RJ Decker has truly settled into itself as a series and continues to bring that perfect blend of humor, action, and, more importantly, heart.
It’s a great sign when, by the conclusion of RJ Decker Season 2 Episode 1, one couldn’t help but smile, bask a bit in the warm energy that the series provides, and eagerly await what’s to come.
Because the season premiere is a prime display of how the series has truly settled into itself, found its rhythm, and it’s all the better for it. Man, it feels damn good to have RJ Decker back!
After the shocking event of RJ Decker’s Season 1 finale, there’s so much uncertainty, namely, what surrounds the Ochoas and what life will look like for them after Emi has lost her father and is saddled with all the debts and dishonor he brought to the family name.
It’s interesting to place Emi there, because it gives her something uniquely hers that lets her stand on her own outside of RJ and their romance, which is a more compelling place for her to be.
It’s especially great because it expands her presence and lets the story explore dynamics beyond just RJ.
But after those events, it leaves RJ in an interesting place as well, which means we get more of him delving into great cases, but with the core of it being the impact he has as a human being.
To properly appreciate where RJ and Emi land by the end of the hour, we see again why RJ is such a special character through his dynamic with Stevie.
It reaffirms what makes RJ Decker not just a special man and character, but why the show itself is special, too.
And that always goes back to heart.
His heart is so full and open; he’s so earnest about helping and doing right by people, and that’s what makes him so refreshing to watch, even when he’s packaged in what society would call a severely flawed and troubled person.
One of my favorite things about RJ Decker is how, behind the humor, quirkiness, and fighting off bad guys, it also explores prison culture and post-imprisonment life with genuine care and nuance.
There’s nothing black and white about how many people can end up in prison. One bad decision or a bad day can put an otherwise good person into a system that can ultimately cause more damage than good.
And we get to see glimpses of that through characters like RJ, Wish, and in this premiere, Stevie.
Stevie was clearly a good kid. While the hour doesn’t beat a few points into the ground to make them, it refreshingly does touch on things like how race factors into the system.
When we find out how he got into prison — a routine traffic stop gone awry because he sped off instead of immediately complying with cops — most people could completely understand and even sympathize with how he, as a young Black man, would end up in a situation like that.
Add TV Fanatic as a Trusted Source on Google!
Get More of Our Coverage!An impulsive choice lands him in prison when he’s NOT cut out for it, and RJ taking him under his wing (as Wish did with him) resulted in even worse experiences. It’s not uncommon knowledge that prison culture resorts to racial segregation and an insistence on choosing sides or else.
So finding out that this young kid, ill-equipped for prison in the first place, basically got stabbed two dozen times by an Aryan Brotherhood prisoner coming after RJ for not “sticking with his own” is just utterly heartbreaking.
And realizing that Stevie ultimately battles alcoholism because pain relief turned into simply trying to cope in those months after RJ left prison also makes your heart ache for the kid.
RJ Decker excels at reminding viewers that inmates, ex-cons, and the like are still human, and that insistence on showcasing humanity — letting it exist in the writing without making it a point — can make a fun, quirky show elicit strong emotions, too.
It was easy to understand, with all the context and seeing Stevie and how wholesome he still felt despite his circumstances, why RJ would do whatever he could to help this kid — and that went beyond just owing him because Stevie saved his life.
He genuinely cared about Stevie and wanted him on a better path, and the reality is that prison didn’t necessarily serve him well.
He could barely step out of the gates before he got blackmailed and exploited, lured into a dangerous situation as a getaway driver that could land him right back in the place that caused him so much harm.
Their plan was so hare-brained, as there was never going to be a way to secure that phone and then clear out Stevie’s connection to the Bottomless Bandits without issue.
But it certainly blew up the case and led to exciting developments, with RJ juggling, once again, his life and the loyalties that come with being a convict, a concerned citizen who also works with the police, and someone loyal to Mel.
RJ is constantly straddling these two worlds with empathy all around, and that’s where all the juiciest conflict and most heartrending angles of the series often lie.
The Bottomless Bandits case was pretty darn fun. It was obvious that the shtick of robbing banks without wearing pants was the best way to distract people.
The poor bank teller rambling on about the size of the thief’s naughty bits instead of any other distinguishing features was hilarious.
Overall, the case was so strong because it tied so many factions together, which gave everyone a strong story while still delivering twists and action.
I never would’ve anticipated that the vaping FBI Agent bit would actually turn into a great twist of Clark being the former ATF agent, now FBI, who stole guns from a paramilitary group they busted up at a crime scene and supplied thieves with them for the bank robberies he orchestrated.
And Winwood was none the wiser that the man she’s been working beside on the case was really the person orchestrating the whole thing.
Also, Winwood and Mel’s history made the dynamics for this case interesting.
It was refreshing to have them quickly segue away from the usual newbie taking digs at RJ for being an ex-con (of course she made that work-release program line), and instead have the tension on the case stem from something with deeper roots.
Sure, the two of them having a terrible sexual past added layers to their dynamic, but it was a relief to learn that it wasn’t just some petty grievances about bad sex and ghosting that caused tension, but Winwood’s insecurity about how competent she was as an agent compared to Mel.
As two women, especially WOC in their respective fields, it’s so easy for insecurity and a bout of imposter syndrome to lead to rivalry instead of solidarity, and the conflict between them and the subsequent resolution of it was satisfying to watch.
It gave Mel a solid enough story that didn’t just consist of her running hot and cold with RJ about his involvement in cases.
I love that Mel showed Winwood that she’s very capable at her job. It’s not that Mel is somehow better than Winwood; it’s just that they work and operate differently, and there is nothing wrong with that.
All of these things result in such a great, balanced hour that uses all its characters well, and the world of RJ Decker feels like it gets to expand just beyond its lead. It’s not just about how he connects with everyone; that’s the sweet spot where RJ Decker works best.
Even though Emi and Catherine’s link starts through RJ, it’s no longer the only thing that makes them work as future friends.
Catherine is such a kind soul and pure heart, and she loves RJ, so admittedly, I was right there with her, being wary of Emi and holding a grudge.
But she also knew that Emi was going through it and needed someone.
Catherine is just such a great friend and voice of sage advice and wisdom, and the hour leans into that, not just in her telling RJ that he should be to Emi what he is best — a good damn friend, but in her actually being that to Emi, too.
And it wasn’t just about her wanting to secure a story as an investigative journalist. Her knowledge of her colleagues makes her sympathize with Emi and understand exactly why she’s so overwhelmed right now.
Emi is amid conspiracy, scandal, and an identity crisis, and with her father gone, people are looking to her for answers.
People like to assign blame, put a face to something, direct their ire somewhere, and sadly, Emi is that person.
It’s no wonder she’s gone off the grid for two months, and she’s isolating herself.
And in that time, she’s had to realize that she doesn’t actually have friends like she thought — well, except for RJ, and Catherine, and these people whom her family has caused harm to, but they’re still good-hearted enough to care about her anyway.
Her wealthy, well-to-do, and connected friends aren’t friends to her, but this weirdly quirky group of charismatic ex-cons, compassionate reporters, and honorable cops? They are.
When you’re grieving and going through hell, it’s so easy to push people away and isolate yourself, and that’s what she’s done.
But it’s clear she genuinely wants and needs friends, and Catherine offering that was a lifeline she never anticipated. RJ showing up at the end and being his beautiful, sweet, loving self helped, too.
This is the best place they can be in as a dynamic. What’s interesting about RJ is that he’s a loving enough, special soul where loving him means having him in your life in any capacity, and it works.
We see that in how Catherine isn’t just his ex-wife, but his best friend and family — how Mel and her kid have become that for him, too.
Hell, we see that in how he and Wish have an unshakeable bond, and they would do anything for each other, and we hear that again via Stevie — how RJ is an admirable guy, a man who makes you want to fight for him, and one you can trust to do the same for you.
That means even if Emi isn’t in a place to give a relationship with RJ a real go, it doesn’t even matter, because he’s there. They’re tied regardless, and that’s more than enough.
RJ’s dynamics are so great because they transcend the usual labels. They’re allowed just to exist, and that’s sometimes more compelling than anything else.
Bar Chats:
- Wish and Catherine participating in that flash mob with the DWTS pros and contestants was hilarious. I also thought the latter would have a bigger part in the episode, but it was fun all the same.
- It’s concerning that there are no leads whatsoever on the murder of Emi’s father. There definitely has to be more going on there.
- Liam’s devotion to his dog made it impossible to dislike that man. He didn’t even care that he was going to jail; he just wanted what was best for his furry friend.
- Who vapes banana walnut everywhere they go? Like, dude, you were asking to be caught.
- Awwww, I love that RJ’s creepy clown neighbor now has a creepy clown girlfriend!
- I’m not saying that RJ and Stevie’s scene in the hospital where Stevie told RJ that he’s the strongest person he knows made me cry, but I am saying that my allergies have been kicking my ass.
Over to you, RJ Decker Fanatics!
What did you think of the premiere? Are you excited about the season?! Let’s discuss it all!
-
RJ Decker Season 2 Is Already Dancing Its Way Into Our Hearts
RJ Decker Season 2 already understands the assignment, teasing a DWTS crossover event that embodies what we love about the show.
-
ABC & CBS’s Fall Premiere Dates Deliver Some Early Surprises and Proof That Patience Pays Off
ABC and CBS’s Fall premiere slate is promising, especially with RJ Decker landing early, but mostly, it shows patience will pay off.
-
Must-Have TV Guests for Our Independence Day Party
We have a guest list that will make this Independence Day worthwhile. Who would we invite to our 4th of July party? Find out here!
-
13 Shows to Catch This Summer If You Haven’t Taken the Plunge Yet
Need a new show to binge this summer? From The Pitt and Widow’s Bay to Marshals and Memory of a Killer, these recent hits deserve your attention.
-
ABC Fall Schedule Throws Curveball With High Potential as Network Fast-Tracks Scrubs Return
ABC has unveiled its schedule for fall 2026, and it’s a mixed bag for fans of High Potential. Let’s discuss!
