TechRadar: 'Reacher' Season 4 Fan Divide Shows Audiences Forgot It's 'Dumb' Fun

The piece notes that new episodes, which are dominating Prime Video and online conversation, follow Reacher (Alan Ritchson) as he becomes embroiled in a CIA conspiracy after suspecting a woman on a New York City subway train is actually a suicide bomber. The political espionage plot marks a departure from the show's first three seasons, the article says, and has prompted viewers to think in ways they're not used to.

But the overall story arc remains familiar: Reacher gets involved in something larger than he initially thought and punches his way out. The show comes close to but never quite reaches the political severity of "The West Wing" or "The Diplomat," and that closeness appears to have created a new split in the fandom. Some Reddit users have branded season 4 the worst of the series, while others call it the strongest outing since season 1.

The article argues this divide comes down to a central, often overlooked point: "Reacher" is a borderline idiotic, light-hearted crime drama that was never meant to be anything else. It calls the show "as superficial as superficial gets" and says anyone looking for something grittier or more meaningful underneath is sadly misguided. The piece also argues that expecting every show to offer Sherlock-level puzzle-solving is unrealistic, and that "Reacher" season 4 proves otherwise if viewers accept it for what it is.

According to the article, the actual storyline and any whodunnits are the least important part. The character of Reacher himself is what draws viewers in, with his troubled military background, hidden personality and heavily chiseled abs serving as the unique selling point. The show's appeal also lies in how Reacher interacts with his sidekicks and builds meaningful relationships; the piece says there has not been a single connection that it has not enjoyed or invested in.

The article concludes that fans want to see Reacher pumping iron and battering bad guys while improving the lives of those around him, and that nothing else is needed. If season 5 sticks to this format, the piece says, there will be no less satisfaction, but it questions whether fans will be open to that.