When ‘Reacher’ hit Amazon Prime Video in 2022, it brought Jack Reacher, the tough-as-nails drifter from Lee Child’s novels, to life in a way that grabbed viewers. Alan Ritchson’s towering presence and the show’s gritty action made it a standout, diving into a small-town conspiracy that felt both fresh and faithful to the source. 

Now, a few years later, I’ve revisited Season 1, based on ‘Killing Floor’ (1997), and it’s a mixed bag. Some parts feel dated or clunky, while others hold up as brilliantly as ever. Below, I break down five ways the first season of ‘Reacher’ (2022) hasn’t aged well and five ways it remains a masterclass in action storytelling. 

Ways ‘Reacher’ Season 1 (2022) Aged Poorly

5. Predictable Plot Twists

The conspiracy in Margrave, Georgia, drives the story, but looking back, the twists feel too obvious. The corrupt town officials and shady business tycoon aren’t hard to spot as villains early on. For a show built on suspense, the lack of surprise in the plot makes rewatching less thrilling. 

Modern audiences expect sharper, less telegraphed reveals. While the action carries the show, the predictable beats in the story feel like a missed chance to keep viewers guessing. 

4. Underdeveloped Side Characters

Characters like Oscar Finlay and Roscoe Conklin are likable, but they don’t get enough depth. Finlay’s backstory as a widower feels tacked on, and Roscoe’s role as a tough cop doesn’t evolve much beyond supporting Reacher. Their arcs feel thin compared to the main hero. 

On rewatch, I wanted more from these allies to make their bond with Reacher richer. The show leans too hard on Reacher’s charisma, leaving others as background players. 

3. Dated Tech References

Set in a modern small town, the show’s tech feels out of touch for 2022. Characters rely on basic cell phones and minimal internet, which feels odd for a story about a counterfeiting ring. It’s like the town’s stuck in the early 2000s. 

This choice might nod to the 1997 novel, but it jars with today’s hyper-connected world. A few modern tech touches could’ve made the setting feel more alive. 

2. Over-the-Top Villains

The bad guys, like KJ Kliner and his father, come off as cartoonish at times. Their smug attitudes and overblown schemes feel like they’re from an older action flick. It’s fun in a campy way, but it clashes with the show’s grounded tone. 

In 2025, audiences lean toward villains with more depth or realism. The Kliners’ one-note evil makes them less memorable on a rewatch. 

1. Pacing Drags in the Middle

The early episodes hook you with Reacher’s arrest and the murder mystery, but the middle slows down. Too much time is spent on Reacher digging through records or talking to minor characters, which stalls the momentum. It picks up later, but the lull stands out. 

Rewatching feels sluggish in these parts, especially when you know the action-packed finale is coming. Tighter pacing could’ve kept the energy high throughout. 

Ways ‘Reacher’ Season 1 (2022) Aged Masterfully

5. Alan Ritchson’s Perfect Casting

Alan Ritchson embodies Jack Reacher with a mix of brute strength and sharp wit. His towering frame and calm intensity make every fight and stare-down feel authentic. He carries the show effortlessly, making Reacher a hero you root for. 

Years later, Ritchson’s performance still feels spot-on. He’s the heart of the show, and his take on Reacher remains one of the best book-to-screen adaptations. 

4. Gritty, Realistic Action

The fight scenes in ‘Reacher’ are brutal and grounded. From prison brawls to street fights, every punch feels heavy and purposeful. The choreography avoids flashy stunts, focusing on Reacher’s raw power as a former military cop. 

These sequences still hold up in 2025, offering a refreshing contrast to over-edited action in other shows. The physicality keeps you glued to the screen. 

3. Faithful Book Adaptation

Based on ‘Killing Floor’ (1997), the show nails the spirit of Lee Child’s novel. Reacher’s drifter lifestyle, moral code, and knack for solving crimes translate perfectly. The writers even weave in his brother’s murder to add emotional weight. 

Fans of the books still love how Season 1 captures Reacher’s essence. It respects the source while making smart tweaks for TV. 

2. Small-Town Vibe

Margrave feels like a real, lived-in place, with its diners, police station, and shady underbelly. The show builds a creepy, isolated atmosphere that makes the conspiracy believable. Every location adds to the tension of Reacher’s investigation. 

This setting still shines on rewatch, grounding the story in a way that feels timeless. It’s a character in itself, and it works beautifully. 

1. Reacher’s Moral Core

At its heart, ‘Reacher’ is about a man who fights for what’s right, no matter the cost. His drive to uncover the truth behind his brother’s death and take down corrupt forces resonates deeply. It’s simple but powerful, giving the show emotional heft. 

This moral clarity keeps Season 1 compelling in 2025. Reacher’s unyielding sense of justice makes him a hero who still feels relevant and inspiring. 

What’s your take on ‘Reacher’ Season 1—any moments that aged better or worse for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments!