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R.J. Decker's Season 2 Episode 4 brings Beau Bridges in as R.J.'s estranged father

In Episode 4 of Season 2 of ABC's R.J. Decker, Beau Bridges debuts as R.J.'s estranged father Reggie. Bridges and star Scott Speedman discuss the character and what comes next.

2 outlets · 0L · 2C · 0R First reported Account updated
Image: TVLine
Image: Collider

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The story, neutrally told

Centre · 2Episode 4 of Season 2 of the ABC series R.J. Decker, titled "The Angler," introduced R.J.'s estranged father Reggie, played by Beau Bridges. Centre · 1A murder at a fishing tournament brings the father back into the picture. The two men have to work together and deal with personal issues they would both rather avoid. Centre · 1TVLine's verdict was that Reggie is not the monster R.J.'s childhood stories suggest. It said he appears to have a big heart, took accountability for his absence and showed willingness to reconnect, including on a stakeout with R.J.

Centre · 1Bridges told TVLine that Reggie was absent for much of his son's life but was trying to "score a touchdown" for his family and "hasn't been able to find his mark." He said forgiveness is an important part of family relationships, and that he expects Reggie and R.J. to keep getting to know each other, with ups and downs. Centre · 1Reggie returns next week, though Bridges said he has been told he can't talk about that episode much. The episode ends with the two fishing together. Bridges said he has been vegan for 30 years and no longer fishes, so casting a line was "pretty bizarre." Centre · 1Scott Speedman, who plays R.J., told Collider that Bridges was not among the names first mentioned for the role, possibly because the producers worried they couldn't get him. He called the casting a surprise and said the part felt "almost like it was written for him."

Centre · 1Speedman said that around his father R.J. falls into "teenage triggers and old fights." He said he believes the father's attempt to return is genuine, even though the character "can't get out of his own way," and that the two end the episode in a better place with more to come. Centre · 1Speedman said the first scenes he and Bridges shot were in a bar, a car stakeout and a fight outside the police station, all in one day. He also said Florida is effectively a character in the show and that it "could go weirder." Centre · 1TVLine also noted that Shantel VanSanten's lab tech Trudy returned in Episode 4 to help with R.J.'s investigation of a fisherman's murder. It said it is "all in" on R.J. and Trudy as a couple, since R.J. has been friend-zoned by Emi.

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Centre2 outlets

Framing
Both are entertainment-press pieces built on cast interviews. TVLine recaps the episode and gives a verdict on Reggie, with Bridges' comments. Collider runs a long Q&A with Scott Speedman about Season 2.
Emphasis
The father-son reconciliation, the casting of Bridges, Florida's offbeat setting, and the Trudy romance (TVLine).
Leaves out or plays down
Neither outlet covers ratings, critics' reception or any dispute. Collider's interview also covers other topics, such as Speedman joining Grey's Anatomy.
Charged language
“quirky lab tech”“Florida weird”
For example
“But is he really the monster that R.J.'s childhood stories might lead us to believe?” — TVLine
“Scott Speedman discusses R.J. Decker, having Beau Bridges play R.J.'s father, embracing the Florida weird, and what's still to come for Season 2.” — Collider

Right0 outlets

No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.