In the third episode of 'Reacher' Season 4, titled "One Small Step," the action-packed narrative takes a turn towards political intrigue and a sudden, dramatic climax.
While investigating the death of Anna Merrick, Reacher and his companions find themselves entangled in a complex web of deception that touches upon US military operations and government cover-ups. The episode reveals that Lila Hoth, initially thought to be suspecting John Sampson as her biological father, claims to be a journalist whose mother was tortured by the Indonesian government in the 1990s, with Delta Force soldiers like Sampson allegedly witnessing the events. This accusation points towards potential war crimes committed by US soldiers.
These revelations are interspersed with Reacher's signature hand-to-hand combat sequences. In Washington D.C., Reacher, Tamara Green, Jake, and Russell are attacked by unknown gunmen. Reacher neutralizes several attackers, using his physical prowess and environmental elements to his advantage, before Tamara uses her service pistol.
The investigation continues in Philadelphia, where Reacher confronts Lila and her mother, Amisha, at a bowling alley. Lila's story shifts again, and the group faces another assault amidst a "cosmic bowl" event. Reacher fends off attackers using a bowling trophy before Lila intervenes.
Later, Reacher returns to John and Elspeth Sampson and shares Lila's allegations regarding John's Delta Force experiences. Congressman Sampson maintains his innocence. Reacher then questions the Sampsons about Cahill, the Congressman's chief of staff, suggesting he was involved in the events surrounding Anna Merrick's suicide. It's noted that only three of the four witnesses on the train were interviewed by police, with one, Cahill, having left the scene.
The episode culminates with Reacher confronting Cahill at a hotel rooftop bar. Cahill alludes to historical scandals like Watergate and Iran-Contra, stating that secrets eventually come to light. Ignoring Reacher's questions about Anna Merrick and a missing flash drive, Cahill tells Sampson he would have made a good president (in the past tense) before jumping to his death from the rooftop.