From Ars Technica · · 3m
Neagley spins off Reacher with style
Prime Video's new Reacher spinoff gives Maria Sten's fan-favorite character her own show, and it mostly delivers.
In brief
Prime Video's new Reacher spinoff gives Maria Sten's fan-favorite character her own show, and it mostly delivers. Neagley works as a spinoff because it keeps the Reacher formula of addictive action while letting a different character lead, though the ensemble cast needs more time to gel. Originally reported by Ars…
Reacher gets a spinoff
Prime Video's new series Neagley follows Frances Neagley, the most loyal friend of Jack Reacher from the hit show. She's now a corporate security professional in Chicago with her own mystery to solve.
Maria Sten carries the show
Maria Sten plays Neagley to perfection, bringing the character from four seasons of Reacher into her own spotlight. She's got the brain, athleticism, and lethal skills to lead a series.
A childhood friend dies mysteriously
Neagley's best friend Tommy is found dead on the L train tracks, ruled an accidental death. But Neagley suspects foul play and starts investigating against her boss's wishes.
She builds an unlikely team
Neagley recruits Renee Birdwhistle from her firm and teams up with Detective Hudson Riley, who also suspects something is wrong. Together they start pulling threads.
A cult and a drug plot emerge
The investigation leads to Echo Canyon Farm, a commune run by cult leader Lawrence Cole. Neagley discovers they're secretly developing a psychoactive drug, not just growing crops.
An undercover operation begins
Neagley sends a street kid named Keno undercover at the farm to gather intel. But the people running the operation are willing to kill to protect their secrets.
Personal demons complicate things
Neagley is also dealing with grief over Tommy and a lifelong fear of touch rooted in her troubled past. Her dying father holds secrets that may explain her haphephobia.
The show has some rough edges
The first episode is clumsy and slow, with too many Chicago callbacks. The cult leader lacks charisma, and the drug plot feels silly with MK Ultra conspiracy vibes that don't reflect real science.
The ensemble cast needs work
Unlike Reacher, which centers on one loner, Neagley relies on an ensemble that hasn't quite gelled yet. Neagley has zero chemistry with Detective Hudson, who's being set up as a romantic interest.
But it delivers on entertainment
Despite its flaws, Neagley is well-paced and entertaining. Team Neagley wins, the bad guys get satisfying endings, and it's a worthy addition to the Reacher universe.
“Neagley is a worthy addition to the Reacher universe.”
Reacher makes a cameo
Jack Reacher himself appears in an opening scene to help rescue a kidnapped child, lending his muscle to the mission before Neagley takes the lead.
The essence
Neagley works as a spinoff because it keeps the Reacher formula of addictive action while letting a different character lead, though the ensemble cast needs more time to gel.
