Neagley review: You fall in and out of love with Reacher offshoot

Maria Sten’s latest Reacher offshoot, Neagley, has garnered mixed reviews from critics. The eight-episode series, which centers around the ex-Armywoman turned private investigator in Chicago, features Sten’s Neagley as the main character. Neagley is often surrounded by a compelling ensemble cast, including smart cop Hudson Riley (Greyston Hold), secretary Renee Birdwhistle (Adeline Rudolph), and homeless orphan Keeno (Jasper Jones).

The show’s creators, Nick Santora and Nicholas Wootton, have assembled a talented group of actors to bring the story to life.

However, the series does have its shortcomings. Despite Sten’s consistent presence and watchability, some viewers found themselves losing interest, particularly when the plot veered off course or focused on characters they couldn’t connect with. The absence of Reacher, the series' original protagonist, was also noted as a significant drawback. Alan Ritchson and Sten’s dynamic chemistry made it clear that their past was filled with a strong bond, and viewers were left longing for more of their partnership.

One of the challenges faced by the series is balancing knife-edge tension with high-octane action. The quick editing attempts to maintain a brisk pace, but the limited runtime forces some scenes to feel clumped together. While the antagonists are not particularly well-developed, with their villainous schemes revolving around a pharmaceutical company and a farm run by a cult-like guru, the show still manages to keep the story engaging.

The main antagonist, a sharp-suited CEO (Mathew Del Negro), teams up with a proselytizer-type guru (Damon Herriman) to create dangerous drugs in their secret lab.

Neagley herself undergoes a significant character development throughout the series. She begins as a tough-talking sleuth dealing with childhood trauma, which is introduced as a new element for the writers. This vulnerability makes her more relatable and endearing to the audience. The relationship between Neagley and Riley is also a highlight of the series, as they learn the importance of having each other’s backs through their shared experiences.

The show provides a glimpse into Neagley’s past, including her ill father with a dark secret, giving her a more complex backstory compared to the original Reacher books.