Reacher is an incredible crime thriller on Prime Video, but the streamer’s new show in the genre seems to do one thing far better than the Alan Ritchson series. When it comes to critical acclaim and commercial success, no other crime thriller show on Prime Video even comes close to Reacher.
Based on Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books, Reacher has had an incredible three-season run so far and is all set to continue its winning streak with a confirmed season 4 and Neagley spinoff show. Many factors have contributed to the show’s success, including its performances, casting choices, and loyalty to the source material.
However, as brilliant and well-rounded as Reacher may seem, it has its own set of issues and shortcomings. Interestingly, a new Prime Video show, which is not as acclaimed as Reacher, manages to do one thing far better than the Alan Ritchson series.
The Terminal List Series’ Action Is Far More Realistic Than Reacher’s
When it comes to action sequences, Reacher often thrives on over-the-top displays of strength and brutal efficiency. There are sequences in the books and the show where the character even seems nearly superhuman. While that sometimes adds to the character’s appeal, it is hard not to crave more realistic action from crime thrillers.
Fortunately, this is where The Terminal List‘s follow-up installment, titled Dark Horse, gets things right. Although the show’s critical reception is far more mixed than Reacher‘s, it features some incredibly realistic action sequences. The primary credit for this goes to the book series the show is based on, which has been written by former U.S. Navy SEAL Jack Carr.
Unlike most shows featuring characters from the military, The Terminal List pays meticulous attention to detail to military tactics and techniques used in close-quarters combat (CQB). Viewers familiar with real-world combat training would really appreciate The Terminal List: Dark Horse‘s focus on authenticity.
Former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink also watched the show with Chris Pratt and appreciated its emphasis on realism:
Terminal List: Dark Wolf’s Realistic Action Makes It More Immersive Than Reacher
There are story beats in Reacher that effectively manage to blur the prism between television and reality and immerse viewers in the drama. Unfortunately, this effect is easily shattered when the Alan Ritchson character does something so outlandishly superhuman that the immersion gives way to pulp spectacle.
Chris Pratt’s James Reece, who is the leading character in The Terminal List, shows up as a side character in Dark Wolf. Dark Wolf‘s cast is led by Taylor Kitsch and Tom Hopper.
Reacher‘s intentional portrayal of the main character’s exaggerated physicality and near-mythical strength adds to the show’s entertainment value, but prevents a viewer from taking the show seriously. Prime Video‘s The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, in contrast, maintains grounded intensity in almost all action sequences, which allows viewers to feel the high stakes its characters experience.
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