Reacher season 3 hints that one of its main villains, Paulie, also has a military background like Jack Reacher. Paulie is easily one of the most fascinating characters in the Amazon Prime Video detective series because of his massive stature. In both seasons 1 and 2, Reacher seemingly had a massive advantage over his enemies because of how much size he had on them. Standing at around 6 feet 3 inches, Alan Ritchson’s Jack Reacher towered nearly all his adversaries. By introducing Paulie, Reacher season 3 changes this dynamic by presenting a villain bigger than Reacher.

Olivier Richters, who plays Paulie, is around 7 feet 2 inches tall, making him close to a foot taller than Alan Ritchson. As seen in Reacher season 2’s opening episodes, however, the Alan Ritchson character still manages to belittle the giant by using his wit and exploiting Paulie’s lack thereof. However, considering Paulie’s size advantage and disturbing military record, it is hard not to see him as a formidable villain in Reacher season 3.

How Reacher’s Military Rank Compares To Paulie’s

Paulie Was Not An Officer In The Military

After Zachary Beck reads through Reacher’s military achievements in Reacher season 2’s episode 1, Beck’s henchman, Chapman Duke, reveals that Paulie, too, served in the army. He also adds that Paulie hates officers, confirming that Paulie was not one. Reacher pokes fun at him by saying that he did not clear the OCS (Officer Candidate Exam), which is one of the four paths one must complete to become an officer in the army. Reacher even goes a step further by saying that Paulie could not even spell OCS, implying that he is all brawn and no brain.

Although the show does not delve into Paulie’s rank in the army, Lee Child’s Persuader reveals he was a soldier. Paulie’s records in season 3’s episode 3 also reveal he specialized in “118 Combat Arms.“ Reacher insulting Paulie for not being an officer is hilariously ironic, given how he has previously defended Neagley from officers who looked down on her for being enlisted. It shows that even though he cares little about military ranks, he wants to ensure Paulie knows his place when he is with him.

What Happened To Paulie After He Left The Military

Paulie Received A Dishonorable Discharge From The Army

After doing a background check on Paul Van Hoven (Paulie), Neagley discovers that he “punched a captain’s eye clean out its socket” when he was in the army. Owing to this, he received a dishonorable discharge from military service. Paulie’s record also reveals he was sent to Leavenworth for an 18-month sentence. He ended up serving an additional 18 months after he tore off a CO’s finger with his bare hands. A closer look at the notes Neagley reads also discloses his psychological profile.

Reacher Season 3 Villain Actors Compare Their Characters

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It suggests that Paulie was diagnosed with anti-social tendencies, possibly stemming from PTSD from untreated childhood trauma. The notes also disclose that he was investigated for steroid use “to maximize his frequent weightlifting sessions” and asked to submit regular blood tests to maintain his rank. The Reacher episode also reveals that even during his basic training, Paulie got involved in a physical altercation with another soldier, leading him to receive a 2/3 reduction in pay for three months, three months in confinement, and a reduction in rank to E1.