Author Lee Child’s Reacher novel series mostly chronicles the self contained adventures of the titular hero, even though Reacher’s past, some recurring characters, and certain key elements of his lore are present in all the novels, the stories can be categorized as one and done narratives. As a result, each adventure of Reacher introduces a new set of characters, and Amazon Prime’s TV series adaptation stays true to that aspect. The ongoing third season of the series, which is an adaptation of Lee Child’s Persuader, features Reacher’s new friends and foes, and as a viewer who didn’t really enjoy the ensemble of the last season, I found the new players to be pretty likable and interesting already.
Spoilers Ahead
Zachary Beck
Extremely wealthy, reclusive businessman Zachary Beck, owner of the rug trading company ‘Bizarre Bazaar,’ is introduced as the primary antagonist of Reacher in the third season, although eventually it becomes apparent that he himself is a victim of someone else’s machinations. Coming from generational wealth, Beck is influential enough to pull a few strings in the system in order to smoothen his trade supply line, and inadvertently finds himself in the crosshair of Julius McCabe, aka Xavier Quinn, the main adversary Reacher will be facing this season. Beck’s inability to protect his son from the terrible line of work he got himself entangled in makes him somewhat of a sympathetic character. Hopefully, his arc finds proper closure by the end of the season. Actor Anthony Michael Hall played the role of Zachary Beck.
Richard Beck
Zachary’s teenage son, Richard, is a mild mannered, reserved kid who finds himself subjected to a horrendous situation after Julius’ evil gaze falls upon their family. Despite having every chance to become a spoiled brat thanks to his opulent background, Richard grew up to be a sensitive, kind person who knows the worth of the little things in life—such as the precious childhood memories that his father cherished so much. It is through his connection with Richard that viewers get to know a different side of Zachary Beck. Richard has a passion for art, and longs to rekindle the bond he used to share with his father. After befriending Reacher, Richard finds some comfort confiding in him, and even though Reacher used his trust to get intel on Beck, it will be interesting to see how their connection shapes up through the season. Actor Johnny Berchtold played the role of Richard Beck in the series.
Agent Susan Duffy
The leader of the DEA agents who seek Reacher’s help in nabbing Zachary Beck, Susan Duffy is a no nonsense operative who can hold her own pretty well even in front of the likes of Reacher. Duffy has no aversion to resorting to questionable methods to get the job done, as she is already running an off-the-books op and bend the rules on several occasions to get the desired result. However, Duffy has a caring side to her which is shown in the way she puts her own career on the line to rescue Teresa Williams, the covert informant she had planted in Beck’s inner circle. In their propensity to work around the loopholes of law, Duffy and Reacher are quite similar, and there are hints that, going forward in the season, the duo could get romantically involved. Actor Sonya Cassidy plays the role of Agent Susan Duffy.
Xavier Quinn/Julius McCabe
Lieutenant General Xavier Quinn is considered by Reacher to be the single worst person he has met in his entire life, which conveys what kind of a person this guy truly is. A turncoat general who sold military intelligence for a price, the sadistic Xavier is responsible for leaving a deep scar in Reacher’s mind, as it is hinted that he had assaulted one of Reacher’s colleagues in Military Police, Dominique Kohl. Reacher had thought him to be dead after their first violent interaction a decade ago, but Xavier not only survived; he also went on to assume a new identity as Julius McCabe, create his own underworld empire, and keep things under his control through fear tactics. According to Richard, McCabe/Xavier is terrifying enough to even make a hulking psycho like Paulie seem like a harmless individual, which once again adds to this guy’s notoriety. Actor Brian Tee portrays the role of Xavier Quinn in the series.
Paul Verhoeven
Ever since actor/bodybuilder Olivier Richters was cast in the role of Paul Verhoeven in season three, Reacher fans waited for the series to return with bated breath. To see someone make even a big guy like Reacher seem like a puny human is surely a sight to behold. Paul Verhoeven, key member of Beck’s security team, is introduced as an ex-military strongman who was thrown out of the forces for brutally assaulting his superiors, and his mean temper is already showcased in the few scenes he appeared in along with Reacher. Like everyone else, I am waiting for the upcoming showdown between Reacher and Paulie, which will surely push the veteran nomad to his limits.Â
Agent Guillermo Villanueva
A trusted associate of Duffy, DEA Agent Villanueva is awaiting his retirement, and while he lacks the edge and willingness to bend the rules of his younger colleagues, the senior agent has some experience under his belt. His presence on the investigative team is instrumental, as he seems to act as a moral compass. Actor Roberto Montesinos plays the role of Agent Villanueva in the series.
Agent Steven Elliot
Novice DEA Agent Steven Elliot brings a balance in Duffy’s team through his light-hearted banter with his teammates, although his lack of experience has put the team in trouble in the past. The ongoing investigation will prove to be a learning curve for the newbie operative, and it will be interesting to see whether Elliot’s mettle matches up with his willingness to contribute to the investigation. Actor Daniel David Stewart plays the role of Agent Elliot in the series.
