Warning! This article contains spoilers for Reacher season 3’s episode 5.
Reacher‘s car-flipping scene in the fifth episode of season 3 might appear unbelievable, yet the character has achieved even more remarkable feats of strength in the original novels by Lee Child. Prime Video’s Reacher stays true to the source material, showcasing just how extraordinarily strong Jack Reacher can be. Since season 1, Alan Ritchson’s portrayal of Jack Reacher has included jaw-dropping displays of power, such as snapping zip ties effortlessly or single-handedly overpowering a group of inmates.
In season 2, Reacher even deployed a kick that activated a car’s airbag, illustrating his raw strength. Following the trend of the previous seasons, season 3 does not hold back as it presents Reacher flipping an entire car with minimal assistance from a DEA agent. While these feats may seem exaggerated, the original books depict him as even more superhuman.
Reacher’s Season 3 Car Flip Is Not Even Close To His Most Impressive Feat In The Books
Even A Bullet To The Chest Does Not Kill Reacher In One Book
In Lee Child’s Tripwire, Jack Reacher spends the summer working as a pool digger. This daily labor enhances his physical abilities, resulting in a well-muscled physique. This muscle comes in handy when he is shot in the chest later in the book, as his dense pectoral muscles stop the bullet from penetrating too deeply. Though he is hit with a less powerful gun featuring older ammunition, the scene in Reacher season 3 where he flips a car pales compared to Reacher’s near-survival of a gunshot wound in Tripwire.
Jack Reacher’s exploits in the novels reveal his nearly superhuman abilities. For instance, he utilizes a knife and fork as an impromptu wrench and has been known to rip a door off its hinges with his bare hands. Although flipping a car stretches the limits of believability, much like the source material, the series often offsets these feats by portraying Reacher’s vulnerabilities.
Paulie Makes Reacher Look Far Less Superhuman In Season 3
Paulie Takes Him Down With One Slap
While Reacher may appear almost invincible after flipping a car, he is soon humbled by a confrontation with Paulie. During season 3, Reacher approaches Paulie regarding the death of a maid. Confident in his fighting prowess, he delivers a powerful punch to Paulie’s ribs, thinking it would be enough to teach the giant a lesson.
Reacher season 3 effectively conveys the message that while Alan Ritchson’s character exhibits incredible strength, he is not without flaws.
However, Paulie surprises Reacher by barely flinching in response. With a single swift slap, Paulie sends Reacher reeling, causing him to buckle at the knees. Reacher, accustomed to dominating fights, finds himself taken aback by the unexpected strength of Paulie. The fifth episode of Reacher season 3 encapsulates the notion that despite his immense strength, Reacher is far from invulnerable.