Rizzoli & Isles (2010–2016) User Reviews

An unusual police detective pair - decent mysteries, involving, very warm family atmosphere

[trpdean · 8/10 · 3 March 2019]

I've always liked this show - and am glad it's being repeated now on independent stations. When Angie Harmon starred on Law & Order, her character's pushiness and arrogance, her deep rasping voice and model's gait - really put me off. But on this show, the actress, playing the two lead detective, Rizzoli, has grown on me - her character is given a family background, allowed to show a variety of emotions, and Harmon has simply become a much better actress than years ago.

I really liked Sasha Alexander, who plays the other lead character, pathologist Isles, when she starred on NCIS and was very disappointed when she left the program (after its first year?). She's utterly charming, obviously bright (good as very necessary for this character!)

The plots are not ones you'll want to rewind to see how the complex pieces fell into place (this isn't Columbo) but they are involving enough to carry forward the narratives of the shows.

The supporting characters are well-enough written - though the humor is often hokey.

The warmth of the ensemble is very noticeable - one senses not only that the characters are supposed to like each other - but that the actors really do. It's a strange thing to say that a police detective show is heartwarming - yet this is.

As one comes to like the characters more and more, it's their back stories and their concurrent personal stories that make this a very welcome watch.

There's nothing BIG about the series - it's modest, light, and has its own charm and warmth. I really like it.

great friendship

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 1 September 2017]

Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon) is a Boston police detective. Chief medical examiner Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander) is her best friend. Her brother Frankie (Jordan Bridges) is a junior cop. Her sassy mother Angela Rizzoli (Lorraine Bracco) keeps butting in. There are fellow detectives Vince Korsak (Bruce McGill) and Barry Frost (Lee Thompson Young). Maura has an unknown criminal biological father. Through it all, there is the unbreakable friendship.

The centerpiece of this show is the sisterhood. Some have claimed sensing lesbian undertones. It's just friendship but I can't hate on the shippers. This works as a police procedural. There are good serial runs. The show runs into a road block when Lee Thompson Young committed suicide. It puts a cloud over the show but it is able to maintain for three more seasons. The ladies are able to steer it over any rough waters but eventually, the show just gets old.

This one is catching on with me...

[Zen416 · 9/10 · 20 July 2010]

The previews that TNT used initially weren't overly interesting and some of the critics gave this new show mediocre ratings. That being said, I'm glad I chose to ignore the critics (as usual) and give this new cop drama a shot. Glad I did. It rolls right along with well written story lines and nice touches of humor here and there to lighten up what could be a very dark premise. I can't rave enough about the casting of Angie Harmon as the tough-talking but occasionally insecure police detective Jane Rizzoli, who's driving ambition and outer roughness bely a compassionate individual who's trying to do the right thing, no matter what. Sasha Alexander is a wonderful breath of fresh air as Maura Isles, the science and medicine half of this dynamic duo. She plays Isles with just the right amount of nerdy quirkiness to make the character endearing and brilliant, without crossing over into annoying know-it-all territory. What makes this work is the great chemistry between the two female leads, who come across as believable in their roles without sacrificing appearances too much. You could actually picture Harmon as a cop because she conveys it so well. The supporting cast is wonderful as well and it's awesome to see the uber talented Donnie Wahlberg back in front of cameras where he belongs. No offense to his New Kids On The Block gig but, the man is a decent actor and should definitely keep working that particular side of his talent. This is a great new show and so far, the stories move with a quick, satisfying clip to them so boredom is not an issue. TNT usually blows away most of the big networks with their choice of programming and "Rizzoli and Isles" is no exception to that rule. Give it a look-see for a couple of episodes; it's worth it.

It's Chemistry

[Tactrix · 10/10 · 17 August 2010]

When I first started watching this show I thought it was going to be just another cop drama like the other 500 on TV but no somewhere amidst pile of scripts that is good drama they found one that shines above the rest.

This is a cop drama that doesn't follow the typical cliché as in establish good guys here, insert bad guys there, make snitch talk, show ends. Finally someone realized that its much more interesting to make 2 interesting characters and give them lives around which their job revolves and not the other way around. Rizzoli is a headstrong cop whose Italian upbringing shows through, this is the type of woman you can see growing up with 3 brothers and kicking their ass around the house the whole time. Isles on the other hand is a socialite more of a impressed by the complexity of the world and enjoying every second of the mystery around it. Together it's brains and brawn with just a nice dash of sexy, and the back and forth is right on point to keep pace.

Conclusion, this is the show to watch if you want to see 2 women kick some serious criminal ass with intellect to boot!

Funny, Sexy, Smart

[rejavanation · 10/10 · 1 September 2010]

Being a fan of NCIS I was disappointed at the departure of Sasha Alexander and I hoped that she would appear in another television series doing something she really enjoys. But I was never a fan of Angie Harmon and she was my least favorite Assistant D.A. on Law and Order. It was hard for me to imagine Angie Harmon playing a tough, tomboyish Boston detective. Actually, I was thinking before the show aired that the roles should have been reversed. I could buy Sasha Alexander being the tough cop more than I could Angie Harmon.

However, I am happy to admit I am wrong. Angie Harmon shines in Rizzoli and Isles and it is apparent from their chemistry that they are both having a great time doing a project they are completely committed to. The dialog between the two of them is so funny and entertaining especially when Maura goes on a tangent and provides useless facts with such sincerity and genuine intent to educate.

The dynamic between them was cemented in the episode, Money for Nothing, when the working class girl and the débutante had to decide if they were going to have each other's backs.

I hope the murders become more interesting and the cases more complex. The show has a wonderful supporting cast-- the cop that gets queasy at the sight of blood, and the hard nosed cop that has a soft spot for furry creatures. Very funny stuff.

Rizzoli and Isles is becoming my favorite show.

Angie & Sasha - Two thumbs up right there

[winstonfg · 9/10 · 9 December 2011]

I've had a crush on Angie Harmon ever since I first saw her in 'Good Advice'. Not my usual type (in the words of George Burns: too tall); but she has amazing eyes and I could listen to her talk all day. Teamed up with Sasha Alexander, the best thing from NCIS, they make a great pair.

Of course the show itself could have been awful, but thankfully it isn't; and I'm settling into the world of tough lady cop with a busybody ma (a great cameo for Lorraine Bracco) and her borderline-Asperger pathologist friend like a comfy chair. I'm also glad I haven't read the books, so I don't have any expectations of what it "should" be like - Angie's "TV family" are just fine for me, and it's a nice change to have a series set in Bahston instead of SoCal or Florida.

The other regulars (Bruce McGill - who I've always liked - Leigh Thompson Young and Jordan Bridges) fit into their slots seamlessly, and add some nice depth to the proceedings. The writing is also well above average, with great touches of humour, and enough incidental stuff outside the main storyline to let you feel you're getting to know the characters.

I certainly hope I don't put the kiss of death on it by saying I'm a big fan; but I'll definitely be watching it for as long as it's around.

9/10

Not Just a Buddy-Buddy Cop Drama!

[ShelbyTMItchell · 9/10 · 21 May 2013]

As it has heart and it has wit and charm. Led by the Great and Beautiful female leads of Angie Harmon(Law & Order), and Sasha Alexander(Greatly missed in NCIS).

As Harmon is a tough, by the book but sympathetic cop. Who tries to find the clues. While Alexander is a much more education medical examiner who has to find the DNA and tell Harmon and others about the clues to solve the case.

Both off the work force, both are great friends despite butting heads at times. Still they work for the good of others and each other.

Great support by character actor Bruce McGil who is like a father figure to Harmon, and former child actor Lee Thompson Young as Detective Frost who is the straight man to Harmon's antics at times.

Not just a buddy buddy cop drama but one with heart! And wit and charm!

A good crime cop drama of opposites attract in partners terms yet it blends to be good chemistry!

[blanbrn · 7/10 · 17 September 2010]

TNT has done it again they have once again produced another hit series as they have good luck with crime dramas. This one set in Boston "Rizzoli and Isles" involves the cases of crime and murder in Boston and you have daylight and dark working together on the cases. First enter the tough and by the book seasoned detective Jane Rizzoli(played wonderful by the sexy and exotic beauty Angie Harmon)as Jane always questions the clues and evidence found at the scene, and to make matters more interesting is the educated and witty crime scene medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles(Sasha Alexander)who looks inside the dead bodies for more answers. And both differ on opinions and ways of solving cases still the work ethic and chemistry blends well to form a good crime fighting solving team. Typically the cases they crack are gruesome and cold blooded murders the kind of cases you've seen on TV involving lust killers and serial murders. Usually always in the end the hard work leads to twist and turns with the bad guy being caught.

Good supporting turns are given from Bruce McGill as a supervising detective Vince Korsak and veteran Lorraine Bracco as Jane's overprotected and loving mom Angela. Overall this is a good crime drama series that entertains and it makes you think as most of the gruesome cases take twist then they are solved. And plus it's a nice treat to see the beautiful Angie Harmon at work again especially in a lead role. So check out "Rizzoli and Isles" if you haven't.

Absolutely positively outstanding!!

[Swan-123 · 10/10 · 19 July 2010]

After watching the first episode of Rizzoli & Isles I was more than satisfied .. I've wanted to see Sasha Alexander and Angie Harmon back on my t.v screen ever since Sasha left N.C.I.S and Women's Murder Club got canceled. Sasha is supposed to act the way she acts in the t.v show it is in no way bad acting she's supposed to be a bid like Brennan from Bones who's a bit detached from her emotions to say the least. People are comparing Rizzoli & Isles to Bones and it's because they have a lot in common though Rizzoli & Isles had a much better first episode than Bones did and just because this show isn't one of HBO's productions and doesn't have people fornicating on every corner doesn't make it bad. It's just something you can watch with your kids or maybe even brother or sister without feeling awkward because of what's happening on the screen and actually enjoying a show. I definitely recommend this.

Different but good

[ElessarAndurilS · 7/10 · 28 February 2015]

I found myself watching Rizzoli and Isles because I had the time when it was on. I realized I liked it when the season ended and I was left with a void that no other show really could fill leading me to realize that while not great, the show is good and unique. It is different than most cop buddy shows and while the case of the episode is significant to the show, it is not the primary draw of the show. This show is definitely about relationships and one that I don't ever see getting me pumped up to watch, I enjoy it and miss it when out of season. I don't expect my opinion to change a great deal as I watch more of the show, it is a middle of the road quality show that is good in its uniqueness from other cop buddy shows.

Strong women, great banter

[kcoregon · 10/10 · 24 July 2010]

When I first heard of the new show with both Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, 1) I was thrilled to see Sasha back on TV and 2) I was worried that Angie Harmon's new character would be like Lindsay Boxer (Women's Murder Club) which bored the crap out of me.

I found the banter between Rizzoli and Isles was quite refreshing. And being a woman myself, I can see that kind of fun, brash, candid talk happening. Both women are strong characters which I love! The chemistry between the two is so obvious it's wonderful.

I loved Sasha in NCIS, but she was shadowed by the men on the show. I LOVE NCIS! But Sasha needed her own and now she's got it along with Angie, this show is strong and stays true to the books. If you don't like strong headed women, you might now like this show.

Hooray for Tess!!!!

It's Alright

[AngelHonesty · 6/10 · 7 January 2020]

The humor in the show was very well done, it was the main thing that caught my attention to watch the entire series. Rizzoli and Isles are fantastic as they play off of each other, leaving you with wanting to watch more. The biggest downfall to the show are the other cast members. The actors who play Frankie, Vince and Angela are terrible at acting. If your a big fan of Detective Shows, I'd give this one a try.

Used to be good but not worth watching after Season 4

[lf780 · 4/10 · 6 March 2016]

I found this show more or less by coincidence a few years ago. I had heard of Tess Gerritsen but never read any of her "Rizzoli & Isles" books and initially wasn't even aware that this was a show based on existing successful novels. In other words: I came in without any bias or expectation.

The first episode I caught was one from either Season 2 or Season 3. What I found was a somewhat light-hearted procedural with two female leads (one a cop, the other the medical examiner), a balanced mix of humor and drama, and a good supporting cast. I watched another episode, decided that it was good enough, and went back to the pilot to watch it all in order.

The first season is, without doubt, the best of the whole show. It's sightly edgier than the rest, it has a strong and creepy villain in Charles Hoyt and another interesting antagonist in Paddy Doyle (the father of Isles and a criminal on the opposite side of the law), and it always keeps the supporting cast enough in the background to allow the two leads to grow and carry the story.

The second & third seasons underwent a noticeable change in tone. Everything got a bit lighter, there's this increasingly annoying clown music in humorous scenes, and the supporting cast begins to take away some of the main characters' screen time. But as a whole, the show still works. Even one of my favorite episodes is in Season 3 (3x02). And some of the new guest characters (in particular, Isles' biological mother and Rizzoli's ego-driven soldier-lover) added some much needed conflict and allowed us to see more of the vulnerable side of the two leads.

Then came Season 4, and things became complicated. Again, it had some very good episodes (especially 4x04, but also 4x07 and 4x09), but towards the end of the season, everything unraveled. This was also around the time when Lee Thompson Young (who played Rizzoli's partner) committed suicide, which certainly must have been a factor in what was happening both on screen and behind the scenes and eventually resulted in the firing of showrunner Janet Tamaro. I won't speculate, but the last two or three episodes of Season 4 already hinted at the drastic changes to come. Out of the blue, Rizzoli's younger brother forces himself upon Isles without any consequences at all, whereas Rizzoli herself turns into a shadow of her former self and accepts the blackmail-proposal from her soldier lover (basically: "marry me, or I'll go back to Afghanistan!"), followed by an unexpected pregnancy. This wasn't good. This was turning into something very sexist that I wouldn't enjoy.

And with the new showrunner Jan Nash, everything got so much worse in Season 5 and Season 6. Granted, Nash's first few episodes gave me hope. They sent off the emotionally abusive soldier lover (though in a very amateurish cop-out), got rid of the pregnancy (again, in a very amateurish way that left much to be desired), they even temporarily toned down the clown music.

But then Nash and her unskilled writers destroyed everything that was good about the show. They ruined the female leads and turned them into incompetent stupid caricatures. They added completely pointless story lines for the supporting characters and made them a central part of the show (Rizzoli's mother and brother have become a real pain in the ass). They brought back the clown music. They erased Isles' backstory and added tons of continuity errors to the show. They got rid of all the guest characters that had added depth (Paddy Doyle, Isles' biological mother, Rizzoli's father, Rizzoli's boss, etc.). They killed off Isles' only remaining friend/colleague (Susie Chang) outside of the Rizzoli family and replaced her with a new man who -- AGAIN -- forced himself upon Isles without any consequences at all. They turned Isles into a shallow two-dimensional joke of a woman who chooses guns like fashion accessories. They took away all of Rizzoli's professionalism and let her make basic mistakes that not even the most inexperienced rookie cop would make. And the list goes on and on and on.

The ratings have continually fallen, and I'm glad that this disaster has finally been cancelled. This is not a show about two strong, independent and mature women anymore. This is a step back, and it's sad that all of this happened under the supervision of a female showrunner (Jan Nash even admitted that she didn't bother watching the first seasons when she took over control).

Watch the first four seasons. They're decent, light-hearted entertainment. But definitely ignore the rest.

Need to be needed

[rogerabruckner · 10/10 · 28 April 2021]

Rizzoli's mom is into everyone's business way too much. Especially since she shouldn't be involved in police business. And since 2 of her children are cops she should respect that. It seems like she tries to start drama. And she's always telling people they need to grieve. I think it's so they need her shoulder to cry on. I get her being a little nosy or caring. But in my opinion it's way too much. I just think the writers took her need to be needed over the top. It gets annoying even though it's one of my favorite shows.

Jane & Maura

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 2 August 2010]

I do hope that the series based on author Tess Gerritsen's characters of Boston Homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles keeps going. I think that's a sure bet if the quality of episodes keeps up from what I've seen.

It's nice to see the return of Angie Harmon to series television. When she was on Law And Order she was by far my favorite second chair Assistant District Attorney to Sam Waterston. The two women so opposite in temperament and background work well together to solve crime every week, though due to the her job Harmon seems to take the lead. Maybe we'll see more of Sasha Alexander as Maura Isles as things progress.

Probably due to her broad educational background Alexander's character has no discernible Boston accent. Why Harmon's character doesn't is a mystery. She sounds the same as she did on Law And Order, a new ADA whose previous employment on that show was in the Harris County DA's office in Texas where Harmon is from. Maybe she'll work some hard 'A's into her speech patterns in future episodes. Right now the only one in the cast who sounds like Boston is Donnie Wahlberg as her lieutenant and that's where he's from.

The two leads are flushed full dimensional characters and I'm sure we'll see more dimensions as time goes on. TNT has a winner here, I hope the TV watching public thinks so too.

Awesome!!

[mamahen18 · 10/10 · 13 July 2010]

As a female lawyer who truly loves the law and everything that has to do with crime and punishment and as a self-proclaimed connoisseur of crime TV, I must write my first review and express how overjoyed I am with this show! I'm already anxious to buy the show on DVD, and I've only seen one episode. If the rest of this season is anything compared to the first episode I know that I can look forward to many more seasons. Rizzoli (Harmon) is believable as the tough girl who honors the law (yet is able to maintain her incredible sexiness at the same time.) And Isles (Sasha) is the fashionista who crazily enough loves her often disgusting job as the medical examiner. (She also brings a lot of the subtle humor with her character's attitude.) I identified with both main characters, found there was enough excitement to keep my attention throughout the entire episode(and enough humor...but not too much) and was left with heightened anticipation until next week.

