Netflix's 'Reacher' Replacement Makes a Bold Choice That Completely Rewrites the Show for the Better

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Published Feb 27, 2026, 9:19 AM EST

Kendall Myers is a Senior Author with Collider. As part of the TV and Movies Features team, she writes about some of the most popular releases before, during, and after they premiere. In three years, she has written over 900 articles with topics ranging from classic sitcoms to fantasy epics.

Editor's note: The below contains spoilers for The Night Agent Season 3.

The Night Agent has only been around for a few years, but it is already one of Netflix's most-watched shows. However, when the action-packed series returned for Season 3, it took a major risk by writing out a main character. While the supporting cast changes from season to season, the show has always focused on goodhearted agent Peter (Gabriel Basso) and unlikely tech expert Rose (Luciane Buchanan), who has become deeply embedded in Peter's life. Yet, Season 3 is the first not to feature her. Removing a main character is a risk that fails for many series, but for The Night Agent Season 3, it's the right choice.

Rose may be an integral part of the first two seasons, but the latest installment does something entirely different. As Rose returns to normal life, Peter dives deeper into his work, and their separation is what The Night Agent needed. Rose doesn't organically fit into Season 3, and by not forcing her in, the Netflix series can tell a meaningful story for Peter and highlight their connection even in her absence. As interesting as the characters' dynamic is, Rose's disappearance is part of what makes The Night Agent Season 3 work.

'The Night Agent' Season 3 Doesn't Need Rose

Though Rose should never have met Peter or gotten involved in his world, she proves herself a capable ally throughout The Night Agent's first two seasons, as she helps Peter uncover the conspiracy that got her aunt and uncle killed and later tracks Peter when no one else can. Yet, squeezing her into Season 3 would've felt forced, given that the story focuses on the fallout of Peter's choice as he attempts to take down the mysterious figure who used him in Season 2. Perhaps even more relevant is that Peter would never choose to involve Rose, especially after he cut her out to protect her from his problems. The series has played into the fact that this life isn't ordinary for Rose, and if she'd returned, her status as a novice would have lost its impact.

Without Rose, The Night Agent had big shoes to fill, and it succeeds by introducing Isabel (Genesis Rodriguez), a journalist Peter takes under his protection. Isabel's character mirrors Rose's, particularly in Season 1, as she gets in over her head despite her own determination. Yet, the two women are distinct, especially regarding their careers. Isabel's work as a journalist offers a new set of skills for Peter to work with, providing different advantages to his case than Rose's technological know-how. To fill that void, Jay Batra (Suraj Sharma) is introduced, giving Peter another untrained ally to protect. These two characters provide storylines that wouldn't have worked with Rose, as Isabel's familial connection to the villain, Jacob Monroe (Louis Herthum), helps them piece together the puzzle, and the uncertainty about Jay, who is framed for killing his boss, allows Peter's heart to show through his tough Night Agent exterior.

Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland looking serious while standing outside in The Night Agent Season 3

‘The Night Agent’ Showrunner Reveals His Plans for Peter’s Season 4 Future: “A Lot Still Could Change”

Creator Shawn Ryan also shares which episode is his favorite and the fight scene that he's most proud of in Season 3.

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By Christina Radish

Rose's Memory Haunts 'The Night Agent' Season 3

Luciane Buchanan as Rose Larkin and Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland in 'The Night Agent' Season 2.

What works so well about Rose's absence from The Night Agent is that, even though she never appears onscreen, she remains an important part of the story. Through Peter's lingering feelings, Rose haunts the narrative, especially as he must contend with the fact that he is alone. Peter's conversation with Isabel confirms that he hasn't forgotten Rose or moved on, and his drive to protect her remains despite their distance. Compared to Chelsea (Fola Evans-Akingbola), who gets engaged, and even Monroe, who gives himself up for his daughter, Peter can't even set up his death benefits for anyone. This is a shift for a character who has been independent to a fault and is suddenly forced to contemplate what a healthy work-life balance could look like.

The Night Agent Season 3 allows Peter to take stock of his own life and what he wants from his future; he's come to terms with the loss of his parents, but has yet to take solid steps forward. Peter watches everyone else find balance and seems to be searching for his own in the finale. Not only is this a huge step for the character, but it also opens up more possibilities for the show. For Peter, balance almost certainly involves Rose, hinting that she isn't gone for good, assuming the show is renewed for a fourth season. Whatever happens next, Rose's exit from The Night Agent Season 3 was the best choice for the show, forcing Peter to grow without her and allowing other characters to shine in her absence.