The dramatic first season of The Rainmaker concluded with a stunning courtroom victory for rookie lawyer Rudy Baylor. In the finale that aired on October 17, 2025, Rudy’s unexpected strategies secured a multi-million dollar verdict for his client, Dot Black, and brought down a corrupt hospital corporation. The episode featured a surprise witness, a shocking attack, and a career-defining performance from a key character.
How Rudy Secured a Serial Killer’s Testimony
The finale’s first major twist came when Rudy gained the help of Melvin Pritcher, the nurse responsible for multiple patient deaths. Pritcher was found tied up in the basement of Prince’s bar, a going-away present from the fleeing bar owner. Rudy and his mentor, Bruiser, brokered a deal: Pritcher would testify to avoid the death penalty and get revenge on the hospital he believed killed his mother.
In court, Pritcher confessed to murdering 15 patients, including Dot Black’s son, Donnie Ray. His testimony was a heavy blow to the defense. During a heated cross-examination, defense attorney Leo Drummond provoked Pritcher by accusing him of killing his own mother. This led to a violent outburst where Pritcher leaped over the stand and attacked Leo in front of the entire courtroom.
The Move That Removed Leo Drummond From the Case
After Pritcher’s testimony, it seemed Rudy’s side might rest their case. Instead, Rudy made a daring last-minute decision. He called his powerful opponent, Leo Drummond, to the witness stand. Rudy questioned Leo about his firm’s shady activities, including their connection to a private investigator, Jane Allen, and the murdered whistleblower, Rosalie Sutton.
While Leo arrogantly denied any wrongdoing, the move had a hidden, brilliant consequence. By testifying, Leo triggered a legal rule that barred him from continuing to represent his client in the trial. The judge removed him from the case, leaving the defense in the hands of the less-experienced lawyers.
Sarah Plankmore’s Rise to the Occasion
With Leo forced to step down, Sarah Plankmore, Rudy’s former law school girlfriend, was left to deliver the closing arguments for the defense. She rose to the challenge, delivering a sharp and personal address to the jury. She argued that Rudy was taking the case too personally and even used the memory of his deceased brother to suggest his judgment was clouded by emotion.
Despite her powerful performance, the jury was not swayed. They found the hospital giant, Great Benefit, liable for conspiring to conceal the murder of Donnie Ray. The jury awarded Dot Black $1.5 million in compensation and an additional $80.5 million in punitive damages, creating a total verdict of $82 million.
What Happened to the Characters After the Trial
The verdict set in motion several major changes for the show’s characters. For Rudy, the win made him a popular and successful lawyer. He bought the bar where he once worked and offered Dot a position running the kitchen. Dot, who never wanted the case to be about the money, planned to donate most of her settlement to fund treatment centers.
Rudy’s colleague, Deck, felt so empowered by their victory that he decided to try taking the bar exam again. In a touching moment, Rudy gave Deck his most prized possession for good luck: a coin that had belonged to his late brother.
Meanwhile, the forces of justice were closing in on the corrupt law firm, Tinley Britt. The FBI arrested attorney Brad Noonan, who was made the fall guy for the firm’s crimes. In a chilling final scene, Brad found himself sharing a prison cell with Melvin Pritcher. Leo Drummond, though not arrested immediately, was also taken in for questioning by the FBI, putting his future in jeopardy.
Sarah Plankmore, however, fully embraced her role at Tinley Britt. She secured a top office in the firm and seemed committed to Leo’s cutthroat style of law, even after witnessing its consequences. Actor Madison Iseman explained Sarah’s mindset:
“Regardless of whether Sarah is making the right decision, the big theme of this show is the morally gray area. She wants to show that she is just as good — if not better — than Rudy.”
Creator Michael Seitzman confirmed this was a deliberate character direction, noting that while Rudy tries to do the right thing, “She knows that she’s making decisions that are the wrong thing.”
The finale provided a satisfying conclusion to the central case while setting the stage for new conflicts. With Rudy establishing himself as a formidable lawyer and Sarah rising on the opposite side, the series laid the foundation for a compelling dynamic should the story continue.
Also Read: The Rainmaker Episode 9 Recap: A Shocking Gift and a Courtroom Betrayal
