With Reacher Season 4 wrapped and Season 5 already in production, the franchise is clearly firing on all cylinders. But as the show expands—Neagley is getting her own series—it's worth asking: which other character could carry a spin-off? The answer might surprise you, but it's been right in front of us since Season 1: Detective Oscar Finlay, played with quiet gravitas by Malcolm Goodwin.
A character who stole the show
In the first season, Finlay wasn't just a sidekick. He was the emotional anchor of the Margrave storyline. While Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson) delivered bone-crunching justice, Finlay wrestled with a tragic past. We learned in the episode "Papier" that his wife, Sharon, died of cancer—and he blames himself. He moved to Margrave as a form of self-punishment, and he still pays her phone bill just to hear her voicemail. That kind of raw, human detail makes Finlay unforgettable.
He also proved he could handle action. Remember the Season 1 finale, when he ditched his tweed jacket, lit one last cigarette, and charged into a Die Hard-style showdown? Finlay isn't just a brainy cop; he's got grit.
Season 2 set up the perfect spin-off
Finlay returned in Season 2's "A Night at the Symphony," now a lieutenant in the Boston Police Department. He's back in his hometown, still caring for Jack, the stray dog he adopted. Reacher even admits he'd have recruited Finlay for his old military unit—high praise from a guy who doesn't hand out compliments. That guest spot wasn't just fan service; it was a backdoor pilot waiting to happen.
Imagine a series where Finlay navigates Boston's criminal underworld, balancing his by-the-book instincts with the unconventional methods he picked up from Reacher. He's a detective who plays by the rules, but he's also seen what happens when you bend them. And with Jack the dog by his side, there's built-in heart.
Why it makes business sense
Prime Video has already shown appetite for expanding its literary universes. The streamer greenlit two Bosch spin-offs and a prequel for The Terminal List. With Neagley's show on the way, a Finlay series would further build a Reacher TV universe. It's a low-risk, high-reward move—fans already love the character, and Goodwin has the chops to lead.
For now, you can stream the first four seasons of Reacher on Prime Video. Season 5 is filming, adapting Make Me. But if you're craving more from this world, check out must-read books for Reacher fans or see how The Terminal List trails Reacher in viewership. And if you're looking for another gritty thriller, Prime Video's darkest military thriller might fill the void.
Bottom line: Finlay's story is far from over. A spin-off would give us the nuanced, character-driven drama the franchise does so well—and finally put a fan favorite in the spotlight.
