Reacher and Duffy slept together in the Reacher se...

Jack Reacher will have a new romance in Reacher season 3, making the highly coveted return of Roscoe much less likely. Continuing the established formula, Reacher season 3’s story will see the titular hero embroiled in a new adventure with a new cast of characters. This time around, events will be adapted from Lee Child’s seventh book installment, Persuader. First published in 2003, Persuader is widely considered to be one of the best Jack Reacher books.

Continuing his nomadic journey across America, Reacher (Alan Ritchson) won’t so much stumble into a new mission as be actively recruited. That recruitment comes from DEA agent Sarah Duffy (Sonya Cassiday). This mission sees the former special investigator sent undercover to investigate a drug kingpin and potentially rescue a missing agent. It’s a mission that Reacher swiftly accepts for some personal reasons. In the process, continuing a criticized trope, season 3 sees Reacher and Duffy embark on a romance.

Reacher Starting A Romance With Sarah Duffy In Season 3 Makes Roscoe’s Return Less Likely

Fans Hoping For A Reacher and Roscoe Reunion May Be Disappointed

The confirmation of the Reacher and Duffy romance came in the Reacher season 3 trailer. Part way through, the new footage reveals them locking lips while in a passionate embrace. The reveal will come as no surprise to those who have read the books over the years or have become familiar with the show’s format. After all, Reacher — both in the show and all the Jack Reacher books — tends to follow a James Bond-style approach to romance, with a different woman in each adventure and no potential love triangle in sight.

It will, however, disappoint those who were hoping for a Roscoe Conklin (Willa Fitzgerald) cameo in season 3 after they sadly parted ways in the season 1 finale due to Reacher’s nomadic lifestyle, as well as Roscoe’s desire to repair the damage to her town. Neither wanted to make the other compromise. Despite that, many continued to hope for a reunion, first in season 2 and now ahead of Reacher season 3’s release. It still may be possible, especially if Roscoe has similarly moved on. But it nonetheless feels unlikely and could ruin the energy that made them so popular.

Reacher Didn’t Call Roscoe In Season 2 Because Of His Relationship With Dixon

Reacher Will Likely Continue The Same Pattern In Season 3

Reacher season 2 cemented the trend by introducing Karla Dixon (Serinda Swan). A major in the army and a former special investigator, Dixon was arguably a better match for Reacher than Roscoe. This is why they quickly act on the sexual tension that has lingered between them for years. It first struck when they worked together in the 110th and then reignited upon meeting again in New York. However, their liaison is short-lived, with Dixon choosing to end things, believing it serves as a fitting closure for them both. Nonetheless, it served to prevent Roscoe’s return in season 2.

While trying to avenge some fallen comrades, Reacher has the majority of his 110th unit by his side. Regardless, he still feels the need for further back-up. That comes in the form of Oscar Finlay (Malcolm Goodwin) from season 1. Roscoe’s name ultimately comes up, prompting an awkward exchange with Dixon and illustrating that Reacher knew there might still be romantic tensions with Roscoe and that it might complicate matters with Dixon and cloud the dynamics of a very personal mission, had he called her for help as well.

Why Reacher Still Needs To Bring Roscoe Back Sooner Or Later

Two Seasons Later, Reacher & Roscoe Still Feel Like Endgame Material

Despite the romantic entanglements that Reacher will continue to find himself a part of, Roscoe should still make a return at some stage. As the very first that audiences experienced, it could be construed as something of a first love. And there is definitely a lot of love between them by Reacher season 1’s ending. So much so that Reacher is even willing to end his nomadic ways to stay with Roscoe. Though she refuses to let him make such a sacrifice, it is a genuine offer and stands as a testament to his feelings.

Reacher season 3 premieres on February 20, 2025, only on Amazon Prime.

Roscoe and Reacher are both brave and forthright. They share the same sense of justice and, conversely, can make each other smile and laugh in even the toughest of circumstances. In short, they mae a great pairing, one that was fueled by the immense chemistry between the actors. For many fans, Roscoe will long be the one that got away and who exudes endgame material. As a result, Roscoe returning to help out with Reacher season 3 villains would have been an immediate crowd-pleasing moment for audience members. As things stand, however, Reacher fans will have to continue waiting.