I was thrilled to dive back into the world of ‘Reacher’ for its second season, eager to see Alan Ritchson return as the towering, no-nonsense Jack Reacher. The show, based on Lee Child’s novels, promised more action and mystery, but it delivered a mixed bag that left me scratching my head at times and cheering at others.

This season, adapting the book ‘Bad Luck and Trouble’, shifts from the small-town vibe of Season 1 to a bigger, urban conspiracy. While some moments hit the mark with Reacher’s signature grit, others felt off, making me question the show’s direction. Below, I break down five things that didn’t add up and five that absolutely worked.

Things That Made Zero Sense in ‘Reacher’ Season 2 (2023)

5. Reacher’s Convenient Clothing Fixes

Reacher’s known for traveling light, often with just a toothbrush, but Season 2 takes his wardrobe swaps to a bizarre level. He’s a massive guy, yet he somehow finds perfectly fitting clothes in random stores, like a bodega with a single rack. It’s hard to buy that a 6’5” drifter can grab a new outfit this easily, especially when he tosses his old clothes without a second thought. Couldn’t he keep a spare shirt in the team’s SUV?

This felt like a forced nod to his minimalist lifestyle, but it stretched believability. The show leans too hard into this quirk, making it more distracting than charming. I wanted to focus on the action, not wonder about Reacher’s shopping luck.

4. The Over-the-Top Bus Fight Scene

One fight in Episode 6, set on a bus, had me laughing for the wrong reasons. Reacher and his team take down multiple armed thugs in a way that feels more cartoonish than thrilling. Guys fly into the bus one after another, and the choreography lacks the gritty realism of Season 1. It’s like the show forgot how to balance Reacher’s strength with believable stakes.

The scene tries to be a high-energy brawl but ends up looking amateurish. I missed the clever, grounded fights from the first season that made Reacher feel like a calculated force, not a superhero.

3. Neagley’s Sudden Touchy-Feely Moment

Frances Neagley, played by Maria Sten, is a standout character with a clear trait: she avoids physical contact. Yet, in a key moment, she holds a dying character’s hand, which feels completely out of character. The show sets up her discomfort with touch earlier, so this sudden shift feels like a cheap emotional grab.

It’s jarring because it betrays Neagley’s established personality. I wanted her to stay true to her reserved nature, maybe showing care in a way that felt authentic to her, not a generic tearjerker trope.

2. The Helicopter Crash Cover-Up

A helicopter gets shot down over a major city, and the show brushes it off as a ‘system malfunction’. That’s a stretch, even for a show about a vigilante like Reacher. You’d expect the FBI or NYPD to be all over a crash like that, but the authorities barely blink. It’s as if the show assumes no one would notice a chopper falling from the sky.

This plot hole pulls you out of the story. I wanted some acknowledgment of the chaos a crash like that would cause, not a lazy handwave that feels insulting to the audience.

1. The Team Walks Away with Millions

By the end, Reacher and his crew walk off with $65 million, and no one bats an eye. Government agents just let them stroll away with a fortune, no questions asked. For a show that sometimes leans on Reacher’s moral code, this feels wildly out of place. Wouldn’t there be some fallout for pocketing that much cash?

This choice undermines the stakes of their mission. I was left wondering why the show didn’t address the consequences, making the ending feel more like a fantasy than a gritty thriller.

Things That Made Perfect Sense in ‘Reacher’ Season 2 (2023)

5. Reacher’s Team Dynamic

Bringing back Reacher’s old Special Investigations Unit was a smart move. The camaraderie between Reacher, Neagley, Dixon (Serinda Swan), and O’Donnell (Shaun Sipos) adds a layer of warmth to the show. Their banter and shared history make the stakes feel personal, especially as they investigate their teammates’ murders.

This dynamic grounds the season’s chaos. I loved seeing Reacher as part of a team, showing his leadership while letting others shine, making the story more engaging than a solo adventure.

4. Alan Ritchson’s Commanding Performance

Alan Ritchson owns the role of Jack Reacher. At 6’3” with a hulking frame, he embodies the character’s physicality while adding subtle layers of discomfort or humor, like when he’s stuck in a suit or navigating emotional moments. His ability to balance brute force with quiet intensity keeps you glued to the screen.

Ritchson’s performance feels like the heart of the show. I found myself rooting for him, even when the plot wobbled, because he makes Reacher both larger-than-life and human.

3. The Urban Setting Shift

Moving from Season 1’s small-town Georgia to a city backdrop in Season 2 was a refreshing change. The urban sprawl fits the conspiracy-driven plot, giving Reacher new environments to navigate, from gritty streets to corporate offices. It keeps the show visually dynamic and contrasts nicely with the first season’s slower pace.

This shift made the story feel bigger. I appreciated how it opened up new ways for Reacher to tackle problems, like outsmarting city cops or blending into crowded spaces.

2. Neagley’s Expanded Role

Maria Sten’s Neagley gets more screen time this season, and it pays off. As a skilled investigator and Reacher’s trusted ally, she brings a sharp edge to the team. Her no-nonsense attitude and combat skills make her a standout, especially in scenes where she holds her own alongside Reacher.

Her bigger role feels earned, especially since she’s a fan favorite from the books. I enjoyed seeing her take charge, adding depth to the group’s dynamic and proving she’s more than just a sidekick.

1. The Conspiracy Plot

The season’s core mystery, based on ‘Bad Luck and Trouble’, revolves around a deadly conspiracy targeting Reacher’s old unit. The plot, involving shady tech deals and a villain played by Robert Patrick, keeps you guessing. It’s messy at times, but the mix of investigation and action suits Reacher’s style of smashing through problems.

This storyline feels true to the books’ spirit. I was hooked by the team’s drive to uncover the truth, making each episode a tense ride as they pieced together the puzzle.

What’s your take on ‘Reacher’ Season 2—did any moments confuse you, or were there standout scenes I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!