emotional weight through the moment shared between him and Neagley as he was dying of her forcing herself to grab his hand, going against her phobia (I read a comment by someone that she was strongly implied in the novels to have haphephobia) of being touched/touching other people as a Hail Mary attempt to get you to care about him dying if you weren't already on board.
We barely knew him; hell, Reacher & Crew, specifically Neagley, barely knew him, yet we're supposed to subscribe to the belief that she would fight against her phobia for someone she didn't know well, let alone nowhere near the extent she knows Reacher (and the others). You could say she did it, at the very least, for his sake during his final seconds of life, which is probably the case, though I'd say that would be forced reasoning for it in the sense of trying to instill any semblance of emotional attachment and investment in that scene.
Plus, why was he facing the wrong direction on the ground? He was facing Langston's men, then walked around his car. His body would've dropped backward, meaning his head should've been facing his car, but his position was the other way around. It's as if it was for convenience. Neagley and the team (minus Reacher) came from behind him. The only (non-existent) "downside" if his positioning was accurate would've been an extra few steps by her. That's barely a hindrance to the flow of the scene. My spatial awareness could've lied to me, though.
I feel like this overall show is at its best in one particular way, and that's when it fully utilizes the character dynamics, usually revolving around Reacher himself - whether it's Finlay and Roscoe's dynamic with him, or the supporting characters (Neagley, O'Donnell, Dixon) in this season and him. In truth, those three have greater potential to extract the most out of that element due to the deeper connection there from their history with him - at least more than Finlay and Roscoe managed to accomplish.
But it's starting to appear as if the writers are somewhat squandering that. The best episode so far was the one in Atlantic City, the second episode, which happened to emphasize these characters and their history; that's almost the sole reason for it being this season's high point at the time. Yet, it's still the high point. The theme of camaraderie and its depiction needs to be more front-and-center, akin to how it was in that episode. The trajectories of TV shows' quality or their season(s) should be gradually going uphill throughout its progression. And now, with this episode, the trajectory of this season seems to be noticeably shifting downward.
Regardless of all those things, I'm going to move on to different areas of discussion.
In my haste to inadvertently but somewhat intentionally catch potential "gaps" in the writing or disregard the possibility that one of those hypothetical instances will have a future explanation, I incorrectly designated the biker gang ambush two episodes ago as a plot convenience. But it wasn't. There was an actual narrative reason. Marsh, Russo's boss, knew about Reacher & Crew's trip to Boston and gave that information to Langston. I admit I was wrong.
Speaking of those two, the confrontation scene with Marsh and Russo was interestingly captivating, both from a writing perspective and specifically from the acting by Al Sapienza and Domenick Lombardozzi. Oddly enough, it practically came across as a scene from a different, higher-quality show. It didn't feel "compatible" with the totality of underlying quality this season has "procured" and mostly maintained. The writers may've put extra effort into it to attempt to propel Russo's character in the minds of the audience by adding further substance to his characterization to give his death more weight and impact, which didn't work for me. His death was already lacking in logic and sufficient connection to and investment in his character, increasing the workload of his scene with Marsh to accomplish anything worthwhile within the realm of making it meaningful.
Furthermore, it's been over half of the season in the making, with, in the meantime, back-and-forth dispersions of different possibilities, but we now have the most concrete information about what part Swan plays in everything. He was or is trying to take down Langston and his operation. We still don't have the full picture as far as his status is concerned - whether he's long dead or still alive but captured, or something in-between. He hasn't been shown on-screen in the present day, either. There could be a missing piece in the middle of whichever route the reveal of his status will go.
I'm almost on the team of wanting there to be another swerve regarding his character for the 100th time, now turning Marlo Burn's side of that story on its head, and he is or ended up on Langston's side, all from the reasoning of wanting that personal confrontation between him and Reacher, with Reacher's additional confrontation against himself and his impulsive, preconceived notions of an excessively unwavering, trusting manner regarding those he considers close - the inner conflict facet working its magic, resulting in a substantially beneficial character growth moment for him.
I also considered the cinematography to be an element that shined strongly. The lighting and general ambiance of the visuals from beginning to end were excellent. More importantly, two particular shots were fantastic, especially the first one: the shot of the gunfire going through the windows of the bus in a right-to-left, horizontal fashion, as O'Donnell and Dixon were moving through it, and the shot of the car with Langston and his guys turning to their right (our left) while the car with Neagley, O'Donnell, Dixon, and Burns turned to their left (our right). Bernard Couture, the DOP/cinematographer, did a stellar job.
One last thing: Reacher's "Can't believe you fell for that. It's a 16th-inch of plastic" line, while great (for the comedic reason but also the subversion of expectations/poking fun at that trope), did come across as a potential ad-lib by Alan Ritchson. O'Donnell/Shaun Sipos and Dixon/Serinda Swan could've broken character; his laugh seemed like it may've been genuine, and she cracked a bit of a smile/smirk, too. Another possibility is that the line was in the script but their reactions weren't. Those reactions did fit the scene - if there was something ad-libbed or unintentional, it makes sense why that part of the scene was kept in.
I can't pinpoint it, but this episode's "quality" felt lower than previous episodes. This one also had an ordinary, overall "basic" air about it in contrast to the unique individualistic identity this season has somewhat had, or seemingly had, at the start, up to this point. That came as a shock, given the stark difference here to the familiarization we've acquired by now with the similitudes of the on-the-surface facets within the presentations of every prior episode. It's like successfully holding something past the halfway mark of whatever you think fits appropriately in this terrible analogy, then suddenly dropping it. "Locked-in...ness" became unlocked. Houdini is alive, ladies and gentlemen.
There were also moments that, yes, you could point out in episodes besides this one (but were more easily excusable), that stood out a little brighter as a result: Reacher calling out to Langston instead of only calling his phone, then quietly but quickly heading to his location - instead, he called out to him, called his phone, then walked at a snail's pace a step or two towards that direction of the sound before the helicopter teleported close enough for him to magically hear, given he didn't hear it coming way sooner (though I suppose you can justify the first part of that whole sequence with the likely assumption of Reacher wanting to kill him slowly and one-on-one); then, he walked out into the open to shoot at the helicopter while being shot at for the first couple of seconds.
Followed by Russo's "heroic" (drawing symbolizing connections with him giving Mikey Franz a toy of a comic book superhero in the prior episode and the story about his father's death at the hands of dirty cops because he refused to lower himself to their level, adding another facet to an act of being a cop who dies a sacrificial, "heroic" death to protect a kid) entirely avoidable, last-stand of excessive foolishness by heading directly towards the guys shooting at him because the plot/source material said so (maybe that was written better in the novel), and the last guy wasting a couple of seconds to shoot out a one-liner instead of shooting Jane, as well as conveniently standing in the middle of the road, giving Neagley enough time to run him over - another instance of a character not hearing a loud noise until the plot allows them.
The biggest offender was Russo's death itself. There was this feeling that it was meant to be impactful; I mean, what death of a significant/semi-significant character wouldn't have that intention? But it didn't feel like that at all. They tried to gaslight us into seeing it that way, with the on-the-nose, "heroically sacrificial" score cue as he was "walking into the fire" - and as if that wasn't enough, they tried even harder to bestow a genuine sense of emotional weight through the moment shared between him and Neagley as he was dying of her forcing herself to grab his hand, going against her phobia (I read a comment by someone that she was strongly implied in the novels to have haphephobia) of being touched/touching other people as a Hail Mary attempt to get you to care about him dying if you weren't already on board.
We barely knew him; hell, Reacher & Crew, specifically Neagley, barely knew him, yet we're supposed to subscribe to the belief that she would fight against her phobia for someone she didn't know well, let alone nowhere near the extent she knows Reacher (and the others). You could say she did it, at the very least, for his sake during his final seconds of life, which is probably the case, though I'd say that would be forced reasoning for it in the sense of trying to instill any semblance of emotional attachment and investment in that scene.
