Sasha Alexander has a new role on Rizzoli & Isles. Recently, the actress spoke with TVLine about making her directorial debut on the TNT series.
The drama, which stars Alexander and Angie Harmon as a crime-solving duo, is currently in its seventh and final season. The cast also includes Lorraine Bracco, Jordan Bridges, Bruce McGill, Adam Sinclair, and Idara Victor.
In the interview, Alexander said she’s been wanting to direct an episode for a long time:
I graduated from film school at USC for directing, and I had done short films and so forth, but I put it on the backburner because acting was my focus. Since Season 2, I did want to direct this show — it was contractually there to say, “Hey, I want to do this” — and every season they found a reason not to let me do it! [Laughs] There’s scheduling, and it’s also very challenging to organize it so that we are given the opportunity to be “light” in the [preceding] episode, so we can prep. It takes a lot of sacrifice on their part, and [showrunner] Jan Nash made that happen, which was a great gift.”
When asked about the show ending, she said she still thinks there are “more stories to tell”:
Unlike a lot of shows that do a big run and then you get bored by the end, I actually feel like we’re leaving on an “up,” in that there are more stories to tell. As a creative person, I’ve always looked forward to Dr. Isles; it’s been a really interesting, funny character for me to explore, and I’ve never gotten bored.”
Alexander’s directorial debut airs tonight, August 15th, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on TNT.
What do you think? Are you a fan of Rizzoli & Isles? Are you sad the show is ending?
I love that show we will miss them
I am going to miss them I love that show
I am really going to miss Rizzoli and Isles. It was such a good series. Love the interaction between Jane and Maura. I know they could be many more stores to be told. This makes me really angry. It is a good clean show and why networks do this I don’t understand. They just bring shows that are worth watching.
Many more stories. Such a good series. Never dull. Great chemistry between actors. How stupid. Everyone I know looked forward to the next season. Loved the interplay. Elegy enough for me.
I would love to see more stories because the shows that are coming are not that kind of series. They were a good team and could enjoy f the show.
I laughed and mostly cried my way through the last epi. If the network just has to cancel one of the best shows on tv, then I expect to get at least two to three
better shows that share the same characters and have overlapping story lines I’m very angry and sad that you’ve lessened the number of good shows to watch. Thank you to the actors/characters, producers, directors (everyone) for your great service to your public. I’m officially protesting this cancellation!
I cried my way through the whole show (and laughed). I’m expecting to get at least two good shows that hopefully overlap with each other somehow, with all our actors/characters. As much as is spent on sports, I hope you’re not letting finances rule the day to screw all of us out of one of the best shows on! so get busy and give us Rizzoli and Isles back or do one better and give us three or so shows to compensate for our loss! Thank you all of the people who act and produce, etc., I’ll be watching you!
Always look forward to seeing Rizzoli & lsles so sad it is ending.Networks are never satisfied. I will not watch TNT anymore. Cathy
The commercials TNT has been running say “Your Two favorite teams ” but if Rizzoli & Isles is one of them why cancel it. I am so disappointed that it won’t be on anymore I may just have to boycott TNT and find some other station to watch. It’s a great all American family show! What is wrong with the networks lately. Murder & mayhem seem to be what the network thinks everyone wants. Not with what is going on in the world. We need this and other shows like it. Sorry to see it go and I’ll gladly boycott… Read more »
I’m am sorry to see the show end with all going on in the world to day we the people need show like this with all the Olive action shooting that happen we need something to remind of there are some good policeman out here and it a clean show that you don’t mind your kids to watch I wish they was at least end it were they can make a special episodes come back even if only to see one of them to get marriage. Or at least if they don’t find something they like they can come back… Read more »
I am so UPSET! I love this show, really hate when my favorite shows are canceled, makes me not want to get attached to any of them. Meanwhile there’s all these new shows popping up that should have been canceled after airing!
its got nothing to do with money its all about the new ceo kevin oreilly wants more grittier shows etc on tnt he doesent think r&i is gritty enough
If that’s the case I’m guessing no reruns!
There aren’t that many good shows left. Rizzoli & Isles is one of our families’ top 3 shows on TV! Don’t you want us to watch your channel anymore? Pay them more- they are worth it!!!
if there really are more stories to tell, give EVERYBODY more money, starting with ANGIE HARMON, and keep the show going.