John Grisham’s cunning concoction of legal drama, “The Rainmaker,” has taken a daring leap onto the USA Network, but like all good court battles, it’s split the jury. With a Rotten Tomatoes score that’s a neat 50%, this adaptation teeters on the fence of audience opinion like a cat trying to decide whether to nap or knock over a vase.
The Grisham Effect
Grisham adaptations have a charm that seems to bypass reason—people love them like they love their morning coffee, regardless of the era. Remember “The Firm” from 1993? It danced away with $270.2 million while Tom Cruise was still figuring out his best running style. Fast forward to today where “Cross” on Prime Video, starring Aldis Hodge, is keeping subscribers glued to their screens.
The New Kid on the Block
“The Rainmaker,” based on Grisham’s 1995 novel, swirls around Rudy Baylor, a fresher-than-fresh-law-school graduate going head-to-head with the fearsome Leo Drummond. Toss in his ex from law school, Sarah Plankmore, and you have a stew of drama, deceit, and perhaps a few misfiled paperwork incidents. The cast also includes characters with names like Deck Shifflet and Prince Thomas—spectacularly normal among the chaos.
The Battle of Adaptations
While the 1997 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola sits cozily at 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, the TV series is fighting for its footing. The series, featuring Milo Callaghan as Rudy and John Slattery as Leo, seems to divide opinions, much like that time you tried bananapineapple pizza (and may God have mercy on your soul).
– Produced by Blumhouse Television
– Showrunner: Michael Seitzman of “Code Black” fame
– Airs on USA Network with a Peacock stream delay
The courtroom antics are piping hot with potential, even though reviews are mixed. Maybe it’s the allure of legal intrigue or the fact that the judge insists on wearing a sombrero, who can say?
As you contemplate whether to dive into this legal drama or simply continue feeding your cactus collection, remember—sometimes the road less traveled just leads to a llama wearing sunglasses.