Plus, why was he facing the wrong direction on the ground? He was facing Langston's men, then walked around his car. His body would've dropped backward, meaning his head should've been facing his car, but his position was the other way around. It's as if it was for convenience. Neagley and the team (minus Reacher) came from behind him. The only (non-existent) "downside" if his positioning was accurate would've been an extra few steps by her. That's barely a hindrance to the flow of the scene. My spatial awareness could've lied to me, though.
I feel like this overall show is at its best in one particular way, and that's when it fully utilizes the character dynamics, usually revolving around Reacher himself - whether it's Finlay and Roscoe's dynamic with him, or the supporting characters (Neagley, O'Donnell, Dixon) in this season and him. In truth, those three have greater potential to extract the most out of that element due to the deeper connection there from their history with him - at least more than Finlay and Roscoe managed to accomplish.
But it's starting to appear as if the writers are somewhat squandering that. The best episode so far was the one in Atlantic City, the second episode, which happened to emphasize these characters and their history; that's almost the sole reason for it being this season's high point at the time. Yet, it's still the high point. The theme of camaraderie and its depiction needs to be more front-and-center, akin to how it was in that episode. The trajectories of TV shows' quality or their season(s) should be gradually going uphill throughout its progression. And now, with this episode, the trajectory of this season seems to be noticeably shifting downward.
Regardless of all those things, I'm going to move on to different areas of discussion.
In my haste to inadvertently but somewhat intentionally catch potential "gaps" in the writing or disregard the possibility that one of those hypothetical instances will have a future explanation, I incorrectly designated the biker gang ambush two episodes ago as a plot convenience. But it wasn't. There was an actual narrative reason. Marsh, Russo's boss, knew about Reacher & Crew's trip to Boston and gave that information to Langston. I admit I was wrong.
Speaking of those two, the confrontation scene with Marsh and Russo was interestingly captivating, both from a writing perspective and specifically from the acting by Al Sapienza and Domenick Lombardozzi. Oddly enough, it practically came across as a scene from a different, higher-quality show. It didn't feel "compatible" with the totality of underlying quality this season has "procured" and mostly maintained. The writers may've put extra effort into it to attempt to propel Russo's character in the minds of the audience by adding further substance to his characterization to give his death more weight and impact, which didn't work for me. His death was already lacking in logic and sufficient connection to and investment in his character, increasing the workload of his scene with Marsh to accomplish anything worthwhile within the realm of making it meaningful.
Furthermore, it's been over half of the season in the making, with, in the meantime, back-and-forth dispersions of different possibilities, but we now have the most concrete information about what part Swan plays in everything. He was or is trying to take down Langston and his operation. We still don't have the full picture as far as his status is concerned - whether he's long dead or still alive but captured, or something in-between. He hasn't been shown on-screen in the present day, either. There could be a missing piece in the middle of whichever route the reveal of his status will go.
I'm almost on the team of wanting there to be another swerve regarding his character for the 100th time, now turning Marlo Burn's side of that story on its head, and he is or ended up on Langston's side, all from the reasoning of wanting that personal confrontation between him and Reacher, with Reacher's additional confrontation against himself and his impulsive, preconceived notions of an excessively unwavering, trusting manner regarding those he considers close - the inner conflict facet working its magic, resulting in a substantially beneficial character growth moment for him.
I also considered the cinematography to be an element that shined strongly. The lighting and general ambiance of the visuals from beginning to end were excellent. More importantly, two particular shots were fantastic, especially the first one: the shot of the gunfire going through the windows of the bus in a right-to-left, horizontal fashion, as O'Donnell and Dixon were moving through it, and the shot of the car with Langston and his guys turning to their right (our left) while the car with Neagley, O'Donnell, Dixon, and Burns turned to their left (our right). Bernard Couture, the DOP/cinematographer, did a stellar job.
