I rewatched the Coppola / Matt Damon 1997 classic movie to prepare myself (check my imdb review recently) before starting this latest adaptation of John Grisham's classic novel, The Rainmaker, which arrives as a new 10-episode series on USA Network.
This new version had the challenge of justifying its existence. But by modernizing the narrative and taking advantage of the expanded runtime, the series successfully reintroduces the timeless legal thriller for a new generation. The series largely sticks to the core "David vs. Goliath" premise.
We are once again introduced to Rudy Baylor (Milo Callaghan), a fresh-faced law graduate who finds himself in a less-than-ideal legal practice run by the charismatic and ethically fluid Jocelyn "Bruiser" Stone (Lana Parrilla). When Rudy takes on a wrongful death case against a powerful company, he is pitted against the formidable Leo F. Drummond (John Slattery) and his corporate law firm, Tinley Britt. This central conflict remains the beating heart of the story, allowing the series to feel familiar and true to its source.
However, where the series truly shines is in its contemporary adjustments. The story's commentary on the American healthcare system and corporate greed feels more pointed than ever, resonating with a modern audience deeply familiar with these issues. The series also makes a key character change by casting Lana Parrilla as the gender-swapped Bruiser Stone. This change provides a fresh dynamic to the relationship between Rudy and his mentor and gives Parrilla the opportunity to explore new layers of a character previously portrayed by Mickey Rourke.
The television format also allows for subplots and character backstories that were merely hinted at in the film, enriching the world and adding depth to characters like Rudy's paralegal, Deck Shifflet (P. J. Byrne).
While the extended runtime allows for a more detailed exploration of the plot, it also introduces some pacing issues. The series adds new dramatic elements and subplots that at times distract from the central courtroom battle, which is the very essence of a Grisham story.
Maybe the show leans into "soapier" territory, with its focus on a conspiracy-driven narrative rather than the meticulous legal grind that makes the book so compelling. But these changes seem to be an effort to create a sustainable, serialized drama that can capture a broad audience.
The strong ensemble cast, including standout performances from Parrilla and Slattery, helps to ground the series and keep viewers invested even when the plot takes a convoluted turn.
Overall, I found the premiere to be a promising start for a new legal drama. It successfully introduces the core characters and conflict while hinting at a larger, more complex narrative to come.
While its full potential remains to be seen over the next nine episodes, the premiere is a worthy and engaging reintroduction to this world for both new viewers and long-time fans of the original.
