Warning: Major spoilers ahead for Reacher Season 3, Episode 8, titled “Unfinished Business.” Against the backdrop of common genre tropes, Reacher’s third season saw the unexpected survival of Roberto Montesinos’ Agent Villanueva. This latest installment introduced a fresh ensemble, including a DEA team tasked with locating a missing informant. Although Agent Duffy (portrayed by Sonya Cassidy) served as a co-lead, Villanueva, her partner, played a pivotal role throughout the season. As a seasoned agent on the cusp of retirement and grappling with dietary challenges, his odds of making it to the finale seemed bleak right from the start.
Villanueva’s Unexpected Survival in Reacher Season 3
The Retirement Trope and Villanueva’s Role
In classic 1980s and 1990s action cinema, the trope of the aging cop or agent nearing retirement is almost a surefire setup for their demise before the credits roll. Reacher’s writers piled on the clichés with Villanueva’s anxious wife waiting at home and his constant pleas for Duffy to abandon the increasingly perilous case. Surprisingly, not only does Agent Villanueva evade death, but he also channels his inner John McClane as he confronts Beck (played by Anthony Michael Hall) whilst donning a gore-streaked vest.
A Different Approach in Reacher’s Finale
Villanueva as the Voice of Reason
Throughout Season 3, Villanueva emerged as a rational voice amidst chaos, and his portrayal by Montesinos resonated positively with viewers. From early on, it appeared as though “Unfinished Business”was leading him toward a tragic conclusion. With his impending retirement, a worried spouse, and the physical limitations evident when compared to Reacher and Duffy, he seemed to stand out as an easy target. Fortunately, the finale deviated from this anticipated fate.
While the climactic showdown between Reacher and Paulie might steal headlines, Villanueva’s more intimate bathroom brawl against one of Quinn’s enforcers proved equally impactful. This scene showcased Villanueva’s vulnerability while highlighting that he, too, is human; although he held his own, the struggle was evident against a swifter adversary. Ultimately, a clever application of a toilet lid saved the day, allowing him to later rescue Richard Beck (portrayed by Johnny Berchtold) from his mansion.
Villanueva Deserves a Happy Ending in Reacher
The Emotional Return Home
While having Villanueva die could have potentially intensified the finale’s impact, showcasing the harsh reality that not all characters receive a fortuitous ending, it was a prudent choice for the show to avoid this cliché. Throughout the series, Villanueva exhibited unwavering loyalty to Agent Duffy despite her flawed judgment, proving invaluable to the mission’s success. Eliminating Villanueva would have been a dispiriting turn of events, particularly following Eliot’s (Daniel David Stewart) tragic fate earlier in the series.
The poignant moment in Villanueva’s final scene, when he returns home to find his wife waiting, is undoubtedly one of “Unfinished Business'”most heartwarming highlights. Their embrace signifies a fulfilling resolution, marking a victory for his character against the odds.
Reacher Season 3 Redefines the Action Trope
Acknowledging Hollywood Tropes
One key factor to Reacher’s success lies in its unique blend of gripping murder mystery and nostalgic 1980s action flair. This combination creates a distinctive viewing experience that distinguishes it from conventional, overly-serious procedural dramas. The series embraces action tropes, featuring Alan Ritchson’s anti-hero on a quest for vengeance and culminating each season with an epic confrontation against the antagonist.
A nod to genre conventions occurs in Season 3’s fourth episode, “Dominique,”where Reacher quips:
There’s a reason Hollywood copies some things. They work.
This line playfully acknowledges the reliance on genre clichés, yet it’s refreshing to see Villanueva’s storyline escape the predictability of the “dead partner nearing retirement” angle. This narrative device has been so overused that its inclusion would detract from Villanueva’s rich character development. Had his story ended in tragedy, audience reactions would likely reflect major dissatisfaction.
Looking ahead, Alan Ritchson is set to reprise his role as Reacher in the upcoming Neagley spinoff for Prime. While the show has shown a willingness to resurrect characters from the source material, Villanueva—or Duffy for that matter—probably won’t be returning. Therefore, he can savor his retirement, taking solace in knowing he gave everything to his last case. It’s always advantageous when audience familiarity with clichés can be skillfully subverted.