One last thing: Reacher's "Can't believe you fell for that. It's a 16th-inch of plastic" line, while great (for the comedic reason but also the subversion of expectations/poking fun at that trope), did come across as a potential ad-lib by Alan Ritchson. O'Donnell/Shaun Sipos and Dixon/Serinda Swan could've broken character; his laugh seemed like it may've been genuine, and she cracked a bit of a smile/smirk, too. Another possibility is that the line was in the script but their reactions weren't. Those reactions did fit the scene - if there was something ad-libbed or unintentional, it makes sense why that part of the scene was kept in.
God Awful Action Sequences
awlaw5 January 2024
Just came here to express my disappointment with the action sequences. So many gunfights in this episode that were absolutely ridiculous. I've seen more credible shootouts between Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd.
Reacher using a handgun while standing in plain view shooting at a man in a helicopter armed with a machine gun and doesn't get a scratch!!? Absurd.
But the topper is the ridiculously long sequence in which Detective Gaitano and a young girl are chased by a vehicle containing 4 men with assault guns firing endlessly. The bad guys are literally on the rear bumper in shot after shot yet Gaitano and the girl are apparently protected by an invisible bubble of bulletproof plexiglass. All 4 tires must have been indestructible. This ludicrous chase goes from one end of NYC to the other with nary another person in sight much less a cop car. The director apparently believes weapons fire continuously without ever running low on ammo and that bad guys always have very poor aiming skills compared to the good guys. The cliches in this episode (and the one before) are egregious and disappointing. Amateur hour for sure.
Reacher using a handgun while standing in plain view shooting at a man in a helicopter armed with a machine gun and doesn't get a scratch!!? Absurd.
But the topper is the ridiculously long sequence in which Detective Gaitano and a young girl are chased by a vehicle containing 4 men with assault guns firing endlessly. The bad guys are literally on the rear bumper in shot after shot yet Gaitano and the girl are apparently protected by an invisible bubble of bulletproof plexiglass. All 4 tires must have been indestructible. This ludicrous chase goes from one end of NYC to the other with nary another person in sight much less a cop car. The director apparently believes weapons fire continuously without ever running low on ammo and that bad guys always have very poor aiming skills compared to the good guys. The cliches in this episode (and the one before) are egregious and disappointing. Amateur hour for sure.
Dumbest episode yet.
metsr17 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Both the writer and director of this episode should never be allowed around Reacher or any other show ever. What a disgrace. Like a Fast & Furious movie, they expect the viewer to check their brain at the door. At least, it's expected with F&F. How on earth can a high-speed chase in NYC with automatic weapons that never run out of rounds go on for so long with no victims, people on the streets, or cops around? The bad guys fire hundreds of rounds while on Russo's bumper and can't hit anything. Stupidly, Russo doesn't call for help from his NYC police brothers who would be there in seconds yet, calls Reacher for help who's in another part of the state. He just drives along waiting for Reacher's team for seemingly a lifetime. Oh, Reacher's phone rings out loud when Russo calls for said help at the moment that Reacher is waiting to ambush the baddies. Reacher apparently doesn't know to silence his phone. Oh boy, a helicopter saves the baddie all while shooting at Reacher who shoots back while standing still, wide open in the line of fire and not touched. WOW! I tend to lend these shows some leeway but come on'. You can't keep dropping bodies all over the place and keep it moving like it's nothing. STUPID.
Ridiculous gun fights
Enricohendrix6 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I tried to switch off my brain but that only got me so far. The suspension of ANY common sense is required to get through this episode. The gun fights are ridiculous. The car chase of the cop and the guys behind him with machine guns is pure comedy. There is literally no other car or person on the street for the whole chase except one rubbish truck. No one in all the apartments surrounding the shootout opens a window to see the shooting or calls the cops. Cop sacrificed himself for no reason rather than waiting for back up. He thought his invisible 'main character bubble' would protect him? This was Reachers worst episode yet. Spent the whole episode talking with my wife how bad the writing and direction was. Disappointing.
kinda 24ish
backnblack-061237 January 2024
Episode 6 is such a disappointment of all the episodes from both seasons this is far and away the worse.
I hope this isnt a taste of what's to come it appears they are out of ideals with more episodes left to make and you can only fake it so long.
