No doubt, big, larger-than-life personalities in legal dramas carry the core of the show and get audiences excited. However, the characters that really stick with fans are the underdogs they can relate to. To that end, few characters wear the underdog mantle in legal dramas like Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) from Suits and Rudy Baylor (Milo Callaghan) from USA Network’s The Rainmaker. While both enter the legal game through unconventional means, their journeys are worlds apart. One runs a massive con to remain at a fancy New York law firm, while the other loses his job on his first day.
Their constant tug of war between ambition, ethics, and vulnerability makes them kindred spirits, not just in the courtroom, but also in ways that cement their place as television’s most relatable underdogs. This article explores the similarities and differences between these two iconic characters whose stories remind viewers that there is more to the law than just cases and verdicts. It will also reveal how identity, resilience, and the courage to press on even in the face of failure make them characters that audiences root for.
How ‘Suits’ Mike Ross Stacks Up Against ‘The Rainmaker’s Rudy Baylor
While Mike Ross and Rudy Baylor share certain similarities, there are a few distinct characteristics that set them apart. On the one hand, Mike is a walking, talking legal genius without a degree to validate his brilliance. His photographic memory and razor-sharp instincts set him apart at the law firm where he works. Yet, the spectre of being exposed as a fraud haunts every legal victory. Essentially, the knowledge that he has a ceiling over him creates a tension that drives his character arc. He knows that winning only buys him time, not peace of mind. Things are different for Rudy Baylor, who has a law degree to back up his brilliant legal mind. Yet, that assurance pales in the face of his struggles to achieve his dream of being a big-time lawyer, which includes losing his cushy, big-time job on day one. That failure forces him to accept a job at a small firm that focuses the bulk of its energy on “ambulance chasing.” Unlike Mike, Rudy doesn’t cheat his way in; he fails his way in, and that humiliation makes his story so raw; every small victory feels like he is reclaiming a piece of his dignity.
While they entered the legal profession through different paths, there is a common thread that ties their journeys together. Both characters are outsiders who completely rubbish the idea of the clean-shaven, Ivy League lawyer who had an easy ride. That outsider status makes their stories more interesting and real. However, their moral compasses present a further study in contrast. Mike bends the rules to survive, and it’s easy to see how — his constant conflict between his mentor’s “win-at-all-costs” mantra and his gut feeling to do the right thing. Conversely, Rudy is all about moral clarity and would rather break than bend. Ultimately, the narrative achieves the same result: audiences see lawyers who appear invincible but are, in fact, vulnerable and scared men forced to grow in hostile environments. That relatability is what makes them underdogs that fans can get behind.
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Why Audiences Root for the Legal Underdogs
Audiences root for Mike and Rudy primarily because of their imperfections. Mike is literally a fraud, and Rudy is an inexperienced rookie. Yet, we’re glued to them because they represent that universal need to beat an oppressive system without selling your soul. When you add their outsider status to the equation, it becomes even clearer to see why fans are emotionally connected to them. Mike uses his brilliant mind to outthink trust fund babies in their own courtrooms while Rudy goes toe-to-toe with giant law firms who underestimate his resolve. Each win tastes like sweet, cold lemonade on a hot day, not just because it was achieved through legal brilliance, but because it feels like our win against the gatekeepers.
Furthermore, there’s the emotional honesty they both exhibit, which never feels forced or staged. Mike’s guilt isn’t hidden; it’s right there on his face, and we can almost feel Rudy’s insecurities during his trial scenes. These vulnerabilities show the weight of practicing law without a safety net, and it’s something anyone who has ever felt in over their heads recognizes instantly. Ultimately, their stories are prime examples of the David vs Goliath arc. Watching Mike take on corporate sharks and Rudy fighting corrupt institutions frames them as champions of the little guy. The fact that they both excel at it makes us even happier with their progress. However, it’s hope that seals the deal. They’re flawed, but they never quit. Mike learns to blend his ambition with a heart, and Rudy becomes a legit voice for the voiceless. Their message is everything: you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. You just have to keep going.
Ready to see these kindred spirits in action? Watch Suits on Netflix, and The Rainmaker on USA Network‘s on-demand listings.
