Warning! This article contains spoilers for Reacher season 3’s finale.Neagley steals one of Jack Reacher’s best lines from the original Lee Child books inReacherseason 3 and, surprisingly, makes it sound even better. SinceReacherseason 3 adapts Lee Child’sPersuader, it was initially not expected to feature Neagley as one of its characters. In the original book, Neagley does not help Reacher with his overarching undercover operation at all. However, given how Neagley showed up even inReacherseason 1’s endingmoments despite not being a part ofLee Child’sKilling Floor, her appearance in season 3 was not surprising.
Interestingly, althoughReacherseason 3 significantly drifts away from its source material to add Neagley to its roster, her role does not feel forced. Instead, her story comes off as a natural extension of the original narrative, perfectly paving the way for her upcoming spinoff series. With another major book change,Reacherseason 3 gives one of Jack Reacher’s lines to Neagley, which reveals a lot about her relationship with theAlan Ritchson character.
Neagley’s “Hate The Big Guy” Line From Season 3’s Ending Is Reacher’s In The Original Book
Reacher Recalls Saying The Same Line To Dominique Kohl
InReacherseason 3’s finale, Neagley claims to have finally figured Reacher out. She reveals that Reacher does not necessarily punish the bad guys to “set things right” or to “protect the little guy.” He does it because he hates “the big, powerful sons of b**ches who think they can just get away with things.” Toward the final moments ofPersuader’s story,Jack Reacher recalls saying the exact same line to Dominique Kohl when she asked him why he does what he does.
…Even though Reacher is more of an anti-hero and not always driven by the right reasons, he manages to keep himself morally sound by channeling his dark tendencies in the right direction.
Realizing that Reacher’s sense of justice has less to do with morality and more with a deep-rooted hate against abuse of power, Kohl says, “You produce the right results for the wrong reasons, then.” Just like Reacher agrees with Neagley’s insight in season 3, he nods to Kohl’s statement in the book by saying that he tries to do the right thing and the reasons do not matter. These similar interactions highlight how, even though Reacher is more of an anti-hero and not always driven by the right reasons, he manages to keep himself morally sound by channeling his dark tendencies in the right direction.
“I Ever Tell You You’re Smart, Neagley”
Image via Prime Video
When Neagley drops the line inReacherseason 3’s finale, Jack Reacher smiles and jokes that it took her a long time to figure him out. Although Reacher tries to play it off with humor,Neagley’s insights seem to help him better understand himself and his motives. Almost throughoutReacherseason 3, the Alan Ritchson character was purely driven by his hunger for revenge. He would not have teamed up with the DEA agents if their undercover mission had not allowed him to avenge Kohl’s death by killing Quinn.
Reacher Season 3 Ending Explained
Reacher season 3’s ending not only features a much-awaited slam-bang fight but also shows a series of bittersweet moments that conclude Jack’s journey
Neagley’s line seems to serve as a reminder for him that his reasons were flawed. He eventually saved the day and even protected innocents like Richard and Teresa, who were embroiled in the overarching conspiracy. However, he must always tread carefully since the darker aspects of his personality could cloud his judgment. With her final quote inReacherseason 3, Neagley proves that she understands Jack Reacher more than he understands himself, andif it wasn’t for her, the Alan Ritchson character would be prone to losing sight of the right things he must achieve through his flawed reasons.
Reacher
Reacher follows Jack Reacher, a former military police investigator, as he navigates civilian life. Without a phone and carrying minimal belongings, Reacher drifts across the country, experiencing the nation he once served, and encounters intriguing challenges along the way.
