Once Kyra Sedgwick shut down The Closer, questions about the spin-off, Major Crimes, have been swirling around. TNT network put those questions to rest by renewing Major Crimes for 15 episodes in 2013. The ensemble cast attracts many viewers. Who can resist Provenza and Flynn? Mary McDonnell’s character was softened and became more appealing. I’m still not a fan of Rusty, the troubled teenager, but the writing for this series improved with each episode. I’ll be watching Major Crimes when it returns next year. The final episode of this first season will be broadcast tonight on TNT at 9 P.M. Check the time for your area.
The concept really bothers me–trying to reach the point where they can get someone in jail without the $$ of a trial. I thought the writing faded in the last few years of THE CLOSER (too many silly plots) and I think it continues to pale here. I do like the supporting cast and I also like McDonnell but it’s not enough. Similarly DEXTER is losing my interest. Maybe five years is enough for most shows. I did like the first episode of LAST RESORT.
Maybe because there is so little quality TV to watch, Patti, MAJOR CRIMES is viable. Many watchers of THE CLOSER stayed to watch MAJOR CRIMES with most of the same cast. Plus MAJOR CRIMES runs against DANCING WITH THE STARS.
I agree that it has improved as the season has gone on. You can’t go wrong with Flynn and Provenza, though the latter’s pouting at times has been a bit much. And I agree they need to lose the Rusty story next season, or at least push it to the back burner.
I wondered why they never show her talking to her own kids. Problems there? I would have thought Rusty’s family troubles would make her reach out to her kids.
I wondered about that, too, Jeff. Raynor is so concerned about Rusty, but her children and husband remain off stage.
I’ve enjoyed the series and never watched a single second of THE CLOSER. As mentioned, so little quality TV. I do like VEGAS somewhat better than others have mentioned. Not do THE MOB DOCTOR.
HOMELAND and COPPER are my favorite TV programs, Randy. Then, there’s a big drop-off to THE MENTALIST, MAJOR CRIMES, and ELEMENTARY. NIKITA starts it’s third season this Friday.
Man, I don’t watch any of this stuff. But then I don’t stay up that late – I do get up early – and when I do it’s because I’m reading a good book. So many hours wasted watching TV… On Sunday we do watch 60 Minutes and then Amazing Race, then the set goes off.
You’re missing some excellent programs if you’re not watching HOMELAND and COPPER, Rick. The other programs are just a bit above average.
You should be watching CALL THE MIDWIFE on PBS. (It is opposite AMAZING RACE here.) It’s a little soapy, granted, but it is as well done as most BBC series. We’re enjoying it.
I’ll check out CALL THE MIDWIFE, Jeff. We still have to watch the third season of WALLANDER that we’ve DVRed.
I am sad I missed MIDWIVES somehow. I think I would have liked it. Maybe on DVD. Why doesn’t PBS show up ON DEMAND.
Maybe the lack of commercials on PBS is at the heart of the no ON DEMAND, Patti.