Elaine Hendrix Breaks Down That ‘Shocking’ “R.J. Decker” Twist over Who Shot Victor (Exclusive)

**Elaine Hendrix Unleashes Dark Secrets as District Attorney in R.J. Decker**

In a dramatic twist in the popular ABC series *R.J. Decker*, actress Elaine Hendrix portrays District Attorney Janis Lake, a character whose shocking decisions have left viewers reeling. The gripping storyline reveals Janis as the perpetrator behind the murder of senator Victor Ochoa, played by David Zayas, providing a climactic moment in the show’s second season.

The episode, titled “Arms and Armadillos,” aired on 29 September and quickly captivated audiences as private investigator R.J. Decker, portrayed by Scott Speedman, uncovered the truth surrounding Victor’s death. The investigation took a dire turn when it emerged that Janis did not only engage in a cover-up but also framed Emi, played by Jaina Lee Ortiz, for the crime. This revelation escalated tensions and added complexity to the narrative, especially as R.J. and his confidant Mel (Bevin Bru) sought to exonerate Emi.

Viewers learned that the dynamic between Janis and Victor was fraught with corruption, as Victor threatened to expose Janis’s illicit dealings when she refused to acquiesce to his demands. In a shocking moment of desperation, Janis resorted to murder to protect her job. She subsequently attempted to bury the evidence by concealing the murder weapon beneath a pickleball court, hoping to leave the case open-ended until outside forces began to stir trouble regarding the senator’s death.

In a recent interview with *PEOPLE*, Hendrix expressed her delight in the surprising nature of her character, acknowledging that while fans might face disappointment at the brief nature of her arc, she found the complexities of Janis Lake thrilling. “I hope it’s both shocking and disappointing,” she remarked, reflecting on the intricate storytelling that comes with playing a villainous role. “I had such a great time portraying her that I was sad to see my stint end.”

The actress also shared her fondness for playing characters that delve into darker emotional realms. “I really like characters that can go to duplicitous places. I think that’s really my specialty,” she explained. For Hendrix, the complexity of Janis Lake provided a unique opportunity to challenge perceptions, highlighting the moral ambiguity of her character’s choices.

Despite her character’s untimely exit, Hendrix notes that there remains significant interest on set regarding a future return for Janis Lake. She recounted how both cast and crew expressed curiosity about her character’s potential involvement in future plots, especially given her ties to a variety of unsavoury activities in Fort Lauderdale. “It’s amusing because some people on set asked me if I would appear again. They were curious to see if I would provide R.J. with valuable information from prison,” she shared.

Hendrix also shared her appreciation for the show’s lead, Speedman, lauding his professionalism and the supportive environment he fosters on set. “It’s always really nice when the lead sets the tone, and he’s definitely one of those people,” she said. The collaborative spirit among the cast has made the experience rewarding, and Hendrix expressed a desire to continue working on ABC projects.

Looking ahead, she remains optimistic about future opportunities within the ABC family, hinting that a guest appearance on *Abbott Elementary*, the comedy created by her close friend Lisa Ann Walter, might be on the horizon. “I love working for ABC Disney, and I’d be thrilled to stay in the family,” she confirmed.

For fans eager to follow R.J. Decker’s escapades, new episodes continue to air every Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day.

As the season unfolds, viewers are left anticipating further developments in the ongoing storyline, curious to see how R.J. will navigate the complications brought forth by Janis’s actions. With her unexpected turn as a cunning district attorney, Hendrix’s portrayal adds a profound layer of complexity to the series, keeping audiences engaged and guessing what lies ahead.