Robert Patrick inspired the Reacher writers in more ways than one to pay tribute to Terminator 2.

SUMMARY

Reacher managed a clever nod to Robert Patrick’s unforgettable role of the T-1000 in James Cameron’s 1991 hit.
The series cleverly references T2 when Langston acknowledges a hotel check-in under the names Sarah Connor and Starling Castro, with the latter being linked to a past Yankees player.
Another scene supposedly bears resemblance to T-1000’s arrival in Terminator 2, and involves Robert Patrick’s character Shane Langston.

*Contains spoilers for episode one of Reacher season 2*

In irresistible fashion, Reacher managed a clever nod to Robert Pattrick’s unforgettable portrayal of the T-1000 in James Cameron’s 1991 hit, Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

It was indeed an unexpected move, catching everyone off guard, and proved quite wholesome for the audience.

While it might have flown under the radar for many, here’s the clever way showrunner Nick Santora pulled it off.

Alan Ritchson in Reacher (2023).
Here’s How Reacher Subtly Nodded to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T2!

In Season 1,  the showrunner Nick Santora meticulously honored Lee Child’s original novel, Killing Floor, which this series is based on.

The director ensured an authentic portrayal of the character Jack Reacher, played by Alan Ritchson.

However, Season 2 from the get-go opted for a more playful approach, injecting a little fun every step of the way.

evident with the introduction of Robert Patrick’s character Shane Langston, Santora, and his team managed to weave in a subtle tribute to Patrick’s past iconic role as the T-1000 in Terminator 2.

Robert Patrick as T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day
The series cleverly references T2 when Langston acknowledges a hotel check-in under the names Sarah Connor and Starling Castro, with the latter being linked to a past Yankees player.

The scene plays out like this, as the information is passed on to Patrick’s character by his accomplice, he acknowledges, “Starlin Castro played for the Yankees, six or seven years ago.”

Subsequently, when asked about the identity of “Sarah Conner,” Patrick’s character replies, “I don’t give a sh-t.”

This playful homage adds a touch of familiarity while introducing a new character to the Reacher universe freshly and unexpectedly. And serves as a little treat for the watchers.

Another Subtle Tribute to Terminator 2 That Many Might Have Missed in Reacher

Reacher Season 2, supposedly hints at another callback within its premiere episode at Terminator 2. A scene involving A.M. played by Ferdinand Kingsley, sees him meet counterfeiters at an L.A. underpass, as he proceeds to execute them.

The scene is similar to the one which introduced T-1000 in Terminator 2.

 This parallel becomes apparent as A.M. calmly departs, similar to the post-murder shot focusing on the T-1000’s exit in the film.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert Patrick in Terminator 2: Judgment Day
However, considering this scene as another deliberate reference to Terminator 2 can be deemed to be a bit of a stretch.

However, it’s very likely that the writers, upon Patrick’s casting, may have been influenced by the essence of T2, which resulted in them planting several easter eggs throughout the episode.