Major Crimes

Network: TNT
Episodes: Ongoing (hour)
Seasons: Ongoing

TV show dates: August 13, 2012 – present
Series status: Has not been cancelled

Performers include: Mary McDonnell, G. W. Bailey, Tony Denison, Michael Paul Chan, Raymond Cruz, Phillip P. Keene, Robert Gossett, Jonathan del Arco, Kearran Giovanni, Jon Tenney, and Graham Patrick Martin.

TV show description:
This TV series is a continuation of The Closer, following the departure of Deputy Chief Brenda Lee Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick).

The detectives in the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes division are still reeling from Brenda’s leaving and this creates a tough transition for the newly appointed head of the division, Captain Sharon Raydor (Mary McDonnell).

Unlike their previous chief, Raydor is determined to lead the department with a rule-based, more team-oriented approach, sharing the credit with the people with whom she works. Raydor’s hardest job, however, will be gaining the full trust and confidence of her detectives, who aren’t quick to forget her long history of internal investigations targeting them and their previous boss.

Especially troublesome is Lieutenant Louie Provenza (G. W. Bailey), the squad’s resident old-timer. He still has a few tricks up his sleeve and has a difficult time taking orders from someone he doesn’t think knows as much as he does. He also likes to bend the rules to avoid doing too much work. Lieutenant Andy Flynn (Tony Denison) is passionate about his job but sometimes lets his friendship with Provenza get in the way. He always has a wise crack to keep the squad lifted, even in stressful situations.

Lieutenant Mike Tao (Michael Paul Chan) is the go-to guy for anything technology related. He thrives on using his expertise to crack cases; the more complex, the better. But he also tends to go overboard on details when explaining things. Detective Julio Sanchez (Raymond Cruz) is knowledgeable about the complications of gang warfare in Los Angeles and can be a bit intimidating to a suspect. Even when his emotions run high, Sanchez knows how far he can push without crossing the line.

A Civilian Surveillance Coordinator, Buzz Watson (Phillip P. Keene) is the electronics room technician. In addition, he is the videographer of all crime-scene documentation for the Major Crimes Division. The outdated equipment provided by the LAPD causes Buzz constant frustration, but his instruments often prove useful in cracking a case.

Assistant Chief of Operations Russell Taylor (Robert Gossett) helps the Major Crimes Division on numerous cases. He frequently acts as a press liaison and has proven to be a strong ally for closing cases. Doctor Morales (Jonathan del Arco) is the Medical Examiner for the LA County Coroner’s office.

FBI Special Agent Fritz Howard (Jon Tenney) is Brenda’s husband and works as the main liaison between Major Crimes and the FBI.

A newcomer to the Major Crimes division, Detective Amy Sykes (Kearran Giovanni) is an ambitious undercover police detective and military veteran who served in Afghanistan. She struggles to prove herself and be taken seriously.

Rusty Beck (Graham Patrick Martin) is a homeless juvenile who ends up living with Raydor after becoming a witness in an important homicide case. His troubled past shapes his unruly character and that doesn’t make Raydor’s transition any easier.

What do you think? Do you like this spin-off TV series? Is it as good as The Closer?

More about: Major Crimes, Major Crimes: canceled or renewed?, Major Crimes: ratings

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