The second episode of The Rainmaker introduced viewers to Kelly Riker, Rudy Baylor’s enigmatic neighbor. By the end of the hour, audiences learned that Kelly (portrayed by Robyn Cara) was being abused by her husband—setting her on a collision course with Rudy and his hatred for bullies of any sort. Meanwhile, Rudy’s partner in crime Deck Shifflet (P.J. Byrne) continued to provide comic relief, but for how long?

In an interview, P.J. Byrne and Robyn Cara joined TVBrittanyF.com to discuss their takes on their respective characters. They also spoke about the “honor” of tackling John Grisham’s hit novel and bringing it to the TV world. Find out what they love most about the USA series that’s already winning over audiences.

Brittany Frederick: Were either of you familiar with The Rainmaker before the show? If so, what were your thoughts on the novel and adapting it for television?

P.J. Byrne: John Grisham, it’s crazy that we have to say his words. I feel like it’s such an honor. He’s the legend of law, so it’s kind of a daunting thing that we get to do the TV version of The Rainmaker, and it’s an honor. And I still can’t believe I’m in it, because my dad loved all [the] John Grisham books… He had a billion paperbacks of John Grisham books, so I still can’t believe this is real.

Robyn Cara: I didn’t read the book. I should, honestly… I need to listen to, like, the Audible [audiobook] or something of it. I need to get on it. But I did watch the film while I was auditioning.

P.J., Deck is so clearly the comic relief on the show, which is a role that you’ve inhabited on a lot of TV projects you’ve done. What made his character stand out to you, compared to other funny guys you’ve played?

Byrne: I like to operate in this world, because I think it’s the most natural way we all exist in life… Then the other part of it is Michael Seitzman, who is an incredible showrunner. We have a working relationship from the past, so he kind of knows how to write for my voice, and he gives me some freedom to riff and play. And then sometimes he’ll be on set, and I’ll say something that’ll trigger his brain. Then he’ll say something [to] me that’ll trigger my brain. I always say, work with friends. It’s the best way to go to work.

I personally love shows like MASH; that’s like my North Star. Danny DeVito played this [character] in the movie and I worshiped him in Taxi. So it’s not about, what’s different about it? I’m always like what is the truth, and don’t try to hit a joke too hard, and just be honest and grounded in your truth. And to me, if the writing is great, the funny will thrive.

Robyn, your character doesn’t get introduced until Episode 2, and her storyline is for now separate from the main plotline. So how much did you want to know about the world of The Rainmaker, outside of her character arc, when you started?

Cara: I definitely put a lot of focus on my storyline, because that’s the only thing that Kelly knows is going on. But I read the scripts, and I’ve seen a lot of the episodes—and watching that was actually great, because there are so many storylines in this. It’s so great. And it was really fun to watch because I was like, Dan [Fogler]’s doing this, and PJ and Lana [Parrilla] and Milo {Callaghan] are doing this, and Tinley Britt. And you’re like oh my God, there’s so much stuff going on. It’s just great. It’s a really good one.

Byrne: I liked that aspect, though. I think that’s one of the feathers in our cap, that there’s so many shows going on and we’re constantly keeping you on your toes. I feel like that’s what I loved about it.

Did you have favorite parts of The Rainmaker just to make, whether it was a great scene, episode or just an aspect of your character?

Cara: I love watching the dynamic between PJ, Lana and Milo. Honestly, I think you guys are so funny together. The energy is just great. And you guys killed it from the read-through—I was like, you guys are perfect for this. This is great.

Byrne: I hope people see that we genuinely like each other. That my character and Bruiser have their own second hand language, that you see the years of relationships, and then you kind of see me fall in this brotherly love with [Rudy]. We’re all buddies in real life, and I always think that’s such an easier thing, and will help in performance when you genuinely get along with someone in real life.

We were all in Ireland together, and we all had a good chance to bond, because you’re away from your families, and then these people become your family—which they really became to me. Which I think is important. If you can insert family into any job you’re on, and if your character has any element of that, and you can show that on screen, I think that makes for such a special show.

The Rainmaker airs Fridays at 10:00 p.m. on USA. Photo Credit: Courtesy of USA.

Article content is (c)2020-2026 Brittany Frederick and may not be excerpted or reproduced without express written permission by the author. Follow me on Twitter at @BFTVTwtr and on Instagram at @BFTVGram. For story pitches, contact me at tvbrittanyf@yahoo.com.