The Rainmaker Episode 2 Breakdown: Melvin’s Dark Side and Rudy’s Messy Love Life

I might be in the minority of critics out here, but honestly? I’m really enjoying The Rainmaker on USA Network. Not every TV show has to be some groundbreaking masterpiece or mind-bending thriller. Sometimes, you just want solid entertainment and when done right, that’s more than enough. I said it after the pilot and I’ll say it again here: The Rainmaker is basically what Suits: LA thought it was but failed to deliver. Suits: LA was all glitz and glamour with zero substance. The Rainmaker? It’s got grit, it’s got heart, and dare I say it’s actually believable.

Sure, the cast is easy on the eyes, but unlike other shows that rely purely on looks, this one brings the acting chops. There’s a genuine roughness and tension here that makes it feel like more than just pretty faces in fancy suits. Drawing from John Grisham’s novel and the 1997 movie, the series manages to carve out its own identity. It doesn’t lean on the original material too heavily but respects it enough to keep us hooked.

Now, episode 2 got into some serious business, especially with the character Melvin Pritcher, played by Dan Fogler. At first, I thought Melvin was just a misunderstood weirdo, but nope, he’s a full-on murderer. Talk about a twist! I’m completely invested in his villain arc, mostly because Dan Fogler’s recent turn as a lovable good guy on The Walking Dead made this dark side all the more shocking. I need to know what broke this guy and turned him into such a bad seed.

The relationship drama between Rudy and Sarah also took center stage, and honey, it’s complicated. The chemistry is definitely there, but after Sarah threw Rudy under the bus by giving his opponent, Leo Drummond, dirt on Rudy’s dead brother, yeah, that’s a dealbreaker. Girl, do you care more about your career than your man? Because if so, I’m officially off Team Rudy & Sarah. It’s clear the show is building toward their breakup, and honestly, I’m kind of here for it. Rudy’s neighbor Kelly, who’s dealing with an abusive husband, seems to be pulling at his heartstrings. Rudy’s got a soft spot for damsels in distress, and that’s setting up some juicy new drama for the upcoming episodes.

And can we talk about Lana Parrilla as Bruiser? Ma’am, I bow down. She’s absolutely owning her role as the badass boss with a spicy edge. That love scene? Girl had me fanning myself like crazy. I want more of her commanding presence and that sizzling energy on screen. Meanwhile, P.J. Byrne as Deck is providing some much-needed comedic relief, which balances out the heavier moments nicely. But I’m hoping we get more depth from his character soon, a backstory wouldn’t hurt!

Milo Ventimiglia as Rudy is holding it down solidly. One of the emotional backbones of the series is the sweet bonding relationship he’s building with Dot. Their interactions add heart and depth, grounding the show amid all the legal chaos and personal drama.

That said, I do wish there were more courtroom scenes. This is a legal drama after all and I’m craving some of those tense, edge-of-your-seat courtroom battles like in Law & Order or Matlock. The show is building a strong foundation, but a few more legal showdowns would really elevate the series.

So if you’re missing classic courtroom dramas and want something fresh yet familiar, lock into The Rainmaker on USA. It’s gritty, it’s entertaining, and it’s got just the right amount of drama to keep you binge-watching. And for anyone wondering whether this legal drama is worth your time: it’s a yes from me.

What did you think?

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