Warning: Major spoilers for Reacher season 3 below!
After three successful seasons, Reacher has finally outperformed Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Jack Reacher in key areas. The ongoing debate regarding Cruise’s casting in the film adaptation of One Shot has cast a long shadow over the franchise. Initially, producers struggled to find an actor who could embody the towering presence of Lee Child’s iconic character. Faced with challenges in casting, they opted for Cruise’s star power despite widespread criticism from passionate fans. Nonetheless, the first film ultimately achieved commercial success, leading to a sequel six years later.
With the arrival of Amazon’s Reacher series, the portrayal of the titular character received a significant upgrade thanks to Alan Ritchson. The streaming service’s adaptation has enjoyed remarkable success, with its third season garnering an impressive score on Rotten Tomatoes. While Cruise’s second film did not resonate well with audiences, the original Jack Reacher, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, has aged gracefully, showcasing elegant thriller elements and unforgettable performances, particularly by Werner Herzog as The Zec. Now, 13 years later, the series has surpassed the film in essential aspects.
Reacher Season 3 Finally Beats Tom Cruise’s Jack Reacher in Villain & Action Categories
Reacher Has Catapulted Forward with Its Third Season
Criticism directed at the earlier seasons of Amazon’s Reacher often pointed to the underwhelming villains, who failed to rival Ritchson’s formidable presence and were swiftly defeated. Although the first season showcased some commendable set pieces, they didn’t match the intensity of action scenes from Cruise’s Jack Reacher. Acknowledging this, Ritchson openly criticized the second season’s action sequences and committed to delivering a more impactful experience in season three.
I’m pleased to report that Reacher season 3 has reached new heights in terms of both villain portrayal and action. This season introduces two formidable adversaries: Olivier Richters’ intimidating bodyguard Paulie and Brian Tee’s Quinn, an old foe from Reacher’s history known for his penchant for torture and psychological manipulation. Unlike previous antagonists who lingered in the background, these latest threats felt authentic and dangerous throughout the season.
The intensity and execution of the action scenes also significantly improved, featuring everything from a gripping fake kidnapping in the season premiere to dynamic shootouts in the thrilling finale titled “Unfinished Business.”
The Reacher vs. Paulie Fight Is the Franchise’s Most Impressive Setpiece Yet
Christopher McQuarrie’s Jack Reacher Car Chase Was the Previous Action MVP
Image via Prime Video
Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie have made a name for themselves with intricate action sequences in their Mission: Impossible films. However, Jack Reacher was designed as a more grounded franchise. Although McQuarrie’s direction brought excitement to the action scenes, they were less elaborate compared to those of his other works. If there were to be a ranking, the thrilling car chase from McQuarrie’s Jack Reacher would likely secure the top spot—until now.
The showdown between Reacher and Paulie sets a new standard for action in the series; this brutal fight is laced with suspense and intensity, echoing the thrilling encounters from the original novel, Persuader. Viewers will undoubtedly feel an adrenaline rush from this over-the-top, yet exhilarating brawl, making it one of 2025’s action highlights. However, this standout scene may challenge future seasons to deliver similarly iconic set pieces.
Paulie & Quinn Outshine Werner Herzog’s The Zec from Jack Reacher
Herzog’s Chilling Jack Reacher Performance Was Sheltered in Praise
While Werner Herzog is predominantly recognized for his filmmaking and documentary contributions—like Aguirre: The Wrath of God and Grizzly Man—he has also made significant acting appearances. His role as The Zec in Jack Reacher remains a standout; this powerful performance as a savage ex-Soviet prisoner left audiences captivated despite his minimal screen time of around ten minutes. In contrast, Paulie and Quinn have extensive roles in season three, contributing to a more dynamic and engaging narrative.
The combination of Paulie and Quinn serves as a formidable challenge for Reacher, merging intelligence, cruelty, and physical might. It’s difficult to imagine the handless Zec prevailing against either Ritchson’s Reacher or even Cruise’s version. Despite the controversies surrounding Cruise’s casting, the Jack Reacher film remains a commendable piece that set the stage for future collaborations between McQuarrie and Cruise. After several adaptations, it’s satisfying to witness Amazon’s take finally aligning with McQuarrie’s high standards.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes