USA Network’s The Rainmaker reimagines John Grisham’s classic story for TV. But does this underdog legal drama live up to the novel—or the 1997 film that made Matt Damon a star?
On Friday, USA Network debuted The Rainmaker, a fresh TV adaptation of John Grisham’s classic novel, best known for the 1997 film by Francis Ford Coppola. Does this new version find its own voice, or does it drown in déjà vu? Let’s dive in.
Familiar Story, New Approach
This Rainmaker isn’t a straight retelling of the film. Yes, Rudy Baylor (Milo Callaghan) is still the idealistic young lawyer fighting against a flawed system. But this version reshapes the story for episodic television, leaning more into procedural elements while keeping the emotional backbone intact.
Some changes stand out immediately:
Bruiser is reimagined as a sharp, female attorney (Lana Parrilla), replacing Mickey Rourke’s version in the film.
Rudy’s love interest is Sarah Plankmore (Madison Iseman), with both characters navigating the cutthroat world of a white-collar law firm that’s far from welcoming.
The case of the week centers on a grieving mother’s wrongful death lawsuit—a departure from the insurance-denial case at the heart of the movie.
Performances
Milo Callaghan brings promise to Rudy, balancing youthful idealism with flashes of grit. Lana Parrilla makes Bruiser a commanding presence—a smart move that gives the series fresh energy.
John Slattery's portrayal of Leo Drummond, the character originally played by Jon Voight, does not resonate as strongly. Rather than being a slick and calculating opponent, he comes across as oddly subdued, even in scenes intended to highlight his arrogance.
Intrigue & Future Potential
The premiere leaves breadcrumbs that suggest deeper twists ahead. One standout thread: Melvin Pritcher (Dan Fogler) might be more involved in the wrongful death case than he lets on. That mystery, paired with Rudy’s uphill battle against the system, could give the series the engine it needs to sustain multiple episodes.
Final Verdict
The Rainmaker premiere offers a fresh take on the legal drama, beautifully updating Grisham’s story for the screen. With its engaging case-of-the-week format, excellent casting choices—especially Parrilla—and a relatable underdog at its heart, there's plenty of potential for the series to grow. While the shadow of the 1997 film still lingers, some performances—particularly Slattery’s—might benefit from a bit more polishing to fully realize the show’s exciting vision.
Rating: 7.5/10
Did The Rainmaker feel fresh enough to hook you, or are you sticking with the classic film? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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