Amazon’s Reacher has become one of Prime Video’s most successful series — a breakout hit praised for its hard-hitting realism, grounded violence, and its leading man’s sheer physical presence. Alan Ritchson, who plays former U.S. Army military policeman Jack Reacher, embodies the role’s physicality and intelligence perfectly: a towering, stoic drifter who dismantles corruption one town at a time.
But even with its success, Ritchson wasn’t fully satisfied. Ahead of Reacher Season 3’s release, the actor revealed in an interview with The Movie Podcast that he was “really disappointed” with how the action scenes in Season 2 turned out — calling them the weakest element of an otherwise strong season.
“Season 2, I wasn’t really thrilled with a lot of the action at all,” Ritchson said. “I was really upset with the way some of those fights were executed. We didn’t do a good job on the day. We weren’t using the right tools. It wasn’t cut very well.”
Despite the strong reviews and viewership for Reacher’s sophomore outing, Ritchson’s critique shows how seriously he takes the show’s tone and craft — especially when it comes to one of its signature features: its visceral, close-quarters action.
Ritchson’s Fight for Better Action in ‘Reacher’ Season 3
Rather than accepting the flaws of Season 2, Ritchson decided to fix them himself. Determined to make Season 3 “feel different — and look better,” he worked with the show’s crew and Amazon Studios to improve the series’ visual language, particularly in how its fights were filmed.
“I got Amazon to approve some new tools that allow us to really get close and intimate with the fight,” Ritchson explained. “We designed things in a way where it was really a ballet between the camera and the action itself.”
Key Changes Ritchson Made for Season 3
| Problem (Season 2) | Solution (Season 3) |
|---|---|
| Overly wide fight coverage | Close, kinetic camera choreography |
| Multiple camera setups causing disjointed edits | Fewer, more deliberate camera angles |
| Fight scenes lacking rhythm | Coordinated “balletic” action flow between actor and camera |
| Limited sense of danger | Larger, more threatening antagonists like Paul “Paulie” Van Hoven |
These adjustments paid off. Critics and fans have praised Season 3’s action sequences as the best in the series, with many comparing its improved cinematography and pacing to top-tier film-level direction.
“We really found a language for the show,” Ritchson said proudly. “It’s so good this year. I’m so proud of what we caught.”
Season 2’s Shortcomings Inspired a Course Correction
To understand what Ritchson wanted to change, you have to look at Season 2 — a season that, while entertaining, struggled to replicate the raw intensity of Season 1’s climactic “Kliner Foundation” siege.
That finale remains one of the most iconic Reacher sequences, combining narrative payoff with meticulously timed fight choreography. By comparison, Season 2’s confrontations — though still competent — felt more procedural, less immersive, and sometimes overly edited.
Ritchson himself performed several dangerous stunts during the shoot, including running through an actual pane of glass in the finale. Yet, even he admitted that the energy didn’t translate on screen as he had hoped.
| Season | Signature Fight Sequence | Fan Reception |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Kliner Foundation siege | Widely praised; cinematic and intense |
| Season 2 | Warehouse assault / Glass stunt | Solid but less memorable |
| Season 3 | Reacher vs. Paulie Van Hoven showdown | “The best the show’s ever looked,” per Ritchson |
That frustration became Ritchson’s motivator — and it shows.
Season 3’s New Language of Action
In Reacher Season 3, the storytelling, tone, and choreography align perfectly. Each fight feels earned, dynamic, and emotionally driven — not just spectacle.
The standout example is Reacher’s brutal one-on-one fight with Paul “Paulie” Van Hoven (Olivier Richters) in the finale, “Unfinished Business.”
The encounter is everything Ritchson envisioned:
- Short, explosive, and brutally physical.
- Shot with tighter framing, bringing viewers inside the punches instead of watching from a safe distance.
- Structured like a dance, where camera and movement flow together rather than competing for attention.
The result is a fight that plays more like a psychological duel than a standard action beat — a clash between two unstoppable forces that turns primal.
“It’s like watching a superhero fight Jason Voorhees,” Ritchson joked. “Paulie is the one guy Reacher can’t just crush. One wrong move and it’s over.”
This finale fight also corrects a lingering narrative issue: the series had yet to pit Reacher against a truly physical equal. Paulie changes that. The matchup finally gives Reacher — and Ritchson — an opponent worthy of his power, raising the show’s stakes to new levels.
How ‘Reacher’ Season 3 Perfected Its Formula?
Beyond just the fighting, Reacher Season 3 refines nearly every aspect of its production. It’s leaner, faster-paced, and more cinematic than before.
| Element | Season 2 | Season 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Action style | Functional but uneven | Tighter, visceral, film-like |
| Direction | Multi-camera edits | Single-lens choreography |
| Tone | Methodical and procedural | Dynamic and adrenaline-fueled |
| Visual clarity | Occasional over-editing | Fluid, intimate cinematography |
| Villain presence | Strong ensemble | Central, physically dominant foe |
Ritchson’s influence extends beyond performance — he’s helping shape Reacher into a model for what streaming action shows can be: character-driven, tactile, and intelligently shot.
“Alan treats choreography like acting,” said Reacher fight coordinator Brett Chan. “Every punch has purpose — it’s about story, not just spectacle.”
Looking Ahead: Ritchson Promises Season 4 Will “Blow Everything Away”
After Season 3’s success, Ritchson is already teasing what’s next. Speaking with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, he confidently declared that Reacher Season 4 will be “the best season we’ve ever made, by a long shot.”
Given the creative evolution between Seasons 2 and 3, fans have reason to believe him. The show has now found its rhythm — a fusion of gritty storytelling and balletic violence that feels unmistakably Reacher.
| Season | Story Arc | Action Focus | Reacher’s Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kliner conspiracy (based on Killing Floor) | Tactical, grounded | Establishes mythic persona |
| 2 | Corporate revenge (Bad Luck and Trouble) | Team-based combat | Reacher as leader |
| 3 | Personal vendettas (Persuader) | Close-quarters brawls | More vulnerable and introspective |
If Season 3’s finale is any indication, Reacher has truly entered its prime — both literally and cinematically.
Why Alan Ritchson’s Commitment Keeps ‘Reacher’ on Top?
What makes Reacher stand out isn’t just its brawls or brawn — it’s the passion behind it. Ritchson’s willingness to critique his own work and push for higher standards shows a level of creative ownership rarely seen in franchise television.
“We really found the show’s heartbeat this year,” Ritchson said. “It’s not just about violence. It’s about rhythm, intensity, and truth.”
As Reacher Season 3 continues to dominate Prime Video’s global rankings, it’s clear that the adjustments worked. The show feels sharper, smarter, and more confident than ever, the kind of streaming action storytelling that sets the bar high for what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
He felt the action scenes lacked energy and precision, criticising how the fights were filmed and edited.
Ritchson personally pushed for new filming tools, tighter camera choreography, and fewer cuts to create more immersive, “balletic” fight sequences.
Reacher’s final battle with Paul “Paulie” Van Hoven in the finale episode, “Unfinished Business.”
Is Reacher renewed for Season 4?
Yes. Production is already underway, with Ritchson teasing it as “the best season yet.”
All three seasons are streaming exclusively on Prime Video.
