Ruthless (TV series)

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Ruthless
Tyler Perry's Ruthless.jpg
Also known asTyler Perry's Ruthless
Genre
Created byTyler Perry
Written byTyler Perry
Directed byTyler Perry
Starring
ComposerElvin Ross
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes44 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Tyler Perry
  • Michelle Sneed
  • Mark E. Swinton
Camera setupMultiple camera
Running time41-80 min.
Production companyTyler Perry Studios
Release
Original networkBET+
Picture format
Original releaseMarch 19, 2020 (2020-03-19) –
present (present)
Chronology
Related showsThe Oval

Ruthless is an American drama series created, executive produced, written, and directed by Tyler Perry. The series is produced under Perry's overall deal with Viacom/CBS.[1] It is a spin-off from the BET drama The Oval.[2][3] The first season of 24-episodes premiered on March 19, 2020, on BET+.[2] Starting on February 23, 2021, the show will begin airing on BET following new episodes of The Oval. Season 2 premiered on March 11, 2021. The show has attracted a cult following.[4][5]

Plot[]

In a backdoor pilot during the first three episodes of The Oval, Ruth Truesdale (Melissa L. Williams) kidnaps her daughter Callie to join her and the sex-crazed members of the Rakudushis cult. Ruth is a devoted member of the Rakadushi cult. After helping to severely punish her rebellious, best friend Tally, she becomes an "Elder," a high-ranking member of the cult. However, in order to be initiated into the position of Elder, she was required to be gang raped by seven high ranking cult members, including Andrew and Dikhan, in the presence of The Highest. After being gang raped, Ruth no longer wants to be a member of the cult and began planning an escape, along with her best friend, Tally.

The leader of the Rakadushis is "the Highest" (Matt Cedeño). The Highest has long hair and is always wearing white. His demeanor is very calm, peaceful, and welcoming. This is to cover up the fact that he is a sexual sadist. He uses drugs to make newcomers black out and lose all memory in order to violently rape them. He himself is also a drug addict.

Dikhan (Lenny Thomas), is a high ranking cult member who is the right hand to The Highest. He is the overseer of everything that happens on the cult's property. Dikhan is very handsome and loyal to The Highest, but he is also extremely invasive and stern. It is revealed in Season one, episode seven, that Dikhan and The Highest have been in a homosexual relationship for twelve years. However, Dikhan is bisexual. He has been having a secret affair with Ruth and is also attracted to Lynn (Nirdine Brown). Dikhan has fallen in love with Ruth, however, Ruth is only using him to plan her escape from the cult. Dikhan is under the impression that Ruth is pregnant with his child. He has to hide his feelings for Ruth because of his relationship with the Highest. It is also against the rules of the cult. The Highest becomes suspicious about Dikhan and Ruth, after smelling Ruth's soap on him. The Highest's fondness of Andrew and River causes Dikhan to become jealous and insecure. Members of all ranks of the cult fear Dikhan. Dikhan reports all wrongdoing of the cult members to The Highest and often recommends and inflicts their punishment.

The Rakadushi cult was infiltrated by undercover FBI agent Andrew (Blue Kimble) who eventually converted his beliefs into that of the religious sex cult and is in the process of becoming a high-ranking member of the Rakadushis. Andrew is married to Sarah and they have one son. After the infiltrating and becoming a unwavering believer of the Rakadushi religion, he began a secret, forbidden, sexual affair with Tally (Yvonne Senat Jones), who is also a member of the Rakadushi cult. Andrew falls in love with Tally, and eventually gets her pregnant. Tally does not know that Andrew is an undercover FBI agent who is also married. Andrew is a very loyal member and believer of the Rakadushi cult and its beliefs. However, he is frequently torn between his beliefs and his love for Tally, when Tally is severely and continuously punished for her mistakes and rebellious behavior. Tally questions Andrew's love for her after finding out Andrew was one of the seven men who gang raped Ruth. Andrew had homosexual sex with The Highest one time, proving his loyalty to the cult, but causing friction between him and Dikhan, due to Dikhan being in love with The Highest.

