Network: TNT
Episodes: 105 (hour)
Seasons: Six
TV show dates: August 13, 2012 — January 16, 2018
Series status: Ended
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 The outdated equipment provided by the LAPD causes Buzz constant frustration, but his instruments often prove useful in cracking a case.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.
Episode 105 — By Any Means, Part 4
Lt. Tao, (Michael Paul Chan) is stuck in a room with a potential bomb. Provenza (G.W. Bailey) finally identifies the real Ms. Bechtal, and Major Crimes comes face-to-face for the very last time with Phillip Stroh (Billy Burke).
First aired: January 16, 2018
What do you think? Do you like this spin-off TV series? Is it as good as The Closer? Do you think there should be a seventh season?
I love the show and hope it is renewed for many more seasons.
The “Rusty” scenes are annoying. I purposely DVR the show so I can fast forward. Either the writers suck (which is a huge possibility given it’s TV/Hollywood) or he sucks as an actor. However, if his role is to get people to stop watching, it’s working. I know several people who don’t watch it anymore because of his subplots. Ship him to San Francisco…his relationship with the Captain is also beyond believable.
This show has lost its edge. The Rusty subplots are annoying…glad I DVR so I can fast forward his scenes. Either the writers suck or he does – he’s not credible and I know a number of people who don’t watch it anymore because the plot lines are boring and also find Rusty’s adolescent “angst” a snooze festival.
I would like this show way better if they got rid of Rusty or at least put him “in the corner.” His story line adds nothing to the crimes part or to the detectives. It’s to the point where I have started to turn this off more & more often. I love the dynamics between all the detectives. Please, let’s lose Rusty & Sharon’s ex. Seriously. Why are they here?
You.take off all the good shows now blue blood is the best one and code black is good so please Don t take them off
Major Crimes has 13 more episodes starting tomorrow, November 2nd. It will run for 8 episodes from November 2nd to Dec. 21st. It will start it’s final S4, 5 episodes run from January 25th to February 15th.
We have yet to hear about S5. We can only hope it’s renewed.
Major Crimes along with the shows you mentioned are about all there is left on TV worth watching anymore.
Love the cast of characters. A good variety.
Major Crimes is better than The Closer. The interaction among the major characters is better.
The ensemble cast is the biggest reason I love this show. Just like what happens at every workplace, the characters have transitioned from the dynamic of Brenda Leigh Johnson’s leadership to the very different style of Sharon Raydor. I enjoy when episodes allow different members of the team to step up and work their skills to solve the case. I didn’t think I’d survive losing the Closer, but with strengthening writing I now enjoy the spin off almost as much as the original. I will always miss the smart, sassy interrogations of The Closer, but I’m satisfied with how the… Read more »
I love the show, although I think The Closer was a smidge better. But, please, lose Rusty. He adds nothing and is a distraction.
Major Crimes is my favorite show. I hope that it is renewed for next season. Thank You. L
Major Crimes is a good show. it could be a great show.
Let’s revert to being a “crime” drama instead of the soap opera incidentals.
Keep the personal drivel to a minimum, ie Rusty’s troubled role, Provenza’s girl friend, (huh?)
and Flynn dating Raydor. Are you kidding?
The format and cast is perfect for prime time crime drama.
Why are the writers destroying it with these diversions from the crime and its resolution.
YOU HAVE A WINNING SHOW; DON’T THROW IT AWAY. ITS’ AS GOOD AS THE CLOSER; IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE BRENDA LEE JOHNSON AS (FBI PERSON OF AUTHORY) TO SHOW UP ON A REALLY NAIL-BITING EPISODES (like to be continued for about 4 episodes before IT’S SOLVED). THE WRITER’S COULD GET MORE CREATIVE AS SCRIPT’S CONTINUE. PLEASE, PLEASE, DO NOT CANCELL MAJOR CRIMES. RENEW THIS SHOW FOR SEASON 5; YOU WILL NOT REGREAT IT. HAVE FAITH IN YOUR VIEWERS. JULY 13, 2015 DIANE ROSEMARY HUNTER
Keep this show, very refreshing
We love it and miss it please pleas please bring it back asap.
I think this show is great just the way it is. Very entertaining. And Sharon is so nice and calm. I aspire to be that calm. I love this show.