Alan Ritchsonhas been brilliant inReacher, but the upcomingNeagleyspin-off already seems to have a massive advantage over the parent series because of its main character. Given how theNeagleyspin-off showis not backed by an original book series, it will have the freedom to take its story in myriad directions. Unlike the parent series, it will not carry the pressure of pleasing viewers familiar withLee Child’sJack Reacherbooks. However, this could be both beneficial and risky for the upcomingPrime Video detective series.
Creative freedom could make the spin-off a compelling addition to theReacherfranchise.At the same time, being too different from the Lee Child books and theReachershow could potentially alienate viewers who were drawn to the main series' appeal. Only time will tell how theNeagleyspin-off will turn out. However, from the looks of it, it already seems to have one significant advantage over the Alan Ritchson show, especially because of its titular main character.
Jack Reacher Is Compelling But Heavily Leans Into A Familiar Archetype
The Character Embodies The Well-Known “Mysterious Stranger” Trope
Jack Reacher is easily one of the most admirable characters on television because of his dry humor, nonchalant attitude, and stoic demeanor. Even the fact that he proudly calls himself a hobo and prefers embracing the open road instead of settling down makes him even more appealing. However, it is hard not to see how he embodies a character archetype that has existed almost since the inception of storytelling. In more ways than one,he perfectly represents the well-worn “mysterious stranger” or “expy with no name” tropes.
He may have a few unique traits.However, many characters like him have been seen in several other crime thrillers and action movies and shows, like theDollars trilogy,Rebel Ridge,The Lone Ranger,Django Unchained, and evenMad Max. Even anime characters, like Jotaro Kujo fromJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusadersand Guts fromBerserk,have similar portrayals of the trope. Owing to this, even thoughAlan Ritchson’s portrayal of Jack Reacheris fun to watch, it is hard not to agree that the character is not breaking any new ground.
DID YOU KNOW:Since the character is more of an iteration than a reinvention, his stories have some level of predictability and narrative safety.
Jack Reacher, as a character, is written and captured incredibly well in the Prime Video series in the existing framework of the trope, which makes him stand out among all the other iterations of the same archetype. However, since the character is more of an iteration than a reinvention, his stories have some level of predictability and narrative safety.Reacherworks as a show and book series because the character trope it revolves around has proven to be a successful driver of many movies, shows, and stories in the past.
The Spin-Off’s Neagley Focus Will Bring More Depth & Novelty To The Reacher Franchise
Frances Neagley Is Different From Jack Reacher In Many Ways
Like Jack Reacher, Frances Neagley, too, has an air of mystery surrounding her characterization. She can also appear cold and stoic at times, often coming off as a mirror image of the Alan Ritchson character. However, beyond these surface-level similarities, Neagley seems significantly different. For instance, as her action sequence inReacherseason 3 established,she is far less overpowered than Jack Reacher and cannot merely muscle her way out of dangerous situations.
Hinted details surrounding her past, including her cereal obsession and haphephobia, add many layers to her, making her spin-off less predictable.
Unlike Reacher, who is a straightforward and simple man, Neagley is also full of contradictions. She might seem stoic but ends up showing extreme vulnerability in some moments. Case in point: she falls to her knees and holds Russo’s hand before he dies inReacherseason 2. Hinted details surrounding her past, including her cereal obsession and haphephobia (fear of being touched), add many layers to her, making her spin-off less predictable.
Given theNeagleyspin-off is a subset of the overarchingJack Reacherstories, it will likely try to recreate the parent series' storytelling formula. However, considering how different Reacher and Neagley are as characters,the spinoff has the perfect opportunity to etch its own identity. TheNeagleyseries will likely take time to find its own feet, but it looks like it will bring a breath of fresh air to the franchise, which is exactly what Prime Video’sReacherseemingly needs after three seasons.
Neagley
Frances Neagley, portrayed by Maria Sten, returns as a skilled private investigator in Chicago. Upon discovering the suspicious death of a close friend, she becomes determined to uncover the truth. Utilizing her extensive military training and experience from the 110th Special Investigations Unit, Neagley delves into a complex web of intrigue and danger.
Reacher
Cast
Reacher follows Jack Reacher, a former military police investigator, as he navigates civilian life. Without a phone and carrying minimal belongings, Reacher drifts across the country, experiencing the nation he once served, and encounters intriguing challenges along the way.
