Based on Carl Hiaasen’s 1987 novel, “Double Whammy,” “Elementary” creator Rob Doherty’s latest drama, ABC’s “RJ Decker,” is a solid crime procedural with an unlikely investigator at its center. This series follows RJ (Scott Speedman), a former photojournalist trying to find his bearings after his release from prison. Unfortunately, his job at the newspaper is no longer an option, so RJ launches a fledgling private-investigation business, where he looks into some of the strangest cases in South Florida. Though the show’s structure is rather run-of-the-mill despite some very bizarre crimes, the characters keep this series buoyant. (“RJ Decker” is now the second Hiaasen series about a P.I. on television, joining Apple TV’s Vince Vaughn-starrer “Bad Monkey.”)
Following an 18-month-long stint for aggravated assault, RJ is still grappling with his new normal. He’s two months behind on his rent at his trailer park, his RV is parked next to a sinkhole and he’s doing pro bono investigations to locate lost dogs. However, things take a turn in his favor when a woman is found strangled to death in the trunk of a car. The murder is eerily similar to a former co-worker of RJ’s and his ex-wife, journalist Catherine Delacroix (Adelaide Clemens), from years prior, which has remained unsolved. Determined to find out what happened to the woman and get justice for his late co-worker, RJ begins poking around, even convincing Detective Melody “Mel” Romero (Bevin Bru), Catherine’s wife, who isn’t exactly his biggest fan, to funnel him information the police department has uncovered.
Stoic but sharp, RJ is focused on getting himself on a better financial footing. However, it’s glaringly obvious he hasn’t quite unpacked the darkness that led him to jail in the first place. Despite the prodding of his best friend and former cellmate, Aloysius “Wish” Aiken (Kevin Rakin), RJ remains emotionally closed off. The photographer also has a shaky bond with Emilia ‘Emi’ Ochoa (Jaina Lee Ortiz), whose unbridled access to Ft. Lauderdale’s elite could either make or break RJ’s second chance. RJ’s personal relationships, including his enduring friendship with Catherine, are the most compelling aspects of the show.
Interestingly, the cases RJ is hired to investigate all have a particular “Florida Man” vibe. Though they are obviously meant to highlight the unusual and often sinister behavior of Floridians, the crimes depicted here border on the unbelievable. Critics were given only two of the nine episodes from the first season for review, and these introductory episodes include everything from venus fly-traps and a human meat grinder to a serial killer with botched calf implants. The murders themselves are obviously very sinister, but the circumstances surrounding them undermine the show’s drama and lean toward the absurd. It will be fascinating to see whether these type of outlandish investigations continues throughout the season.
Since “High Potential” and “Will Trent” are performing well at ABC, it’s likely “RJ Decker” will fit right in. The cases themselves may be a bit bewildering, but the distinctiveness of the offenses showcased here does set “RJ Decker” apart from its contemporaries. Moreover, like the shows previously mentioned, this series features a compelling, though rather off-kilter, protagonist at its center. “RJ Decker” also has a specific tone. It’s neither comedic enough to be a dramedy, nor is it entirely noir. Yet it’s malleable enough to shift and lean with each episode.
With a distinct Florida aura and Speedman as the reticent but endearing titular character, it proves that when a formula is working, it’s probably best not to shake the table. Speedman has delighted fans in everything from “Felicity” to “Grey’s Anatomy,” and his charms will almost certainly work here too. Also, the relationship-building around the central characters in “R.J. Decker” will, undoubtedly, earn a loyal fandom.
“RJ Decker” premieres March 3 on ABC with new episodes dropping weekly on Tuesdays.
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