ABC's R.J. Decker may look like your standard procedural on the surface, but the show's vibrant, crime-ridden South Florida setting and its ex-con private investigator (played by Scott Speedman) give it a distinctive, sometimes delightfully odd flavor. In Season 2's fourth episode, “The Angler,” a murder at a fishing tournament pulls R.J.'s estranged father (Beau Bridges) back into his life, forcing the pair to confront long-buried family issues. Despite their mutual suspicions and old grievances, it's clear both men genuinely want to build a better relationship—even if they're not quite sure how.
In a recent interview, Speedman shared his excitement about having Bridges join the cast as his on-screen dad. “They surprised me with it one day, and I was ecstatic,” he said. “Beau Bridges is perfect for so many reasons. Physically, I think it’s a great match, and for what the character is, it couldn’t be more perfect.” Speedman noted that Bridges' natural cadence and mannerisms made the role feel tailor-made for him, and having such a seasoned actor on set made his own job easier. “It doesn’t get much better as a TV dad,” he added.
The dynamic between R.J. and his father brings out a side of the usually composed investigator that viewers haven't seen much of. “R.J. is a pretty calm, cool, collected guy for the most part, who likes to be in control,” Speedman explained. “And then, you put him with his dad, and he goes into teenage triggers and old fights and old arguments they’ve been having for decades.” This personal conflict, he says, is crucial for the show's depth, allowing audiences to see R.J. grapple with something intimate rather than just another case.
The episode's case conveniently throws the two men together, giving them time to work side by side. Speedman recalled the first day of shooting, which included a tense bar scene, a stakeout in a car, and a heated confrontation outside a police station. “It was a full day of all that stuff,” he said. “We jumped in with both feet.” The quieter moments, like the fishing scene at the episode's end, hint at a possible reconciliation, though Speedman is quick to note that their relationship is far from resolved. “There’s more to do, more to come, more to see, and more to discover with those two,” he teased.
Beyond the family drama, Speedman is a big fan of the show's embrace of Florida's unique weirdness. “The whole vibe of Florida is its own character in our show. Without that, there is no show,” he said. From trailer park living to the colorful cast of characters, the series leans into the state's eccentricities, and Speedman loves it. He also hinted that viewers will get more glimpses into R.J.'s past, including his time in prison, and his complicated relationships with the women in his life.
As for what's next, Speedman is tight-lipped but promises more suspense and bigger threats. He also touched on his recent stint on Grey's Anatomy and the upcoming 30th anniversary of Felicity, leaving fans wondering if Felicity and Ben might still be together. For now, though, all eyes are on R.J. Decker and the twists Season 2 has in store.
For more on the show's unique blend of mystery and family drama, check out our list of suspenseful thrillers that might fill the void between episodes. And if you're curious about other shows that lean into regional quirks, our analysis of Ridley Scott's The Terror offers a different kind of chilling atmosphere.
