A solid pilot episode. Alan Ritchson delivered.
As much as I enjoyed the Cruise movies, this is the Jack Reacher I always imagined. Kudos to Alan, I didn't even connect him to BMS until i googled it.
"In an investigation, details matter."
Admittedly, my low-key expectation was that this would be "worse" than it was, which could still develop to be the case; this was only the premiere. The reason was Amazon's Prime Video. Their shows tend to be hit-or-miss. Out of those I've watched, there was an element of underwhelming-ness in some of them. Especially Hanna. So far, that isn't the case with this show, although as I said: this was only the premiere. I hope it stays like this to the end or even gets better, at times or consistently.
As far as the source material is concerned, I haven't read any of the novels, but I think I've seen 'Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.' I'm not sure about the first movie. I don't remember much, except maybe it seemed like your "average" action-type film, whereas this premiere is already giving off a completely different vibe. Of course, that's not a dig at Tom Cruise or that movie.
All I know about the character, specifically; I don't know anything regarding any of the novels' plots: he's described more in line with Alan Ritchson than Tom Cruise, as well as being tall like the former. So much so: there were instances where his physique was ridiculous enough to where he was close to superhuman. I think that's (one of, or) the main reason why some people didn't like Tom Cruise's portrayal of the character.
So far, Alan Ritchson's Jack Reacher is like a different character than Tom Cruise's Jack Reacher, although the former may still be similar to other characters played by Alan, like Hank Hall/Hawk in Titans. But I guess the same could be said with Tom Cruise as well. Not (enough) much differentiation between each character played by both Alan and Tom; the overall acting performance. Acting-wise, Tom Cruise is better than Alan Ritchson. But regarding this specific character, the latter's portrayal of said character is the favorable one, it seems, and not just because of Alan's height and physique.
It's nice to see Malcolm Goodwin. From the first few episodes of iZombie I watched (I think), his character seemed to be a stand-out. In this show, his character already seems different, yet at times, similar. Based on what I vaguely remember regarding his character in that show. I'm interested in seeing more of his character in this show.
For the quote, "In an investigation, details matter," to be like a running gag, there's irony in that there seemed to be an inconsistency or inconsistencies, supposedly. Like calling a suppressor/silencer a silencer instead of a can. I don't quite get that one. I guess people who are knowledgeable in that field call them cans. And supposedly, there were other inconsistencies as well: military inconsistencies. I don't know what they are; I didn't even know about suppressors, that they're called cans. So, as you can imagine, I couldn't care less about any of that, let alone see those inconsistencies negatively to where it affects the overall enjoyment of the episode.
The quick and efficient handling of that guy in the prison cell was good. Even though it was almost over instantaneously, compared to the fight sequence in the shower area, I liked it a little better. The fight choreography of the latter was pretty decent. I hope there's more stuff like that in the rest of the season; action-type stuff.
I noticed familiarity with the dialogue written for Jack Reacher: and just his general attitude. It reminded me of Tom Cruise('s) (dialogue) as Jack Reacher. I wonder if the writers of this show took inspiration from that or if both iterations are Jack Reacher-esque, and it just comes down to whose portrayal people like better.
Alan Ritchson's performance as Jack Reacher seems pretty decent so far. He seems to embody the character in a general sense. Maybe because, acting-wise, he's not in unfamiliar territory. The way he plays Jack Reacher seemed reminiscent of how he played Hank Hall/Hawk in Titans. Maybe even other roles of his, too. He doesn't seem to be acting out of his range, playing a character requiring him to act entirely different than all of his roles. But that's not to say: "He's doing a bad job."
I thought this was a decent introduction to the show. Since this was a premiere, it focused on setting up the storyline and getting you somewhat familiar with the characters: Jack's investigative skills served as a bit of disguised exposition. Sometimes, premieres are underwhelming because of that; the focus on setting up the storyline, etc. This one wasn't. If you want to be specific, the beginning was a bit slow; the episode overall was a bit slow, too. But that was never a problem. Its entirety was thoroughly entertaining, and in hindsight, it was even better.
Tom Cruise was decent despite only his ego being as big as Jack Reacher was supposed to be. Alan Ritchson though is perfect casting. He’s as good as Tom Cruise was without being miscast.
This show is so much better than the movies already.
First episode is perfection. Literally makes me want to read the books. Loved every minute of it. Alan Ritchson definitely has something special here.
Tom Cruise has star power on his side and is a better actor than people give him credit for. It was rather amazing he managed to survive in a part he just wasn't right for. This actor is exactly right. I'm happy to see this series. This is true to the book. Only thing is to me the book was depressing, grim, I couldn't finish it. This reminds me of the sort of mystery show the Brits crank out by the dozen, interesting well acted ensemble acting of interesting characters with a central character who may have some unsavory factors but at root is fan lovable. I dunno if I want it to get more true to the books. This I find this fine as it is. :-)
This is sooo good. Great casting, and I'm impressed how close to the book this is running. Amazing
Didn't expect to like the show but the posted comments were right.
One thing though, most people who are knowledgeable about different bullet weights would call a suppressor a "can" before ever calling it a "silencer."
Yes, absolutely loved first episode hope the rest follows suit was a great book and so far a great start to the show.
.... ok wow this bros hot
"Keep my wife's name out of your mouth."
Shit.. I'm gonna HAVE to watch the next episode!
we liked what he says and how he tells it, we will continue to see
Really good pilot. Great hook at the end and enough mystery to keep going. I've always like Alan Ritchson and thought he had been hard done by with some crappy scripts, and no, he's not the most amazing actor, but he handles this well. Very good.
I don't know anything about the books and I watched the first movie so long ago I don't even remember it. But this was a good pilot, mostly. The first half kind of drag with all the talk about a crime but it got better in the second half.
So far I just cannot see the actor as a passable Jack Reacher
don't hold me to it, but I think Tom Cruse was better .. GASP
Action and attitude packed, all rounded off with that big dollop of sarcastic humour. I watched all 8 eps in two sittings. 7 yesterday and the the finally just finishing now.
great start. Alan Ritchson reminds me of Chris Pratt everytime.
I'm realizing that I'm kind of a sucker for these off the grid, special skills sort of characters. Like Jason Bourne, the awareness of Reacher within his surroundings is the coolest skill. The lead actor is a monster and I'm wondering how he stays that ripped as a drifter without being in the gym six hours a day. Must suspend disbelief. I like Tom Cruise's Jack Reacher character, too, but it'll be interesting seeing how this series differs from those films.
In the first 5 minutes, we see Jack Reacher sitting with his back to two windows in a cafe, and carrying a passport. Considering how many the the (early) Lee Childs books bring up those things, it was a surprising start. And sure, there were a few of those inconsistencies with the source material. Including ongoing irritating attempts to convince people that Reacher was 6ft 5. Alan Ritchson is taller than the last attempt at Reacher (the diminutive Tom Cruise) but he is no giant
But in my view, this captured the atmosphere of the books, with some strong leads and episode 1 was a strong start...
Alan Ritchson is finally the epitome of Jack Reacher we deserved. The plot also follows the book really well, at least this first episode did. Fitzgerald is great as Roscoe.
It's only the first episode but so far it was a pleasant surprise. A show coming out of Hollywood that isn't full of woke far left bullshit and doesn't suck. I had pretty much given up on seeing that happen.
Shout by dewdropvelvetBlockedParent2022-02-04T05:57:48Z
Just like the books. Finally.