Episode 5 of Reacher's Season 1 kicks off with Reacher, Finlay, and Roscoe exiting the train station, their hands empty and hearts heavy. Despite their efforts, they had to leave Molly behind, bleeding profusely, while hastily dialing 911. Their hands were tied; they couldn't be held accountable for what had transpired.
On their return journey, Reacher stops by the dog owner's residence, where he finds the forlorn canine lying helplessly on its side in the yard. Throughout the season, Jack's compassion for the animal had been evident, offering it water from a bowl and treating it with kindness. However, its owner's neglect becomes all too apparent, igniting Reacher's anger. In a fit of rage, he punches the man straight in the nose, chains him up, and rescues the dog, intending to take it to a shelter.
With Joe and Molly both fallen, Reacher shoulders the weight of the world. Passing through a farm outside the town, he ponders over the abundance of animal feed and the strange grass that reminds him of Paul. Seeking answers, he confronts KJ at a diner, where a heated exchange leads to a fistfight. As the altercation intensifies, Kliner Sr. appears, followed by Finlay and Roscoe, guns drawn.
Unfortunately, Teale terminates Roscoe's employment for mismanaging files and deceit, while the diner's owner, Earl, falsely accuses Reacher of initiating the fight. Fortunately, Kliner refrains from pressing charges, fearing the scrutiny it would bring to his business.
Reacher realizes that the gun box entrusted to Roscoe holds the key to this mystery. Upon examining the box, they discover a key that leads them to Mosley, the barber. It turns out that Gray had entrusted Mosley with a trove of files pertaining to Roscoe's investigation. Among these files is a startling revelation—a list of 116 cattle. This tally, coupled with the animal feed, finally reveals Jack's hunch to be true.
It is revealed that once the cattle count reaches 120, state authorities are obligated to inspect the farm. By maintaining a count just below this threshold, the influx of animal feed can be concealed without arousing suspicion.
These financial donations to the town appear as a sinister tool, meant to coerce the townsfolk into silence. Their loyalty, bought with money, comes with a threat: speak out, and the funding will be withdrawn. So, why Margrave? Clearly, it's a strategic hub for distribution, seamlessly connected to at least six diverse states, as depicted on the intricate map they've drawn. This network grants them a refuge from law enforcement's grasp. Furthermore, they've realized that Gray's death was not suicide; he was assassinated.
As they step out, Reacher urges Roscoe to channel her anger, drawing parallels to a past instance where he failed to do so, showing up at a bully's house without an apology. Suddenly, Neagley calls, her voice urgent as she conveys crucial information. Once again, she speaks in code, summoning Reacher to meet so he can receive the details.
It transpires that the initials "JW" on Joe's note refer to an EPA investigator named Jimmy Dupree Wilks. Tragically, he was slain in his own home. The FBI deemed it a random robbery, yet the presence of a silencer and the lack of stolen items raise doubts. The post-mortem beating of his body aligns eerily with Joe's fate. The pieces are gradually fitting into place.
Moreover, a Memphis police officer named Aucoin had also sensed irregularities in the Wilks case. His investigation delved into toxic pollutant reports, further piquing suspicions. When Reacher mentions the animal feed to Neagley, she echoes his concerns, her suspicions mirroring his own. "This is precisely why I admire you, Neagley," he muses.
At the coroner's office, Roscoe delves into Gray's files, revealing haunting images of his head, particularly the ghastly laceration. The official narrative suggests Gray collided with something, but Roscoe knows the truth could be more sinister. Zooming in, she discovers microscopic tears in the wound, prompting Jasper to remark that the pattern resembles a diamond—a diamond that Teale conveniently wields as a cane.
With a fire in her eyes, Roscoe storms into the station and unleashes a furious barrage of punches on Teale, stunning him. Finlay, enraged, hustles her out of the premises. Roscoe realizes she's now a fugitive in this town, so she opts to hide in plain sight, caring for Charlie and the children.
Meanwhile, Neagley and Reacher encounter a pair of officers, Aucion among them, earning themselves the moniker "The Viking." Inside the police cruiser, they communicate with Finlay, who decides to conduct an unauthorized search. Desperate times, indeed, call for desperate measures.
As it turns out, the officer accompanying Aucion is corrupt. After gunning down his partner, he weeps, promising a painless death. Neagley and Reacher swiftly kick the metal divider between them, sending the officer flying off the road and plunging into the lake. As water begins to seep in, the officer confesses he's been coerced by foreigners, but his revelations end there.
Neagley and Reacher manage to escape and return to the shore. Neagley decides to delve deeper into "The Viking," seeking to uncover their secrets.
As the episode draws to a close, Finlay sneaks into Kliner's after-hours operations. Upon reaching Kliner Sr.'s office, he finds him lying lifeless, with his throat slit. "I see you're not the mastermind behind this," he says, his voice laden with grimness.