Maybe they will learn that fight unrealistic scenes cant hold a audience i just dont remember in season one having a let down like this, nothing in this 45 min was remotely possible id have to say 24 was more realistic than this Its a great series with good actors but they are as good as the writing and somewhere along this story it went south......
I hope this isnt a taste of what's to come it appears they are out of ideals with more episodes left to make and you can only fake it so long.
Maybe they will learn that fight unrealistic scenes cant hold a audience i just dont remember in season one having a let down like this, nothing in this 45 min was remotely possible id have to say 24 was more realistic than this Its a great series with good actors but they are as good as the writing and somewhere along this story it went south......
Poor writing. Rubbish compared to Season 1.
chingciripit5 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Man, I feel like this Season 2 is rubbish compared to Season 1. Poor writing, bad acting.
First, Russo's car chasing. Why didn't they try shooting Russo's tires while chasing him? And Russo didn't call for backup? He is a NYPD officer for God's sake. And what was up with Russo sacrificing himself? Was it just for the drama? It is really unnecessary.
Second, luring Langston to a junkyard? Seriously? Reacher's moves at the junkyard left me scratching my head. He seemed to be so slow and being more cautious, which isn't really the Reacher I know.
Action: 5 Writing: 5 Pace: 4 Drama: 6
Overall: 5/10.
First, Russo's car chasing. Why didn't they try shooting Russo's tires while chasing him? And Russo didn't call for backup? He is a NYPD officer for God's sake. And what was up with Russo sacrificing himself? Was it just for the drama? It is really unnecessary.
Second, luring Langston to a junkyard? Seriously? Reacher's moves at the junkyard left me scratching my head. He seemed to be so slow and being more cautious, which isn't really the Reacher I know.
Action: 5 Writing: 5 Pace: 4 Drama: 6
Overall: 5/10.
Progressively getting cheesier
OldMovieRob8 January 2024
Really struggling to see this series through, as this is less Reacher and more "The adventures of team Reacher", feeling more like NCIS and just not enough of the title character. The cliches are getting worse as well, almost to the extent of being parody. Actual dialog:
"He's like that angry, P. O.'ed detective from that movie" "which one?" "All of them"
Deep sigh.
Neely continues to be the super-genius who helps find a missing person through the magic of video game-based detective work, and at one point the shallow Caroline Munro-looking actress more or less just uses Reacher for stress relief. This season is going downhill fast.
No spoilers, but if you read the episode title, and get to the scene with the bald cop and the sad music playing, you can pretty much figure out what's going to happen with his character.
"He's like that angry, P. O.'ed detective from that movie" "which one?" "All of them"
Deep sigh.
Neely continues to be the super-genius who helps find a missing person through the magic of video game-based detective work, and at one point the shallow Caroline Munro-looking actress more or less just uses Reacher for stress relief. This season is going downhill fast.
No spoilers, but if you read the episode title, and get to the scene with the bald cop and the sad music playing, you can pretty much figure out what's going to happen with his character.
Fight of flight
MrJukka5 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The episode includes ridiculous fighting strategy like stepping in front of machine gun fire and predictable outcomes. Unworthy of Reacher or the previous episodes. He and his team are not supposed to be stupid. This was too close to what you would expect from a 5th season of a tired TV series.
I expect anyone living in NYC will wonder about the empty streets and how someone can drive across multiple blocks and boroughs to come help someone who is chased in a car. The chasing car passengers were shooting with guns that have infinite bullets at full automatic. No police reacted. No collateral damage in the city.
Too much for my suspension of disbelief.
I hope we can get back to what separates Reacher from the others, clever ruthless tactics and outsmarting the enemy. The trick with improvised suppressor was different at least.
I expect anyone living in NYC will wonder about the empty streets and how someone can drive across multiple blocks and boroughs to come help someone who is chased in a car. The chasing car passengers were shooting with guns that have infinite bullets at full automatic. No police reacted. No collateral damage in the city.
Too much for my suspension of disbelief.
