Reacher

I read the book some years ago and despite remembering the entire story I still couldn't stop watching this series. If you haven't read the books this series still stands on its own offering lots of action with an almost super-powered hero who has chosen to help those who have been wronged by fighting the bad guys. Plus, Reacher is hot. Will be waiting for season 2.

Dear Hollywood, This is how it should work. People read a book. People like that book. You then just film the book directly. No messing about, no rewrites, no major edits, no nonsense, no casting someone 5'9" to play a 6'5" monster.

I read the book last year and the biggest change I could spot was that it was a slightly less ridiculous sports car that he borrows from the bankers wife.

Aside from the extreme breaches of the law, being held in a prison instead of a jail and the lies told about searches (Ep1) so far this seems like it will have some sustainability. You do have to set aside a lot of reality and truth and belief but I like it so far. Better than that cruddy Tom Cruise movie. They also actually got a guy to play Reacher that actually fit the description given in the books.

I read Lee Child every now and then when I need to switch my brain off. It's not meant to be great literature or true to real life policing so there isn't a lot of point in the "not as good as.." comparisons. It's more like a televisual John Wick if a comparison is necessary - where Reacher is the guy who is always right and who always gets the girl - however improbable. This is a great adaptation which reflects the staccato dialogue and fast pace of the books and is visually pleasing and great fun.

The only downside is Ritchson is a little too gym honed for the book Reacher and has a very odd walk for a guy that is supposed to walk miles each day. But overall as close as we will get and I hope the follow up seasons are this good.

I am surprised by people who gave the low ratings. I found it very watchable without the filler minutes that many of these series have now. Perhaps the villains weren't as good as some other shows, but they sure did evil things. Some pretty strong supporting characters for the cast, and some a bit lackluster.

I am sure there will be a season 2 and I hope it will be stronger than many of other Prime season 2 series.