Talbot House. Reality: A private residence located near Griffin Country Club and Shoal Creek Lake. Rectify: The home of Daniel’s family—which includes Jared, a half brother he never met until after he was released.
Murphy’s Restaurant. Reality: Murphy’s Restaurant, a mom-and-pop spot. “It was perfect—I don’t think an art director could have even done such a great job,” McKinnon says. Rectify: Murphy’s Restaurant, frequented by characters like state senator Roland Foulkes, who originally convicted Daniel.
Paulie Tire & Rim. Reality: Hill’s Tire and Auto Service, founded in 1956. Rectify: Paulie Tire & Rim, which belongs to Daniel. His step-father and stepbrother took over during his imprisonment, and the business is just one cause of family friction after Daniel’s release from death row.
County Line Bar. Reality: Riverside Inn Bar & Grill, a casual watering hole that sometimes hosts live music. Rectify: County Line Bar, a local dive frequented by Daniel.
Convenience Store. Reality: A Shell gas station. Rectify: An unnamed convenience store where Daniel, still adjusting to life after two decades of incarceration, purchases a SmartWater. “Does it work?” he asks the confused cashier.
Coffee Shop. Reality: Bank Street Cafe, a local favorite known for its extensive beer selection. Rectify: A cafe that serves as a place for characters to converge and chatter.
Optometrist’s Office. Reality: The office of Dr. Terry Wynne, whose family practice was founded by his grandfather. Rectify: An unnamed optometrist’s office that Daniel visits to get glasses after leaving prison. “He hasn’t had to look this far in years, and he realizes he needs help,” McKinnon says.
After spending more than half of his life on death row for the rape and murder of his then sixteen-year-old girlfriend, Daniel Holden returns to his hometown when DNA evidence casts doubt on his conviction. But after two decades behind bars—and with many still certain of his guilt—Daniel’s transition is rocky at best.
That’s the premise of Rectify, a Sundance Channel series premiering April 22. Though it’s set in the fictional Georgia town of “Paulie,” Rectify has real Southern roots: Creator and executive producer Ray McKinnon (The Accountant) was born in Adel, Georgia, and filmed the series in Griffin, just south of Atlanta. “I wanted it to feel authentic, so I was looking for a town with a strata of history,” he says. “At the very least, I wanted Southerners to be able to watch and say, ‘Yes, that’s really the South.’”
With a cast that includes local actors and scenes shot in real-life businesses, Rectify—Sundance’s first scripted drama—has elements Atlantans are likely to recognize. For citizens of Griffin, the show provided new perspective on familiar spots. McKinnon walked us through a few significant locations.
This article originally appeared in our April 2013 issue.
