Preview: USA's 'The Rainmaker' a return to form for the "Characters, welcome" network

Being in elementary school when Francis Coppola’s film adaptation of John Grisham’s novel was released, USA’s The Rainmaker is my first experience with the material. Thinking the series would have a case-of-the-week format, my expectations were pretty mid. I was pleasantly surprised by its more serialized and heightened tone. The solid writing and strong ensemble make this version an enjoyable ride. And a good return of original series for the “Characters, welcome” network.

Not much has changed thematically with the series. TV’s Rudy Baylor (Milo Callaghan) and his girlfriend Sarah (Madison Iseman) are optimistic law students preparing for the bar exam and their first jobs with one of South Carolina’s most well-known firms. But when his first day goes awry, Rudy’s left to join a less-than-favorable attorney and her unorthodox paralegal. His first case, an open-and-shut negligent lawsuit, unearths a larger conspiracy, challenging his wit and moral compass.

Throughout the first five episodes, our two leads, Callahgan and Iseman, have great chemistry as our eyes and ears through this legal drama coming-of-age story. The couple’s differences grow bolder as they find themselves on opposite sides of the courtroom. They’re supported by two opposing forces in John Slattery and Lana Parrilla. While Slattery’s Leo Durmmond remains the typical stoic adversary, Parrilla’s Joselyn Stone, aka Bruiser, remains an area of gray in the best way. Parrilla is joined by the always enjoyable P.J. Byrne, serving as Stone’s sketchy partner. The other standout is Dan Fogler as Melvin Pritcher, a former nurse who suffers a great loss under suspicious circumstances.

While some beats are predictable, the classic David vs. Goliath theme keeps viewers rooting for the little guy while trying to solve the grander mystery. And while they may not have filmed in South Carolina, they remind you constantly that you’re in the South with the country-laced soundtrack.

The Rainmaker arrives on August 15 with episodes streaming on Peacock a week later.