‘Reacher’ Recap: ‘What Happens in Atlantic City’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Alan Ritchson, Shaun Sipos, and Serinda Swan as Jack Reacher, David O’Donnell, and Karla Dixon in Episode 202 of ‘Reacher’ – ‘What Happens in Atlantic City’. (Photo Courtesy of Brooke Palmer/Prime Video.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Reacher’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, click here.
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There are a great many reasons that fans tune into the Prime Video series, Reacher. Some for instance, tune in for the incredible action that takes place. Because when the time comes for Jack Reacher to throw down and do his thing, he, and anyone alongside him, do so in a poetic and powerful manner that takes our breath away. Others, however, tune in for the acting. Because everyone in this series turns in their A-game and brings forth characters that are relatable and engaging, especially Alan Ritchson. Since he brings a fascinating honesty to Jack Reacher that is quite powerful in nature. But of the many reasons that fans tune in, there is one above all that they all share in. In that, this series features some amazing storytelling, and never was that more evident than during the next episode of this series.
 
Because ‘What Happens in Atlantic City’ took the time to explore the impact of the Special Investigations Unit upon those who served, while moving the plot forward, and it accomplished such feats… by putting Reacher, Neagley and O’Donnell in some serious trouble. Because Reacher thought the car that was following them was in fact, the nefarious folks that killed Franz with impunity, and that prompted him to do a little patented ass-kicking to send a message. But alas, it turned out that Reacher actually beat the living hell out of a NYPD Detective. Which meant… the team had to get out of New York City post haste, and thanks to a reunion with Dixon, they were able to do so, and they quickly made their way to Atlantic City. For some of the team worked there with casino security and some of the information in front of the team, spoke to a potential heist. 
 
Which in turn, landed them a suite and down time. For casino security was going to look into the alias list and what the numerical data might mean and that led… to some wonderful character development. Wherein, we saw Reacher and Dixon finally surrender to their romantic tension, and where we came to learn how much the SIU benefitted this group and helped them to grow. Plus, this sequence also allowed for us to learn how badly Reacher just wants to feel free, and how that drives his wandering. As to whether or not there’s something deeper, he wants to be free from, we don’t know just yet. But this was just… great writing through and through, the kind that really did expand this world and engage us and of course, as mentioned before, found a way to move the plot forward in the most unique and violent ways imaginable. 
 
Because sadly, the team was tracked to Atlantic City, and those that followed them there were under orders to put the team down post haste. An order that could not be fulfilled. For Jack Reacher is basically invincible when he has time to think, and Dixon held her own. Putting an end to those jackasses and giving Reacher a little phone time with Robert Patrick’s mysterious villain. Setting the stage for a showdown between those two and also setting up… some revenge. Because at the end of this tale, we came to learn that two more from this elite team, turned up dead, and that meant Reacher and his reformed team needed to go on the offensive, and well, that’s where this amazing story left us. With Jack Reacher ready to go to war over losing more of the people that mean the world to him. 
 
All of which brought forth, one magnificent episode. One filled to the brim with details, growth, and progressive storytelling. Because the writing simply is top-notch on this show, and while we didn’t get any answers regarding the data or who Robert Patrick’s character is or what he wants, or who this mystery man is traversing the country… every audience member (and this writer) is fine with it. Because this show has made it known that answers will come if we just sit back and enjoy the ride and we all most certainly did. Because every single second of this story just drew us in and engaged us and left us eager for more, and it will be interesting to see what lies ahead, now that Reacher and his team are ready to take the fight to the bad guys. Until next time.

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