Florida often occupies a unique place in the public imagination, characterized as a wild and untamed locale, filled with alligators, strip clubs, and eccentric personalities. This vibrant mythology has made it an attractive backdrop for quirky crime dramas, and the latest is ABC’s “RJ Decker,” set in Tampa. The show offers a mix of murder mysteries infused with oddball details, showcasing some amusing moments, but it struggles to find a compelling lead character who resonates with this colorful environment.
In “RJ Decker,” Scott Speedman stars as the titular character, a former news photographer wrongfully convicted of assault shortly after documenting the crime scene of his murdered colleague. Two years into his prison sentence, he emerges as a private investigator struggling to make ends meet. The series unfolds as he becomes embroiled in a murder eerily reminiscent of his past experiences, enlisting the help of his ex-wife, journalist Cath (Adelaide Clemens), her cop wife Mel (Bevin Bru), and the victim’s sister, Emi (Jaina Lee Ortiz), who turns out to be a savvy lawyer.
The series premiere faces the common challenges of introducing characters and setting while attempting to strike the right tone. Some dialogues, like an overly symbolic reference to RJ’s love for Almond Joy bars, feel forced, juxtaposed against heavier themes of trauma that the show lightly skirts. Despite this, creator Rob Doherty has laid the groundwork for a procedural that could captivate viewers in future episodes.
While the initial murder mystery may seem predictable and somber, subsequent episodes introduce more engaging plotlines, such as a twist involving an illegal Venus flytrap operation, and showcase the show’s potential as it explores the quirky, eccentric world of Florida crime. However, the character of RJ Decker poses some challenges. Although the character is written with a compelling blend of charm and exasperation, Speedman’s portrayal at this stage lacks the charisma necessary to bring RJ to life convincingly. In comparison to another recent Hiaasen-inspired crime drama, “Bad Monkey,” where Vince Vaughn’s character feels authentically roguish, Speedman’s portrayal in “RJ Decker” feels less grounded.
One standout character in the show is Wish, RJ’s best friend and ex-cellmate, portrayed by Kevin Rankin. Wish brings a refreshing energy, balancing mischief with genuine warmth, making him a memorable presence. His quirky charm highlights the show’s potential to embrace the eccentricities of its setting, suggesting that with further development, “RJ Decker” could evolve into a more engaging series.
Overall, “RJ Decker” holds promise as it navigates the rich tapestry of Florida’s crime world, but it will need a stronger anchor in its lead character to fully engage viewers and thrive in its genre. With room for growth and development, the series could emerge as a captivating exploration of its untamed setting and endearing characters in the episodes to come.