Cast and characters[]

Main[]

Recurring[]

  • Kelvin Hair as Lewis
  • Zephaniah Terry as William
  • Robert Craighead as Sheriff Walker Conley
  • Nadège August as Joan
  • Derek A. Dixon as Dale
  • Ashleigh Morghan as Melinda
  • Jeremy Palko as Deputy Billy Poke
  • David Bianchi as Lilo
  • Rhonda Stubbins White as Agnes

Production[]

Development[]

The series was picked up by BET+ on November 7, 2019, with 24 episode order.[3] The first season was shot over the course of 13 days in Atlanta.[8] As production began during the height of the COVID pandemic, it was filmed in a quarantine "bubble" at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.[9]

Casting[]

Melissa Williams plays the lead role, after previously appearing on The Oval.[10] New series regular cast members were announced in October 2020 to appear from the second season.[11] Kelvin Hair was announced as a recurring cast member in March 2021.[12]

Episodes[]

Series overview[]

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
124March 19, 2020 (2020-03-19)January 28, 2021 (2021-01-28)
219March 11, 2021 (2021-03-11)January 13, 2022 (2022-01-13)

Season 1 (2020–2021)[]

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
11"Pilot"Tyler PerryTyler PerryMarch 19, 2020 (2020-03-19)
In the series premiere, Ruth kidnaps her young daughter Callie and brings her to join the dangerous Rakudushi cult, and Brian, an FBI agent, embarks on a risky mission.
22"The Precious Jewel"Tyler PerryTyler PerryMarch 19, 2020 (2020-03-19)
Lynn meets The Highest, Tally is punished, and Andrew's wife Sarah questions Mack about Andrew's whereabouts.
33"The Holy Ground"Tyler PerryTyler PerryMarch 19, 2020 (2020-03-19)
Brian wants revenge on the Rakudushi, and Lynn is hospitalized.
44"Waiting For Tomorrow"Tyler PerryTyler PerryMarch 26, 2020 (2020-03-26)
Ruth is forced to show her loyalty to the Rakudushi, Sarah is desperate to find Andrew, and Lynn struggles to adjust to life back at home.
55"The Chosen"Tyler PerryTyler PerryApril 2, 2020 (2020-04-02)
After Ruth suffers a traumatic experience, she and Tally devise a plan, while Lynn's behavior causes concerns just as Brian's undercover work begins.
66"Lost"Tyler PerryTyler PerryApril 9, 2020 (2020-04-09)
Sarah has a conversation with Andrew, Lynn confides in Cynthia before making a dangerous decision, and Tally and Ruth try to move forward with their plan.
77"The Outsiders"Tyler PerryTyler PerryApril 30, 2020 (2020-04-30)
Cynthia rushes an unresponsive Lynn to the hospital, Malcolm comforts Sarah, Dikhan is jealous over The Highest's interest in Andrew, and Brian visits the Rakudushi camp.
88"Heaven On Earth"Tyler PerryTyler PerryMay 7, 2020 (2020-05-07)
Brian and Sheriff Conley have different opinions about the Rakudushi, Dikhan grows suspicious of Andrew, Ruth and Tally devise a plan, and Brian worries about Lynn.
99"To Be Chosen"Tyler PerryTyler PerryMay 14, 2020 (2020-05-14)
Dikhan delivers a shocking message to Sarah, Lynn contemplates an offer to join the Rakudushis, and Marva and The Highest plan a test for Ruth.
1010"The Closer"Tyler PerryTyler PerryMay 21, 2020 (2020-05-21)
Dikhan suspects Andrew is hiding something, Cynthia accuses Malcolm of having an affair, Brian briefs Mack on his visit to the Rakudushi camp, and Ruth's loyalty is tested.
1111"The Devil's Brew"Tyler PerryTyler PerryMay 28, 2020 (2020-05-28)
