Gil Birmingham didn’t have to be asked twice to continue the role of Broken Rock’s Thomas Rainwater in the hit CBS series Marshals. “It was probably six months after Yellowstone had wrapped up,” said Birmingham, after being asked when he got the call to reprise his iconic character. “I thought it was a great opportunity.” A frequent collaborator of Taylor Sheridan, Birmingham didn’t need to speak to the prolific creator before agreeing to star in the spinoff. “He found someone like mliss1578 Spencer Hudnut that he trusted with the storyline,” said Birmingham. “The series is a procedural, but it definitely has captured Taylor’s spirit.”
An integral character in the Sheridanverse, Rainwater—along with his driver and confidante Mo Brings Plenty (Mo Brings Plenty)—were vital to helping Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) through his Piya Wiconi, or “new beginning,” after losing his wife Monica to cancer. Mentorship is a “critical part of the relationship” that Rainwater and Brings Plenty have with Kayce. “They remind Kayce of the value systems from which he came,” said Birmingham. “Their wisdom contributes to the formulation of Kayce’s new identity and his new sense of peace and purpose.”
At the end of the original series, Rainwater accomplished his goal of returning the Duttons’ land in Paradise Valley to Broken Rock. So, in Marshals, Birmingham was eager to show audiences a new side of the Chairman since he’s in a “different position.” “He’s got the land and now it’s his duty to protect those resources for his people,” explained Birmingham. So, in a cunning move, Rainwater enlists Miles Kittle (Tatanka Means), former Tribal police and current U.S Marshal, in helping him schmooze with a Senator who can help them move a mining development off the reservation.
Birmingham recently spoke to Decider over Zoom to talk about his involvement in the series, share his thoughts on Rainwater’s bond with Dutton, and provide insight into Rainwater’s new objectives.
DECIDER: How did you find out you would be continuing Thomas Rainwater’s and Broken Rock’s story on Marshals?
GIL BIRMINGHAM: It was probably six months after Yellowstone had wrapped up. I discovered that Luke was already in talks about the possibility of spinning off the character of Kayce into his own series. Then [101 Studios CEO] David Glasser and Tom Mularz, a producer for the show, reached out to me and presented their idea. I thought it was a great opportunity.
You and Taylor Sheridan have had an extremely fruitful partnership which started even before Yellowstone. He’s an EP on Marshals, but he’s not involved in the day-to-day production. Did you have a conversation before you signed on?
No.He has so many other shows that he’s either writing or directing or both. I knew that he found someone like Spencer Hudnut that he trusted with the storyline. Marshals is a different beast than what Taylor’s used to writing. The series is a procedural, but it definitely has captured Taylor’s spirit, especially with the legacy characters that are carrying over.
You mention series creator Spencer Hudnut. I think he’s done a wonderful job bringing the world of Yellowstone into Marshals. Was it important that Marshals pay homage to the original series while crafting its own voice?
It’s really important, but Spencer has done a really admirable job of making Marshals his own, especially given the pressures he’s likely been under. In addition to the character carryovers, the series has done a wonderful job of incorporating the spirit of Yellowstone with the set pieces and scenic backdrops. The land is such an important character in both shows.
Has Broken Rock’s acquiring the Yellowstone changed Thomas now that one of his main objectives has been achieved?
In Yellowstone, Rainwater was somewhat of an antagonist. He was a little more on the offense trying to acquire the land. Here on Marshals, he’s got the land, and now it’s his duty to protect those resources for his people. It puts him in a different position. He’s more on defense now. I’m not sure that he was expecting the level of responsibility that came with acquiring the land. That makes for great drama for the show.
Rainwater is doing a lot more lot of politicking than we’re used to seeing.
On Yellowstone, Rainwater had to strategize to build allies. Now, Rainwater doesn’t have the connection with John Dutton or with those resources he’d taken for granted. On Marshals, his only true ally is, fortunately, Kayce. He’s kind of on his own and having to work with outside parties and be very political.
I’ve always been a Monica Dutton fan and I’m so glad the show—even after her death—is still talking about her and revealing things about her. Why is it so vital that Marshals honor that character?
Kelsey [Asbille] and her character Monica contributed so much. We were slightly disappointed that she wasn’t coming on board, but. Kayce still has a strong connection with the Native world. Tate is part Native and his mother is reflected in him. It’s wonderful how Spencer incorporates Native heritage and gives us opportunities to share our ceremonies with the world and show how a reservation honors those who’ve been lost.
After the death of John Dutton, Thomas and Mo are really the only mentors that Kayce has left. How seriously does Thomas take that role?
We’ve talked about that. It’s really a critical part of the relationship that Thomas has with Kayce. He’s lost members of his family. He’s lost his father. He’s a lone wolf with the responsibility of raising his son who is also a bit of a lost soul. Marshals kicked off with Kayce’s new beginning or “Piya Wiconi” aided and guided by Thomas and Mo. They remind Kayce of the value systems from which he came. Their wisdom contributes to the formulation of Kayce’s new identity and his new sense of peace and purpose.
A recent episode of Marshals put a spotlight on the crisis involving the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives in this county. What feedback did you receive after that episode aired?
A lot of people did not know about or understand this crisis that we unfortunately have to face. There have been other storylines in Taylor’s previous shows—especially Yellowstone—that have addressed the issue, but it’s an epidemic. It’s really important that we touch upon real issues challenging the Native community. I’m just very excited that we get to address those.
Thomas is such a shrewd leader, especially when he’s facing powerful opposition. In this week’s episode, he successfully orchestrates Senator Connor’s extended stay at the casino. Is the casino just one of the tools he uses to politick for the betterment and protection of Broken Rock?
The Casino is a double-edged sword with Thomas. It was not the preferred way that he wanted to generate revenue for his people, but it was a means to an end in terms of trying to get their land back. With the Senator, I found it very clever that he invites her there, knowing that her husband’s got a gambling issue.
That’s the way politics are run. It’s a matter of compromise and sharing information. Thomas is also demonstrating that he knows her weak points . She doesn’t want to go to battle with him, right? So, let’s find a happy medium. Let’s make sure we both meet our goals.
When Senator Connor asks for something to offer the Senate’s interior environmental subcommittee to make a case for moving the mining away from Broken Rock, how quickly does Rainwater think of Miles and realize he could be utilized as a “weapon”?
There’s always an internal thought process with Rainwater. He’s always looking for opportunities to strike the chords that would resonate with whoever he’s talking to. Thomas quickly realizes that a veteran like Miles would appeal to Conner. Miles is also a reminder that Conner’s Native constituency has a high ratio of Military service. A personal encounter with someone like Miles who served in the armed services resonates with Connor. She understands through him that we all are here to serve our country and our communities as best we can.
Miles seems reluctant to get involved with the politics of moving the mine from Broken Rock, but ultimately he stands up for his home and his community. Did Rainwater know that he would ultimately take up the cause?
I don’t know if Thomas really places the weight of all that on Miles. He knows Miles has somewhat of a rebellious nature. Thomas encountered that when he was with tribal police. Miles really wants to do good. That’s why he makes mention of “did I just get used as a pawn?” No, it’s like Thomas said, “you’re a device.” He’s a device to help save Broken Rock.
What can you tease for Thomas and Broken Rock as we near the end of Season 1?
The reservation is challenged by outside entities and forces in many different directions. That includes law enforcement agencies. However, Broken Rock has—for the first time ever maybe—friends inside the U.S Marshals with Kayce and Miles. They understand the challenges that the reservation faces, especially in terms of jurisdiction. All I can really say is that it gets very exciting.
Marshals airs Sundays at 8PM on CBS
