‘Rizzoli & Isles’ Cracks First Case on TNT
New Original Series Begins
Ladies night is about to start in full force on basic-cable network TNT when veteran series The Closer opens its sixth season at 9pm ET on July 12, followed by new crime drama Rizzoli & Isles at 10pm.
The latest TNT original series is based on the popular crime novel series written by New England-based author and physician Tess Gerritsen. Starring are Law & Order vet Angie Harmon as the first title character, Detective Jane Rizzoli, and original NCIS regular Sasha Alexander as the second title character, medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles. Both highly competent women with very distinct personalities ply their respective trades in Boston, where they frequently team up to solve crimes and support each other through whatever life is dishing out.
The series premiere “See One, Do One, Teach One” focuses on a case involving a couple viciously murdered in a manner similar to a notorious psycho’s preferred technique. But since that crook (Michael Massee of Carnivàle and 24, in typically creepy fine form) is safely — or so it seems — tucked away in prison, a copycat killer must be on the loose. As Jane and her colleagues investigate, the situation is further complicated by Jane’s horrifying relationship with the jailed serial criminal famously known as The Surgeon. Watch and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
Other major Rizzoli & Isles cast members include Lorraine Bracco of The Sopranos as Angela’s direct mother Jane, Jordan Bridges of Dawson’s Creek as Jane’s patrol cop younger brother Frankie, FlashForward‘s Lee Thompson Young as Jane’s much less experienced partner Detective Barry Frost, and Bruce McGill (Law Abiding Citizen) as Jane’s former partner Detective Vince Korsak. The series premiere also features a welcome appearance by Twilight Saga actor and earlier The Closer guest star Billy Burke, who plays a fellow lawman.
Like Men of a Certain Age, TNT’s other recent buddy-style original series, Rizzoli & Isles devotes a lot of time to the interactions between somewhat tomboyish Jane, fashion aficionado Maura, and assorted characters. Consequently, viewers who like their crime shows to focus more on the grisly details of events than the personal business of the crime-fighters may find the premiere episode a bit on the slow side. The talkativeness doesn’t detract from the action, however, and it’s actually necessary in the first episode to provide backstory and context for the relationships between the characters, something you’ll be grateful for while watching future installments.
Preview Rizzoli & Isles in the “See One, Do One, Teach One” sneak peek and series overview below. If my prediction is accurate, the newcomer will perform well and prove a solid Monday-night match for The Closer, especially among female viewers who love crime shows.
Rizzoli & Isles will air Mondays on TNT at 10pm ET
Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander/Rizzoli & Isles photo courtesy of Darren Michaels/TNT
What’s the name of the detective on the July 26th episode who Jane’s mother invites to dinner?
That was Jane’s boss Lieutenant Joey Grant, played by Donnie Wahlberg for two episodes (thus far), Dianne.