Ruth reluctantly performs her new duties as an Elder, Lynn contemplates leaving her old life behind, and Marva sends Melinda to infiltrate the sheriff's office.
1212"Wicked Acts"Tyler PerryTyler PerryJune 4, 2020 (2020-06-04)
In the mid-season finale, Dikhan keeps Ruth's secret from Marva, Melinda manipulates a deputy into getting her information, and Malcolm confesses his feelings to Sarah.
1313"An Angel From Heaven"Tyler PerryTyler PerryNovember 26, 2020 (2020-11-26)
In the mid-season premiere, Ruth and Tally uncover a cult member's plan to escape, Dikhan is conflicted about his feelings for Ruth, Oliver is assigned to recruitment, and an unexpected visitor arrives at the gates.
1414"The Restful Sleep"Tyler PerryTyler PerryNovember 26, 2020 (2020-11-26)
Marva takes Lynn on a tour of the camp, Dikhan is made aware of the Rakudushi's failing finances, the Highest exercises his power over William, and Ruth pushes Paula to extremes.
1515"On Assignment"Tyler PerryTyler PerryNovember 26, 2020 (2020-11-26)
Tally has doubts about what happened to Paula, Lacey and Oliver steal a moment together in the woods, and Sarah questions Andrew's involvement with the Rakudushis.
1616"Quid Pro Quo"Tyler PerryTyler PerryDecember 3, 2020 (2020-12-03)
Sarah confronts Andrew about the pictures of him and The Highest, and Ruth is disturbed to learn about Marva's "special assignment" for some of the other women.
1717"Unnatural Acts"Tyler PerryTyler PerryDecember 10, 2020 (2020-12-10)
Ruth builds trust with Zane, Tally is suspicious of Joan's sudden interest in helping her, Andrew reveals Malcolm and Sarah's secret, and River talks to The Highest about taking a wife.
1818"Drinking My Scotch"Tyler PerryTyler PerryDecember 17, 2020 (2020-12-17)
Cynthia confronts Malcolm and Sarah, Ruth finds a new ally, Melinda executes a risky plan at the sheriff's office, and Dikhan is suspicious of Andrew's whereabouts.
1919"The Purge"Tyler PerryTyler PerryDecember 24, 2020 (2020-12-24)
Andrew is tasked with a difficult mission, The Highest rallies the Rakudushis with an impassioned speech, Joan tries to gain Ruth and Tally's trust, and Oliver confronts Lilo about Lacey.
2020"The Dark Walkers"Tyler PerryTyler PerryDecember 31, 2020 (2020-12-31)
Lilo's complaint about Lacey leads to a camp-wide inquiry. The Highest questions Dikhan's loyalty. Meanwhile, Brian confronts Lynn about her drug use and Ruth learns about the Highest's plans for her.
2121"Two Days"Tyler PerryTyler PerryJanuary 7, 2021 (2021-01-07)
Ruth loses favor with the Highest while River covers for Dikhan. Meanwhile, Yancy gives Tally an ultimatum. Clark discovers Oliver's secret and Cynthia confronts Malcolm about Sarah.
2222"Into the Woods"Tyler PerryTyler PerryJanuary 14, 2021 (2021-01-14)
Clark ends up getting in trouble with Marva. Elsewhere, Lynn and Cynthia find support in each other. Yancy offers assistance to Tally for a price and the Highest delivers an ominous message to the Rakudushis.
2323"Live Bait"Tyler PerryTyler PerryJanuary 21, 2021 (2021-01-21)
Ruth's obedience is put to the test. Lilo pressures the Highest to expedite a plan. Elsewhere, Brian is concerned about the Rakudushi's deviation from routine and Andrew confronts Malcolm and Sarah.
2424"Out of Time"Tyler PerryTyler PerryJanuary 28, 2021 (2021-01-28)
In the season 1 finale, Mack tries to defuse a potentially deadly standoff between Andrew, Malcolm, and Sarah, River tells Ruth how to handle The Highest, and Marva's cooking puts Lilo in a perilous position.

