'Reacher's Spin-Off Will Be Repeating The Series' Worst Storyline Cliché

New story details recently emerged for the upcoming Reacher spin-off, Neagley, and unfortunately, it looks like the new series is rehashing one of the most criticized and cliché aspects of the flagship show. The new plot information reveals that the first season of Neagley reportedly follows the eponymous Frances Neagley (Maria Sten) investigating the suspicious death of a close friend, but the decision to revisit its predecessor's most repetitive trope does a potential disservice to the new spin-off.

The 'Reacher' Universe Continues To Double Down on Revenge Plots

Now that it looks like Neagley is seeking retribution for the death of a close friend, it's somewhat concerning that the new show appears to be reusing a highly criticized and repetitive trope within the franchise. Looking at all three seasons of Reacher, they all involve the show's lead (Alan Ritchson) seeking revenge for a close friend or loved one. In Season 1, he seeks to bring down the Kliner Foundation for the murder of his brother, while Season 2 follows Reacher seeking revenge for the murders of his former military teammates. In Season 3, he's looking to avenge his first protégé, Dominique Kohl (Mariah Robinson).

Given that Reacher has returned to that well multiple times, it’s frustrating to watch Neagley reportedly following suit. If, in fact, the writers force the same type of premise usually featured on Reacher in Neagley's show, it could lead to the spin-off resembling a superficial copy that isn't bold enough to tell a different type of story. In its first season, Neagley should set itself apart from Reacher so the show can forge its own unique identity and style.

Frances Neagley Deserves To Step Out From 'Reacher's Shadow

Although Neagley is Reacher's protégé, she boasts a very different personality, so her series falling back on a revenge subplot is frustrating. Unlike Reacher, Neagley is not a wandering vagabond or nomad. She likes to put down roots, enjoys playing video games, takes greater care of her personal connections and relationships, suffers from severe haphephobia, and is addicted to sugary cereals. Since Neagley is a different type of investigator and a unique character compared to Reacher, the spin-off should embrace Neagley's unique qualities and explore them through a different investigative lens.

Aside from Reacher, Neagley is the only character who has appeared in all four seasons of the original series, so it makes sense that she is getting her own spin-off, but the writers fashioning Neagley into Reacher 2.0 would be a mistake. In addition to highlighting her distinct approach to investigation, there's potential to further explore parts of her past, including the cause of her haphephobia, something introduced back in Reacher Season 1, and her relationship with her ailing father.

'Reacher' Season 4 Is Moving Away From Revenge Plots

At the very least, it seems that Reacher Season 4 will move away from cliché revenge plots, as the next season is based on the Lee Child novel, Gone Tomorrow, which does not feature Reacher seeking vengeance for the death of a loved one. In fact, the big event that sets off the entire story involves someone whom Reacher has only just met. By not depicting Reacher embarking on a revenge-fueled rampage, Season 4 should serve as a refreshing turn for the show.

If every season of the Reacher universe becomes about the characters seeking a personal vendetta, those plots quickly lose their novelty, and audiences will lose interest. Granted, the revenge-driven plots have been a winning formula for the Reacher universe so far, but it’s helped that each season resets most of the cast and locales. Neagley represents an opportunity to create a Reacher-adjacent series with a completely different look and feel. The series should embrace that, opting for bolder choices and wider swings, as opposed to relying on yet another revenge plot that borders on safe and even boring.