Rizzoli and Isles, not your average cop show

[lcampbell022892 · 10/10 · 20 September 2010]

I have never been a big fan of "cop shows," however when I saw the promos for this show I decided I had to at least give it a chance. As a lady, I like to see women being strong and respected, and Rizzoli and Isles provides two women who are respected in their fields. Rizzoli (Harmon) is impressive and spot-on with her tough girl,take nothing' from no one, attitude. Isles (Alexander) is genius and sincere. The duo provides both a kick-butt team two best friends trying to live their lives. The characters are totally relatable, which is perhaps how I got pulled into being a fan. Harmon and Alexander make an amazing team and the chemistry and timing is there. I just couldn't see this show working with any other female leads. The supporting cast is excellent as well. I'm telling you, tune in. If you, like me, usually pass on these types of shows,give this one a chance. It just might surprise you. I'm pretty stoked about next season.

What You Have To Remember Is This...

[sjanmaat · 7/10 · 27 July 2011]

Det. Jane Rizzoli & Dr. Maura Isles aren't lesbians.

This doesn't mean we can't imagine they are, or wish that they were. It seems that from the very beginning, when Dr. Isles re-set Det. Rizzoli's broken nose in what seemed to be a tender and caring gesture (as tender as one can be, resetting a broken bone...) these two have shared a kinship that surpasses the limitations of the words 'best friends'.

The crime-side of this show has been somewhat over-looked for the relationship between the two stars, but it is still an integral part. With an outstanding supporting cast and brilliant writers, there is no reason why this show can't continue for many seasons to come.

Granted, the weekly homicides aren't that brain-busting. If you consider it is generally the person they only show once (and briefly) in the first fifteen minutes, then it's never really that hard to surmise 'whodunnit' but there is still enough suspense to keep watchers intrigued.

Ultimately, IMHO, this show gives the fans what we've been looking for since the end of Xena: Warrior Princess. Two strong female leads with an extremely close relationship that frankly, could be already considered a lesbian relationship, considering this - sex has nothing to do with sexuality.

Even if the lesbian angle is not your cup of tea, don't worry. Really, neither hetero or homo-sexuality is rammed down our throats. Jane & Maura really are just the best of friends, and that in itself is a wonderful thing to have on our screens. A close female friendship without the rivalry we've seen in other shows, without the competitiveness we've seen hundreds of times over.

As Det. Rizzoli declared - We're LLBFFs. Long-love Best Friends Forever. And there's nothing wrong with that!

Was Getting Better and Tanked and then Un-tanked

[PartialMovieViewer · 10/10 · 15 September 2010]

The cliché is beginning to disappear and the cast is getting more comfortable, which make me more comfortable. I like how the directors have unglued each other's shoulders from one another and they both do their own thing to solve a crime. This chemistry shows off the strengths of stars. Did I say chemistry - I did. One of my earlier criticisms. The chemistry in this show is excellent and pure...amazing turn-around.

OK…I was wrong oops - maybe I was right after-all. I did not relate to Angie very well - but now I truly enjoy her. She makes this show. This show has turned in to a real peach! I have gone from not liking this drama and avoiding it at every turn to a fan who wants to watch reruns to catch up on what I have missed. (Odd…I did the same thing for NCIS…connection? Hmmmm…maybe.) Angie Harmon's voice is no longer grating - it is more like a well tuned violin. I am also getting over the hurt caused by the untimely demise of Kate on NCIS. I guess the writing is kind of – sort of – really good. The direction…not flawless…only really close. I do not know what the show has done, but it has turned itself around somehow and I really enjoy it. Oh did I mention the stars? I like them…I get involved with the twists and turns of the plots from beginning to end. One last thing…Kate – I mean Isles – keep your head down and always wear your Kevlar.

a strange kind of chemistry

[udarmohit · 7/10 · 11 January 2012]

It's nice to see the return of Angie Harmon to series television. When she was on Law And Order she was by far my favorite second chair Assistant District Attorney to Sam Waterston. The two women so opposite in temperament and background work well together to solve crime every week, though due to the her job Harmon seems to take the lead. Maybe we'll see more of Sasha Alexander as Maura Isles as things progress.

