Have you ever wondered what Jack Reacher would do if confronted by a headbutting goat while tracking a villain? Actor and musician Andrew McGillan has the answer—and it involves using the goat as an unexpected weapon.

In this laugh-filled episode, Andrew shares his 12-year journey with Lee Child's iconic character, beginning with a nine-hour airport layover that introduced him to what he affectionately calls "man fluff" or "Mills and Boon for men." With refreshing candor, he explains why these thrillers captivate him: "I always feel safe with Reacher... You might break an arm or finger, but he's always gonna be alright." This perfect balance of predictability and surprise keeps Andrew coming back for more.

The conversation turns passionate when discussing adaptations. Andrew hasn't watched the Tom Cruise films—and for good reason. "The man is five foot six... It's like Peter Dinklage playing John Cleese in a Monty Python biopic," he explains, emphasizing how Reacher's imposing physical presence is fundamental to the character. By contrast, he praises Alan Ritchson's portrayal in the Amazon series as nearly perfect, even if he finds him "a bit too pretty" for the rough-and-tumble hero.

Whether debating what essential item belongs in Reacher's go bag, imagining himself as a character in the series, or reluctantly agreeing to finally watch the Cruise film, Andrew's enthusiasm for Child's creation is infectious. His perspective as both a fan and a traveling performer brings unique insights to the Reacher phenomenon.

Ready to dive deeper into Reacher's world? Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for more content that explores every corner of the Reacher universe—from books and adaptations to headbutts and everything in between.

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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.

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