I hope we can get back to what separates Reacher from the others, clever ruthless tactics and outsmarting the enemy. The trick with improvised suppressor was different at least.
Not up to Series Standards
EntropyFashion5 January 2024
I am a Reacher Creature. Nuff said. So I even enjoyed the Tom Cruise films although was so pleased with the Prime series. Up until this episode, they got it. They understood the Reacher mystique and quirks. This episode took that a made it feel more of a run of the mill generic action with comedy film. You know the ones, the cinema thrives on them. That's why Reacher or Terminal List or Breaking Bad make a difference. They don't compromise and turn violence into a glib, superficial comic book depiction. Most all the action in this one felt that way. Except when Reacher killed those two characters. For that moment, I knew I was watching the real Reacher we know from the books.
I'm hoping it was a crap director of the week. So far it's been really good, though season one still seems superior.
I'm hoping it was a crap director of the week. So far it's been really good, though season one still seems superior.
Lazy as f...
edragonwhoniverse5 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
After season 1 wanted to be a season 2. After this mess i'm not interrested in another season.
What happened to the good writers,who can write storys with believeable story arcs.
Theese writers get paid for their work and we get this bull...t.
Really? A professional team of ex military police superagents are not able to bring rifles into the game against professional assasins/killers?
The bald detective is working always alone. Why?
Through the chase he is not able to contact the police to help him and the girl. He must wait for Reachers team?
Reachers team has no plan whatsoever to get the bad guy. No plan B. Plan C..... Unbelievable from start to end.
Who gives the o.k. For airing this crap. Maybe i watch the rest of season 2,but what can one expect,when watching the last episodes. They were not that bad but also have lazy writing.
What happened to the good writers,who can write storys with believeable story arcs.
Theese writers get paid for their work and we get this bull...t.
Really? A professional team of ex military police superagents are not able to bring rifles into the game against professional assasins/killers?
The bald detective is working always alone. Why?
Through the chase he is not able to contact the police to help him and the girl. He must wait for Reachers team?
Reachers team has no plan whatsoever to get the bad guy. No plan B. Plan C..... Unbelievable from start to end.
Who gives the o.k. For airing this crap. Maybe i watch the rest of season 2,but what can one expect,when watching the last episodes. They were not that bad but also have lazy writing.
Suspension of belief only gets you so far
snarkyrogue5 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Let me start this off by saying that I've enjoyed the show (season 1 included) up until this point.
I enjoyed the action, camaraderie of the team, and storyline until now. But my god do the writers/showrunners have any idea how guns work? The fight scenes in this show make absolutely zero sense. Like the title of this review says, suspension of disbelief only goes so far.
In the Reacher vs helicopter fight, he's literally standing half out of cover behind a car while the guy with the rifle in the helicopter fires like 60 rounds at him. How is Reacher still alive? How did they not hit each other? They're like 50 feet away. Don't even get me started with the chase scenes. Bad guys firing hundreds of rounds at Guy's car and not a single one hits either him or the girl he is protecting. Unless the entire car is bulletproof, it makes no sense. And why did Guy walk out of cover toward 3 people with automatic weapons firing at him? How did he manage to shoot them with a semi automatic pistol before they took him down? It's just like the scene in a previous episode where Neagley and Dixon were fighting the truck thieves, when they were walking down the open road while the bad guys were constantly firing at them (and missing, let me add). A squad of Stormtroopers would somehow manage to aim better than these 'bad guys'. When it comes to movies/TV shows I usually ignore the inconsistencies with gunfights, but holy hell it's hard to ignore the glaring problems with the fight choreography. Completely destroys the immersion.
I enjoyed the action, camaraderie of the team, and storyline until now. But my god do the writers/showrunners have any idea how guns work? The fight scenes in this show make absolutely zero sense. Like the title of this review says, suspension of disbelief only goes so far.
