‘The Rainmaker’ brings back blue skies to USA with colorful characters and a mystery

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Is there a possibility that we’re on the brink of an era where scripted television on basic cable networks becomes more prominent? Given the achievements from the past, which found a balance between broadcast and premium cable TV by offering content that was a bit more daring than traditional broadcast but less expensive than premium channels, I would certainly welcome this development. This new phase could draw inspiration from shows like “The Detour,” “Halt and Catch Fire,” “Lodge 49,” and “The Closer” – all of which impress me greatly with their innovative storytelling and appealing charm.

Beginning this Friday, USA Network – previously known for sports, reality shows, and reruns – is premiering “The Rainmaker”, marking their intentional return to the network’s “blue sky” era. During this time, the slogan was “Characters Welcome” and optimism in storytelling was a key goal. Shows like “Psych”, “In Plain Sight”, “Monk”, and “Suits” – which have seen success after being re-aired on Netflix – were among the series that emerged during this period, potentially influencing this recent shift.

Titled “Rainmaker,” this updated TV series originally based on John Grisham’s 1995 novel and the 1997 film by Francis Ford Coppola, now features fresh characters and a revised plot, while maintaining its initial focus. To sustain your interest over 10 episodes, it introduces an arson case and a suspected serial killer. (I won’t spoil future events as only five out of ten episodes were available for review.) The show offers the usual elements typical of a USA network production – vibrant characters, a blend of comedy and drama, a thrilling mystery to unravel, and a touch of romance (since it airs on basic cable).

At a legal aid event, we encounter Rudy Baylor, portrayed by Milo Callaghan, a passionate yet good-hearted law school graduate who hasn’t taken the bar exam yet, along with his cheerful girlfriend Sarah Plankmore, played by Madison Iseman. They are offering free advice to individuals who typically can’t afford legal assistance, either because they’re unsure where to turn or simply seeking a sympathetic ear.

Here, they cross paths with Dot Black, portrayed by Karen Bryson, who is still grieving over the loss of her son at a hospital, which for simplicity’s sake I’ll refer to as Badspital. The hospital has made an offer of $50,000 while their motion to dismiss is still pending, which piques Rudy’s curiosity about potential hidden issues. Dot finds this offer both insulting and demands an apology. We will see more of Dot in the future.

Rudy and Sarah have recently started working at the well-known law firm Tinley Britt. On their first day, Rudy is late for work and arrives bloody following a fight with his mother’s unproductive, yet large, boyfriend. Later, he gets into a confrontation, figuratively speaking, with senior partner Leo F. Drummond (John Slattery), who ends up dismissing him from the job. Unlike in the book, Rudy is not simply let go due to a merger but rather fired in a more dramatic fashion. Feeling dejected and unable to find employment at any other reputable firm in town, Rudy confides in his friend Prince Thomas (Tommie Earl Jenkins), who owns a bar and occasionally acts as an employer, about his situation. In an attempt to help him, Prince suggests he consider working for a less prestigious law firm instead.

Here things depart significantly from the text, and the fun begins.

Rudy arrives at the law offices shared by charismatic attorney Jocelyn “Bruiser” Stone (Lana Parrilla) and her team, situated within a partially transformed Mexican restaurant. The only associate visibly present is Deck Shifflet (P.J. Byrne), who despite having flunked the bar exam seven times, possesses a unique set of abilities and morals. Deck affectionately refers to Rudy as “Boo Boo.” It eventually clicks for Rudy that he’s found his kindred spirits among this eccentric group.

a glass of Kentucky bourbon, a juicy steak with some blood, and a man who won’t linger the night.” This should give you a clear idea of her personality.

Additionally, she has a different perspective. While Rudy, who’s been associating with Deck in search of clients at the Badspital, feels that being an “ambulance chaser” isn’t for him, she also shares her thoughts on the matter.

Have you ever wondered about the origin of the term ‘ambulance chaser’? It was first used in the 1920s by prestigious law firms to belittle lawyers who weren’t part of their exclusive circle. The Contingency-Fee Law, enacted later, gave rise to numerous small law firms filled with attorneys who were similar to their clients – the hardworking immigrants symbolized by Lady Liberty. Today, these very people are our clients, and if you believe yourself superior to them, then you’re mistaken. In reality, you are one of them.

It’s good to know someone still takes Emma Lazarus seriously.

In the hospital among the people Rudy and Deck meet, there’s Melvin Pritcher (played by Dan Fogler), who we remember from the show’s opening scene, fleeing a house fire that claimed his mother’s life. While I won’t delve into details that might spoil things for you, it’s worth mentioning that Melvin can be rather unappealing, yet Fogler delivers an impressive performance.

In my perspective, the dynamic between Sarah and Rudy, with the former working for the Empire and the latter embedded with the rebels, has been skillfully crafted by the writers to create tension, perhaps even a potential breakdown. Yet, they both seem determined to navigate through it (they’re truly admirable individuals). Sarah enjoys a comfortable lifestyle due to her trust fund, while Rudy prefers the worn clothes inherited from his late brother. Their paths are destined to cross in court, reminiscent of Tracy and Hepburn in “Adam’s Rib.” Tinley Britt represents Dot in a legal battle over a hospital, making them adversaries. The future for these two is uncertain, clouded by complications such as Kelly Riker, a neighbor of Rudy who appears to be a victim of domestic abuse, and Brad Noonan, Drummond’s sly lieutenant, who seems to be manipulating Sarah against Rudy (you can bet he’s named Brad!).

Callaghan exudes a hint of Matt Damon’s charm, yet remains uniquely his own version of Rudy, managing to maintain his innocent optimism without succumbing to typical leading-man mannerisms. Parrilla masterfully strikes the balance between Bruiser’s wit and gravity; Byrne skillfully embodies comedic roles; and Slattery, returning as a boss post “Mad Men”, adds a dash of Roger Sterling’s nonchalance to his villainous character.

The show, created by Michael Seitzman and Jason Richman, is quite engaging to watch, despite its depictions of serial killers. It lacks any elaborate production but instead focuses on crisp, clear details elevated slightly above ordinary levels, stepping into the realm we often refer to as entertainment. So, let’s welcome you back to the realm of enjoyment under a clear blue sky.

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2025-08-14 21:31