What happens when someone who's never encountered Jack Reacher tries to imagine what he's all about? The answer is both hilarious and surprisingly insightful.
This special introductory episode brings a complete Reacher novice into the fold as they attempt to describe what they think Jack Reacher looks like, what his stories might contain, and even suggest what his non-existent middle name should be (spoiler: it's "Barbara" – for mysterious reasons). Without any prior knowledge of Lee Child's iconic character, our guest manages to piece together a remarkably accurate portrait based solely on book covers glimpsed in passing: "mystery," "people walking into the distance in shadow," and "probably death."
The conversation takes delightful turns as we explore what makes a compelling action hero, comparing Reacher to Indiana Jones and discussing whether Reacher's name might be related to his impressive height. "Is he like the guy you ask when you're at the supermarket and you cannot reach?" our guest wonders. Indeed, at 6'5" and 250 pounds, he certainly could be. When presented with the blurb from "The Visitor" – featuring victims found naked in bathtubs full of paint – our guest accepts the challenge to read their first Reacher novel and return to share their thoughts.
Whether you're a dedicated Reacher fan or completely new to the series, this episode offers a fresh perspective on why these books have captured millions of readers worldwide. Follow our podcast for the follow-up episode where we'll discover if we've successfully converted another reader to the Reacher universe. Search for All Things Reacher on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more content, and don't forget to leave a review – Jack would approve.