In the Reacher vs helicopter fight, he's literally standing half out of cover behind a car while the guy with the rifle in the helicopter fires like 60 rounds at him. How is Reacher still alive? How did they not hit each other? They're like 50 feet away. Don't even get me started with the chase scenes. Bad guys firing hundreds of rounds at Guy's car and not a single one hits either him or the girl he is protecting. Unless the entire car is bulletproof, it makes no sense. And why did Guy walk out of cover toward 3 people with automatic weapons firing at him? How did he manage to shoot them with a semi automatic pistol before they took him down? It's just like the scene in a previous episode where Neagley and Dixon were fighting the truck thieves, when they were walking down the open road while the bad guys were constantly firing at them (and missing, let me add). A squad of Stormtroopers would somehow manage to aim better than these 'bad guys'. When it comes to movies/TV shows I usually ignore the inconsistencies with gunfights, but holy hell it's hard to ignore the glaring problems with the fight choreography. Completely destroys the immersion.
WTH?
glstrom-1426012 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
What a joke, cop rides streets of nyc getting shot at with machine guns and doesn't call back up or have tires blown out, then gives himself up at the end? Pointless. Also Reacher in wide open shooting at a helicopter with a handgun as bullets rain down on him from automatic weapon fire above, again, total joke. Baddies file into the one bus in junkyard to be killed one by one like lambs to slaughter, right. One can suspend disbelief only so far....oh yeah, track someone down by inviting to play a video game leading them to location within minutes. Then the kid hides in back of car being shot at never getting hit and eventually leaves safety of car to just run away from hail of bullets....wow! Meanwhile cop bleeds out because Nealey can't touch him to staunch bleeding but just holds his hand in the end, totally pointless. Somehow Reacher finds clothes that fit him everywhere in a rack holding a handful of choices, whatever. Shark is jumped Reacher, time to wrap this up.
One of the worst episodes yet
tdsearles2510 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
So far, Reacher has been a mostly well done show seasons 1 and 2. However, this episode should just be deleted entirely.
The action and decision making is utterly stupid and clearly bent to fit the plot. Reacher stays behind to fight the boss and 4 goons. So of course they all split up and get taken out in the dark one by one. The most cliche, stupid, unnecessary scene ever. This results in the boss conveniently getting away in a chopper because it's too soon in the plot to kill him off of course.
Then the unnecessary sacrifice at the end. Dude did NOT need to charge them and die like that... cmon.... I'm sorry I can't forgive the decision making in this episode.
Oh! And the unnecessary sex scene. That was this episode right? Ridiculous. How did this episode get written and approved ? Need Ryan George to do a Pitch Meeting for this episode alone.
Also. Why couldn't they have cast good looking girls for this? One has the voice of a man and the other is 50% botox, plastic and eye liner. Geesh.
The action and decision making is utterly stupid and clearly bent to fit the plot. Reacher stays behind to fight the boss and 4 goons. So of course they all split up and get taken out in the dark one by one. The most cliche, stupid, unnecessary scene ever. This results in the boss conveniently getting away in a chopper because it's too soon in the plot to kill him off of course.
Then the unnecessary sacrifice at the end. Dude did NOT need to charge them and die like that... cmon.... I'm sorry I can't forgive the decision making in this episode.
Oh! And the unnecessary sex scene. That was this episode right? Ridiculous. How did this episode get written and approved ? Need Ryan George to do a Pitch Meeting for this episode alone.
Also. Why couldn't they have cast good looking girls for this? One has the voice of a man and the other is 50% botox, plastic and eye liner. Geesh.
Not getting better
doug2go7 January 2024
I rated the first 4 episodes a 5 in hopes that Roscoe would return to save the series ( knowing that was very unlikely ) - but Season 1 is totally unconnected to Season 2 - there is no warm fuzzy that connects the two except Reacher - who is also different - he was precise , funny, sexual, and in control - this Reacher is not , I won't repeat the excellent reviews that pointed out how ridiculous and ludicrous the fight scenes are , or how there is zero chemistry between the characters and certainly the most wooden romance I have seen since the last Hallmark movie - this is not an adult series and would be fine on Network TV where realism is censored and thinking isn't required.
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