Season 2 (2021–2022)[]

No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [13]Directed byWritten byOriginal air date [13]
251"The Outhouse"Tyler PerryTyler PerryMarch 11, 2021 (2021-03-11)
In the season 2 premiere, Oliver covers his tracks. Dikhan confronts Marva. Ruth reassures The Highest. Andrew completes his mission. Meanwhile, Brian urges the sheriff to visit the Rakudushis and Joan questions River's plan.
262"Over The Barrel"Tyler PerryTyler PerryMarch 11, 2021 (2021-03-11)
The Highest share his plans for the Rakudushi children with River. Marva looks for Lilo. Ruth and Tally clash over strategy. Elsewhere, Brian tries to save his marriage and Oliver confides in Andrew.
273"Holding On By A Thread"Tyler PerryTyler PerryMarch 11, 2021 (2021-03-11)
Oliver turns to Andrew for help. Dikhan reveals shocking news to The Highest. Tempers flare between Ruth and Tally. Clark sets out on a mission.
284"Duplicity"Tyler PerryTyler PerryMarch 18, 2021 (2021-03-18)
Andrew catches Tally in a lie. Oliver attempts to destroy evidence. Elsewhere, Brian questions Malcolm's motives. Lacey devises a plan and The Highest takes matters into his own hands.
295"Agitators"Tyler PerryTyler PerryMarch 25, 2021 (2021-03-25)
A frightening move by The Highest sends shockwaves through the compound. Deputy Poke mixes business with pleasure. Ruth continues to execute her plan. Dikhan makes an accusation.
306"Trust No One"Tyler PerryTyler PerryApril 1, 2021 (2021-04-01)
Andrew resorts to an extreme gesture to convince Dikhan of his loyalty. Ruth tries to distance herself from River. Melinda reports back from her assignment.
317"The Code"Tyler PerryTyler PerryApril 8, 2021 (2021-04-08)
Oliver helps Andrew with a cover-up. Marva has Melinda and Ruth room together in an effort to learn the truth. Elsewhere, Sheriff Conley realize his office has been compromised.
328"Small Little Lies"Tyler PerryTyler PerryApril 15, 2021 (2021-04-15)
339"The Ritual Bath"Tyler PerryTyler PerryApril 22, 2021 (2021-04-22)
3410"My Brother's Keeper"Tyler PerryTyler PerryNovember 25, 2021 (2021-11-25)
3511"Secrets of the Garden"Tyler PerryTyler PerryNovember 25, 2021 (2021-11-25)
3612"Masquerade"Tyler PerryTyler PerryNovember 25, 2021 (2021-11-25)
3713"Evil Deeds"Tyler PerryTyler PerryDecember 2, 2021 (2021-12-02)
3814"Prophecy"Tyler PerryTyler PerryDecember 9, 2021 (2021-12-09)
3915"Caged Birds"Tyler PerryTyler PerryDecember 16, 2021 (2021-12-16)
4016"Retribution"Tyler PerryTyler PerryDecember 23, 2021 (2021-12-23)
4117"Into the Woods"Tyler PerryTyler PerryDecember 30, 2021 (2021-12-30)
4218"Precious Armor"Tyler PerryTyler PerryJanuary 6, 2022 (2022-01-06)
4319"The Raku Way"Tyler PerryTyler PerryJanuary 13, 2022 (2022-01-13)

References[]

  1. ^ Burton, Jamie (July 20, 2021). "Newsweek: The Haves and the Have Notes". Newsweek. Retrieved August 8, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ a b Petski, Denise (February 21, 2020). "'Tyler Perry's Ruthless' Gets Premiere Date On BET+". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Bell, Breanna (November 7, 2019). "Tyler Perry Sets Two New Original Series at BET Plus (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  4. ^ Rose, Parris (March 15, 2021). "Exclusive: The Cast of Tyler Perry's Ruthless Talk What to Expect for Season Two [Video]". The Knockturnal. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  5. ^ Renée Stidhum, Tonja (April 2, 2020). "Negro Noir: I Watched Tyler Perry's Ruthless and My Confusion Is at Its 'Highest'". The Root. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "BET Networks And Tyler Perry Studios Announce Perry's New Original Series For BET+, "Tyler Perry's Bruh" And "Tyler Perry's Ruthless," Expanding The Acclaimed Content Creator's Arsenal Of Exclusive Programming For BET". BET Press. November 7, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  7. ^ a b c d e f "The Midseason Premiere of "Tyler Perry's Ruthless" Returns Thursday, November 26 on BET+" (Press release). BET. October 29, 2020 – via The Futon Critic.
  8. ^ Barrow, Jerry L. (March 19, 2020). "Stephanie Charles Searches For Her Undercover Lover In Tyler Perry's 'Ruthless'". BET.
  9. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (September 4, 2020). "Tyler Perry Wraps 'Ruthless' After Positive Check-in COVID Test, Starts Production On 'Bruh' At His Atlanta Studio". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  10. ^ Petski, Denise (December 8, 2020). "'Ruthless' Star Melissa L. Williams Signs With Buchwald". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  11. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (October 9, 2020). "'Tyler Perry's Ruthless' Adds Stevie Baggs Jr., Colin McCalla, Samantha L. Thomas, Michelle Nunez, Alise Willis And Jael Pettigrew; Sets Midseason Premiere". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 8, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ Del Rosario, Alexandra (March 22, 2021). "'Ruthless': Kelvin Hair To Recur On Season 2 Of BET Drama". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  13. ^ a b "RUTHLESS (BET PLUS)". The Futon Critic. Retrieved January 20, 2022.

External links[]

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