Jack Reynor’s character, Thomas Winbury, in The Perfect Couple stands out as one of the most disliked roles in the show. Thomas is a troublemaker who enjoys mocking his brothers and defending his bad investments in cryptocurrency.
He is also unfaithful to his partner, Abby, played by Dakota Fanning. Despite his unpleasant behavior, Reynor’s performance makes Thomas memorable as the eldest Winbury son.
In contrast, Reynor’s role in The Peripheral, on Prime Video, shows a very different side of his acting talent. In The Peripheral, Reynor plays Burton Fisher, a haunted Marine veteran who has taken on the responsibility of caring for his sick mother alongside his sister, Flynne Fisher, portrayed by Chloë Grace Moretz.
This series premiered in October 2022 and, while it was canceled after one season, it left a positive impression, especially because of the strong performances of its cast.
Burton Fisher is a serious and responsible character. He struggles with the trauma of his time in the military, which affects his behavior, including stealing pills from his mother’s bedside.
However, Burton shows his dedication by offering Flynne the chance to test an experimental virtual reality (VR) headset. This headset ends up pulling Flynne into a futuristic world where her consciousness is transferred into a robot body, or “Peripheral,” in the year 2100.
The timeline in The Peripheral becomes complex as the show progresses. The Fisher family lives in the past, in a world referred to as a “stub timeline.” Meanwhile, in 2100, three powerful entities—the Research Institute, the Metropolitan Police, and the Klept—control society.
Flynne gets help from a character named Wilf Netherton, who tries to keep her safe from the cold and calculating Cherise Nuland. Back in 2032, Burton has to protect Flynne from various threats.
Burton’s military background and technological enhancements, known as “haptics,” give him the strength to defend his sister. These haptics are neural networks that were implanted in Burton and his fellow soldiers to help them fight more effectively.
Using this technology, Burton organizes his friends to protect the Fisher family from a skilled team of mercenaries. Over time, Burton grows into one of the most powerful people in Clanton, their hometown.
Reynor’s portrayal of Burton is a mix of toughness and caring concern. His character shows both strength and vulnerability. While Burton is a tough fighter, he also feels deep guilt, especially when interacting with Conner Penske, a former squad member who was injured in battle.
.This injury has left the team feeling responsible for their friend’s suffering. The bond between the veterans is highlighted when Burton recruits Conner to help defend Flynne.
One of Burton’s standout moments comes in Episode 3, when he confronts a local crime boss named Corbell Pickett. During this scene, Burton makes a chilling threat, recounting how his haptics once connected him to a victim’s emotions while beating a man to death.
Reynor’s performance in this scene shows both Burton’s inner conflict and his determination to protect his family.
Throughout The Peripheral, Reynor plays Burton with a reserved but intense energy. He never overacts or shows excessive emotion, which fits well with the character’s military background.
Unlike his more emotionally vulnerable roles in other projects like Midsommar, Reynor’s performance in The Peripheral is more restrained, reflecting Burton’s hardened nature. His action scenes, especially when battling assassins like Bob O’Connell or training in his own Peripheral, are intense and thrilling.
However, as the series progresses, Burton’s role in the final episode is somewhat overshadowed by Conner’s actions. Conner steps up to inspire Flynne, leading her to outsmart Cherise by creating a new stub timeline.
This timeline offers a chance for Flynne to escape with valuable data that could shift the balance of power if Cherise finds her.
Although the plot becomes more complicated toward the end, Reynor’s performance remains a highlight, showcasing his ability to play a heroic and complex character.
Even without a second season, The Peripheral gives viewers a chance to see Reynor in one of his most prominent roles, balancing action and emotion with skill.
