R.J. Decker

R.J. Decker's ex-wife, Catherine Delacroix (Adelaide Clemens), is married to police detective Melody "Mel" Abreau Romero (Bevin Bru). Mel is referred to as Catherine's "cop wife" and is a recurring character who interacts frequently with R.J.. The show portrays this relationship as a normal part of the character's life, noting that R.J. can "stay friends with his ex-wife… and his ex-wife's new wife… The show and the character don't see anything salacious in this setup, but rather the common human messiness that makes for good TV."

In the pilot episode, R.J. Decker is targeted when "a masked man pulls out a gun and begins shooting at RJ. He runs back to his RV and hides. The man spots him through the window, and just as he is about to shoot, Tom Petty returns and attacks the man who quickly flees the scene.". R.J.'s past as an ex-con is rooted in a violent incident where he "lost control of his temper" after catching a thief, leading to his prison sentence.

In the pilot episode, R.J. Decker and Emi Ochoa, who is described as R.J.'s love interest, have an "initial hook-up" in R.J.'s car in a parking garage "just ahead of his trial.". Their relationship is further highlighted by critics noting their "sizzling chemistry" and a "dangerous sexual attraction," indicating a significant romantic and potentially sexual dynamic that will be explored throughout the season.

R.J. Decker is characterized as being "messy and can be single-minded, and he often says all the wrong things," suggesting that his dialogue may include disrespectful or mildly profane language.. Interactions, particularly with the police detective Mel, are described as having "frenemy banter" and featuring Mel telling R.J. to "get out" in a forceful manner, implying an informal and sometimes confrontational use of language that could include common mild profanities.

The pilot episode features a "car chase scene," which implies fast-paced action and potential peril for characters.. Additionally, R.J. Decker experiences a direct threat when "a masked man pulls out a gun and begins shooting at RJ." These instances provide clear examples of intense and potentially frightening content, even within the show's humorous tone.

R.J. Decker's past includes a period of imprisonment that stemmed from him "los[ing] control of his temper" during a confrontation with a thief.. In the pilot, R.J. makes a "tone-deaf comment to Mel about his past relationship with Catherine," which is specifically noted as not being "properly challenged." This demonstrates a character who occasionally exhibits insensitivity or a lack of conventional respect in his interactions.