Warning! This article contains spoilers for Reacher season 3’s episode 4.
InReacherseason 3’s episode 4, Jack Reacher uses the phrase “had his 20” while describing his team’s mission to track down Quinn. Since the phrase is not so commonly used, many viewers may be curious about what it means. TheAmazon Prime Video detective serieshas received wide acclaim for more than one reason. While many have appreciated its action choreography, others have commended how perfectlyAlan Ritchson embodies Jack Reacher.
Viewers familiar withLee Child’s originalJack Reacherbookshave also praised the show for staying loyal to its source material while etching its own distinct identity. AlthoughReacheris not specifically known for its dialogue, the show features some memorable one-liners highlighting how, even though the Alan Ritchson character usually prefers not to speak much, his words are impactful and driven by purpose every time he utters them. Since everything Jack Reacher says has a solid meaning, viewers may be wondering why he says “had his 20” inReacherseason 3’s episode 4.
The Phrase’s Origin Comes From CBS Lingo
While explaining how he and his team caught Quinn red-handed, Reacher says that after Quinn illegally exchanged military documents with criminal external forces, they kept a close eye on him and even recorded the entire process on video. He adds that one of his men, Frasconi, also followed Quinn, so they “always had his 20.” As Jack Reacher’s statement suggests,“had his 20” means they always knew Quinn’s whereabouts after the exchange because Frasconi was tracking him down.
Its use stems from the CB (Citizens Band radio) code, where “10-20” translates to “location.”
Although “had his 20” is not exactly a well-known phrase, its use is common among military and police personnel. Its use stems from the CB (Citizens Band radio) code, where “10-20” translates to “location.” Reacher uses the phrase to highlight that he and his team had Quinn’s exact location with evidence of his crime after he made the exchange. Everything had gone according to plan for them, and they only had to wait for a green flag to carry out his arrest.
Reacher’s Use Of Military Jargon Is A Major Part Of His Character
His Entire Personality Has Been Shaped By His Military Experiences
Throughout the Prime Video show’s runtime, Jack Reacher uses many similar military phrases, highlighting how jargon from law enforcement is a significant part of his character. His usage of these terminologies not only reflects his vast military background but alsoemphasizes how he always keeps a tactical mindset in grave situations.The Alan Ritchson character’s backstory reveals that even before he joined the military police, he lived in military base camps across the globe because his father was a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Reacher Season 3’s Main Villain, Xavier Quinn, Explained
Reacher himself described season 3’s latest villain Xavier Quinn as “the single worst person I’ve ever known,” but what is his backstory?
Since he was raised in a military environment, Reacher’s worldview was shaped by the discipline and sense of order adopted in the defense services. These early experiences seemingly paved the way for him to eventually join the military police and embrace the lifestyle of a soldier. Under the guidance of senior officers like Leon Garber, Jack Reacher gradually learned the ways of the military, which were so deeply ingrained in him that he continued adopting them long after his retirement. Owing to this, even while recalling an operation from his day in the military, the character cannot help but use military jargon inReacherseason 3’s episode 4.
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.
