Right-hand woman
Maria Sten takes deep dive into ‘Reacher’ role
“Reacher,” Amazon Prime Video’s hit series based on Lee Child’s long running book series, revolves around the mighty — in every sense — ex-military policeman Jack Reacher who wanders around the country as a “hobo” who regularly encounters and dispatches killers and criminals.
A loner, Reacher (Alan Ritchson) remains spiritually part of his close-knit military team. In Season 2, Reacher’s squad reunites to avenge the murder of one of their own.
For Maria Sten, “Reacher” is a careerchanger. She’s Frances Neagley, who is a major resource for Reacher.
“Alan and I are the two characters that have come along for a longer ride which is indicative of our characters from the books.
“Normally I’ve been on shows that haven’t gone anywhere, so I had no idea that it was going to be such a massive hit.
“When I got the job, that’s when I read all the books that Neagley’s character is featured in. Just to get more backstory and understand the relationship dynamic between the two. But also just get under her skin so to speak.”
Neagley is a Chicagobased P.I. who works for a large corporation and supports her ailing father.
What else did she learn from the books?
“Francis Neagley is kind of mysterious. She still doesn’t like to be touched — and no one will ever know why. She has this incredibly deep, profound relationship with Reacher that remains the way that we see in our TV show.
“She’s incredibly capable with her physical skills: mixed martial arts, handguns, weapons training. She is his right-hand woman in all things when it comes to all the trouble that always seems to find him.”
The series’ spectacular fight scenes undoubtedly factor in its appeal and they are not computergenerated, as evidenced by Ritchson having broken a bone in his shoulder which required surgery and tearing an abdominal muscle during a fight scene.
“It’s a physical job. As a former dancer,” Sten, 34, said, “it’s easy to learn the choreography. We do tons of rehearsals and put our blood, sweat and tears into it because we want it to be as authentic as possible. I also do my own stunts.”
Reacher and Neagley have a deep bond that never, ever suggests something romantic.
“It’s so rare to explore this platonic relationship between a man and a woman. I, for one personally, have a lot of male friends. So it’s wonderful
this season where we’re able to really explore that friendship and why they do what they do for each other.
“I’m very excited that we get to show the world a different kind of relationship.”
“Reacher” is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.