The Reacher season 2 Terminator reference, performed by Robert Patrick, was actually an accident, as revealed by showrunner Nick Santora.

Robert Patrick as Shane Langston talking on the phone in Reacher season 2

SUMMARY

 The Terminator 2 reference in Reacher was accidental, as it was written before Robert Patrick was cast.
 Despite considering changing the line, the showrunner decided to keep the reference for the enjoyment of viewers.
 The inclusion of Robert Patrick and the reference to Terminator 2 made the moment in Reacher season 2 memorable for audiences.

Reacher showrunner Nick Santora reveals that the Terminator 2: Judgement Day reference was an accident. The Prime Video series, based on Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels, found Alan Ritchson’s character reconnecting with his former unit in season 2, as they investigated the murder of one of their former members.

Along with Ritchson, the cast of Reacher includes Malcolm Goodwin, Maria Sten, Shaun Sipos, Serinda Swan, Shannon Kook, Ferdinand Kingsley, and Robert Patrick. During the episode “ATM,” antagonist Shane Langston alluded to Terminator 2, which many audiences enjoyed, given Patrick’s role in the 1991 action film.

In an interview with TV Line, Santora explained that the Terminator 2 reference was surprisingly accidental. He revealed that the dialogue was written before Patrick’s involvement, because the role of Langston was recast, and added that he “actually kind of forgot about the Sarah Connor line.” Read more of Santora’s comments regarding the callback in Reacher season 2 below:

You’re asking the question I don’t want to answer…because everyone thinks we’re so smart and funny for doing it, but it was in there before Robert Patrick came in. I don’t want to lie; that’s the truth.

Because of some scheduling stuff, we had to recast, so I called up Ripper and said, ‘I know this is late notice — like, you’re going to need to be on a plane tomorrow — but do you want to go to Toronto and play with some really talented actors?’ And he didn’t even ask to see a script, because I had worked with him on Scorpion for years.

He’s such a hard worker and he’s so freaking talented, and I don’t know why but he just jumped in… I really did have a thought, if I’m being a 100-percent truthful, ‘Do I need to cut this line?’

Because it’s a phone call, so I could have easily put something else in [Saropian’s mouth] and just show the other side of the call. But I figured that fans might enjoy it. It’s such an iconic movie franchise and Robert Patrick is such an iconic actor, so let’s have a little fun!

Reacher’s Terminator 2 Reference Explained

Robert Patrick as Langston in his facility in Reacher

With Patrick’s portrayal of the T-1000, it’s hard to imagine that the Terminator 2: Judgement Day reference wasn’t intentional, but as Santora mentioned, the actor had not been cast. The character of Langston was meant for Rory Cochrane, whose departure was reportedly brought on by scheduling issues, though viewers appreciated the show’s connection through Patrick.

In the episode, one of Langston’s men following Reacher confirmed there were multiple check-ins at a New York City hotel, and one fake identity being used was Sarah Connor, but when asked about the source of her name, Langston replied: “I don’t give a s–t.”

The callback to Terminator is entertaining because T-1000, while attempting to kill Sarah’s (Linda Hamilton) son, eventually fights her and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800. Sarah Connor as one of the aliases used in Reacher season 2’s opening episode makes Langston’s reaction to hearing her name all the more humorous.

Santora’s comments about the reference, and how he deliberated changing Langston’s line, suggest that the scene could have gone differently. However, audiences familiar with the 1991 blockbuster seemed to enjoy that Patrick was involved, which makes the Reacher season 2 moment memorable.