Following the resurgence of the legal drama Suits on streaming platforms post-pandemic, many television networks have been eager to replicate its success. However, simply producing another legal drama isn’t sufficient. These networks are designing shows that offer a mix of engaging standalone episodes and character development that leans towards the lighter side. For instance, Netflix has successfully brought Michael Connelly’s The Lincoln Lawyer to life, recently renewing it for a fourth season. Prime Video has capitalized on Connelly’s detective Harry Bosch with two related shows, while NBC’s attempt at a direct Suits spin-off, Suits LA, quickly lost steam after its debut.

The USA Network, the original home of Suits, has taken a slightly different approach by tapping into the legacy of established legal authors like Connelly and Scott Turow, the latter having his Presumed Innocent turned into an Apple TV+ series. Now, USA Network is trying to recapture some of its past glory with a fresh adaptation of John Grisham’s The Rainmaker. This new show attempts to blend the relaxed vibe of USA’s mid-2000s series with the darker tones prevalent in today’s peak TV offerings, though it struggles to achieve the former success of its predecessors.

The central plot of the new The Rainmaker series revolves around the classic battle between the powerful and the powerless. Milo Callaghan stars as Rudy Baylor, a promising new lawyer, who, along with his girlfriend Sarah (Madison Iseman), starts at the prestigious Tinley Britt law firm under the stern Leo Drummond (John Slattery). After standing up to Drummond during a challenging legal quiz, Rudy is fired but quickly finds work at the less reputable J. Lyman Stone and Associates, led by Lana Parrilla’s Jocelyn Stone. Here, Rudy takes on a wrongful death case against a major hospital, ironically represented by his former employer, setting the stage for intense courtroom battles.

Unlike episodic dramas such as Suits, this series focuses on a single, serialized case throughout its season, requiring no prior knowledge of Grisham’s work or the previous film adaptation. Rudy’s fight for justice against the odds is clear, as he represents a client whose son’s death under suspicious circumstances pits him against powerful legal adversaries.

An interesting narrative twist is introduced with the character Melvin Pritcher, played by Dan Fogler, a nurse at the hospital involved in the legal battle who has a mysterious side that surfaces dramatically. This character embodies the show’s ambition to mix traditional legal drama elements with unexpected, edgy developments aimed at captivating a modern audience.

However, the attempt to straddle the line between accessible episodic storytelling and a more intricate plot might be too little, too late. Grisham’s novels have always been appealing for film adaptations, especially during the 1990s, but the television landscape is now saturated with diverse options that a nostalgic revival might struggle to stand out. The series makes several adjustments to the original story, which, while creative, may not be enough to escape the shadow of USA Network’s former “blue sky” programming success.

Meanwhile, Netflix has embraced a form of the “blue sky” approach with its emphasis on enduring romantic dramas like Virgin River. The strength of USA’s previous shows lay in their well-crafted characters who could thrive in various scenarios. The Rainmaker, however, seems to rely more on the charisma of its cast than on strong character development, with actors like Slattery and Parrilla standing out more for their familiar faces than for their roles’ depth.

Looking back at the revival success of Suits on Netflix, one might question why USA Network ever deviated from its “Characters Welcome” mantra, especially as some of its series continue to explore potential sequels and spin-offs. Adapting a well-known Grisham novel might have seemed like a safe bet, but as NBC learned with its Suits attempt, simply reviving a popular genre with familiar themes doesn’t guarantee success in today’s competitive TV landscape.

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Avery Sandridge

Avery Sandridge has an unmatched love for storytelling and the screen. From detailed analyses of your favorite shows to behind-the-scenes scoops, Avery offers a fresh and engaging take on everything TV series.