The enigmatic Emi Ochoa has remained one of RJ Decker’s biggest mysteries since she debuted with one hell of an entrance.
But while Emi is an enigma wrapped in a paradox, Jaina Lee Ortiz is anything but — effervescent, warm, and truly passionate about her latest project.
RJ Decker’s first season has only just begun, and it’s already breaking records, scoring 11.6 million views across multiplatforms and the highest numbers for an ABC premiere drama in the 10 pm time slot in five years.
It’s safe to say that RJ Decker will likely be here to stay, and we’ll be all the better for it.
And given how much information we’re still dying to learn about its characters, especially Emi Ochoa, that’s a relief.
We had the absolute privilege of catching up with Jaina Lee Ortiz to talk about this exciting new project, how RJ Decker is a change of pace from her last project, and why Emi and RJ’s story feels like one of forbidden love.
Not even terrible reception could keep us from chatting it up and laughing about this delightful series and why it’s so special.
So, check out our interview below!
At TV Fanatic, we were huge, huge Station 19 fans. We were excited to see what project you’d tackle next. And this is a totally different vibe. So what attracted you to RJ Decker?
So different! I think that’s what it was instantly.
Fun fact, my reps were like, “Do you want to read for Mel?” But I was like, “You know what? I did two seasons as a detective on Rosewood. I think I want to do something different.”
And I’m glad I stuck to my instinct. When I looked at the script again and read for Emi, I loved that we don’t quite know who this person is, and there are still many questions that need to be answered.
She can be bad. She could be a bad person, and I love that, too. I love that she’s so imperfect, and it’s so fun. She does something really messed up at the top.
Witnessing what she did in those first ten minutes was wild, because I hadn’t seen anything like it. I was watching it for the first time with everyone else. I have no idea what to expect. I was nervous.
I still have questions. I have so many questions about her, which I love, and I love continuing to discover all these things about her.
And so many things are coming that will make more sense. I feel like everyone will discover along the season: Who is this person?
Yes! Of course, one of the first things to come to mind when we met Emi was “She’s so mysterious!” You don’t really know who she is or where she stands. And she made one hell of an entrance!
[Laughs]
She politely screws RJ, and then she screws him over!
Politely, yes! She screws him both ways.
I love that, too. I love the contrast between RJ and Emi. He’s at the pits; he can barely catch a break. He lives in a trailer; it just got tipped into that sinkhole.
Emi is this flourishing, successful career woman who drives a Porsche, and somehow they’re oddly attracted to each other, even though she did this really messed-up thing.
She comes back into his life, wants to make things right, and I think they make a great pair. She’s helping him professionally, but also… personally.
[Laughs] Yes! That’s the thing, too. At first, I wondered about her motives, but Emi seems genuinely sincere in wanting to make amends, which I find interesting.
Why do you think Emi is so drawn to RJ?
What’s the draw…
Well, besides the obvious, of course!
I feel like she will forever be distracted by him. Nothing that happens in our lives happens by accident, or maybe, in this case, it was a happy accident!
I think she’s dipping her toes into really hot water, and she has no idea the kind of consequences that will come with getting wrapped up in this love … well, it’s not a triangle, what would you call it?
It feels more like a forbidden love.
Yeah! Thank you, love that. She’s trapped in this forbidden love tension that she can’t get out of, and that comes with consequences. I don’t think she knew that her actions would come at the expense of hurting someone as lovely as RJ.
Scott plays RJ as charming and loving. I feel for the guy. I want him to win. It’s funny when he doesn’t win, but it’s also like “Come on, come on, you can do it, pobrecito!”
¡Pobrecito! I know.
I feel like that complicated dynamic between them will allow for really interesting, complex storylines in the future. I like how their relationship is intertwined in the cases of the week.
Of course. I love that Emi isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. She’s right there beside him, breaking and entering into things and diving right in. And the contrast is so fun, too, because she’s so stylish while doing it. It’s hilarious.
Yeah! I’m obsessed with it.
What can you tease about the family situation? Are we going to dig into that a little bit more this season?
Yes, absolutely. There are some complicated family dynamics.
But I think the relationship between Wish and RJ, and then obviously Mel and Catherine and Mel’s daughter, the things that come RJ’s way directly affect everyone else in his life. I think you’ll see that play out throughout the season.
What would you say are RJ Decker’s themes, and how do they resonate with you?
Second chances. Redemption. The sacredness of family. I think the culture of Florida.
I mean, I completely relate to that. I think all those things are very relatable and universal. I think when people watch it, they feel seen.
Yeah, and it feels necessary for television now. Everything is so dark, and there’s like a real lightness to RJ Decker.
That’s what my dad was saying! To your point, there’s so much darkness in this world, and half the time, I’m like, “What is about to happen? Because I am scared. I’m a little scared!”
Same!
To have a show that allows you to escape and is super lighthearted, it’s funny, it’s a little outrageous, it just gives you that chance to be like, “OK, this is fun, and it’s putting a smile on my face,” and it’s that hour to come into this super weird Florida world and take a ride with us.
Oh, Florida definitely feels like its own character. I love it.
Is there anything else you can tease as my final question, or is there something you want audiences to really take away from this?
I think I can definitely tease that we’ll eventually meet Emi’s dad, and it’s going to be intense. I can’t share too much, but I feel like when Emi’s dad comes in, a lot will be revealed.
Yeah, I’m excited to see the rest of the season, too, because at this point, I have no idea.
You can catch Jaina Lee Ortiz as Emi Ochoa in RJ Decker, Tuesdays at 10/9c on ABC
Comment or share if you care, and thank you for the support!
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The post RJ Decker’s Jaina Lee Ortiz Talks Emi’s Wild Entrance, RJ’s Irresistible Allure & the Enigmatic Ochoas appeared first on TV Fanatic.