Probably due to her broad educational background Alexander's character has no discernible Boston accent. Why Harmon's character doesn't is a mystery. She sounds the same as she did on Law And Order, a new ADA whose previous employment on that show was in the Harris County DA's office in Texas where Harmon is from. Maybe she'll work some hard 'A's into her speech patterns in future episodes. Right now the only one in the cast who sounds like Boston is Donnie Wahlberg as her lieutenant and that's where he's from.

The two leads are flushed full dimensional characters and I'm sure we'll see more dimensions as time goes on. TNT has a winner here, I hope the TV watching public thinks so too.

Lovely Friendships & Crime Solving

[Johnny_West · 10/10 · 22 September 2021]

I always enjoy watching Rizzoli & Isles. It is easy on the mind, no nasty stuff. The main characters Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon formerly of Law & Order), and Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander formerly of NCIS) have a great rapport together. They make their dialogue fun, and it is usually well written and intelligent.

The stories are usually pretty interesting mysteries. The supporting cast of Lee Thompson Young and Bruce McGill was very good. Unfortunately, Lee Thompson Young committed suicide at the end of season 4, so his great charisma is missed in seasons 5-7. Lab Tech Susie Chang (Tina Huang) was a great member of the Medical Examiner's Office for a couple of seasons. Jordan Bridges played Frankie Rizzoli, the brother of Jane, and he was also a detective. Most of the time, he provided useful police work and background information about the victims and suspects.

On the negative side was mainly Lorraine Bracco, who played the mother of the three Rizzoli siblings. She was loud and obnoxious in every episode, and was always meddling in the personal lives of the three siblings, and sometimes in police business too. I did not mind Bracco in small doses, but in some episodes she had more screen time than anyone else. Fast-forwarding is the best way to watch her acting.

Her other son Tommy, Jane's moronic, underachieving brother and his baby's mother were another storyline that never ended and was incredibly annoying. Colin Egglesfield played Tommy, and he has all the personality of wet cardboard.

There were a variety of know actors that played various key characters that came in and out of the series. The guest characters were often a plus.

In the last year, the show spent a lot of time on Frankie falling in love with Nina. Combined with all the time that was spent on Mom (Bracco), Vince and Kiki, and Jane and Maura's friendship. It seemed like the show became a full time family drama that hardly had any connection to police work and crime.

Two badass women solving crimes? Count me in.

[quigleyrebecca · 7/10 · 15 January 2021]

The relationships between all the characters is really what makes this show. There are so many wonderful characters, and the two leading ladies have a wonderful relationship that really is enjoyable to watch. Many of the crimes and storylines were a bit predictable, but not necessarily in a bad way. And there were a few twists (like when we lost Susie) that kept me on my toes. I really enjoyed that they made the female characters strong without being completely void of emotion (as tends to happen) and that the male characters all had moments in which they were in touch with their softer side, some more than others. Overall the series was very enjoyable and they ended things very nicely. Although I wouldn't be opposed to a spin-off or another season down the line.

Horrible!

[Dodgerfanfrombrooklyn · 1/10 · 2 August 2010]

This show is only suitable for people who haven't read the books and are waiting for the fall season for real TV. Harmon is too tall and too attractive to be Rizzoli and she runs around the set like a maniac. Alexander is nothing like Isles who has black hair and is cool and cerebral. I've read 5 of the books and never once did she diagnose a date's malady or giggle at something inappropriate or shop for shoes. The idea that they end every day swilling beer is absurd. I hate when TV takes great characters and turns them into pablum. All of this might be forgivable except that the writing was awful and the plot was unbelievable. Bringing back the Boston Strangler in episode #2? All that tells me is these writers have nothing else going for them.

Cagney and Lacey?

[vicountess · 10/10 · 1 August 2010]

Anybody out there old enough to remember them? I haven't seen another cop show with two women since then that I can recall. Maybe all you youngsters out there don't remember a time when having a lead role was a big deal for women. But since Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly, have there been any other strong female leads paired up together? Lots of male/female pairings,sure, but two women? I can't think of any off the top of my head, and believe me, I watch a lot of TV. I like the idea that both of these characters are women who work hard, are competent at what they do, have a sense of humor, love their families, and have a strong sense of ethics. I also like that the series is based on a book series written by a woman. Women's voices and faces need to be heard and seen in Hollywood in all kinds of roles. Don't forget that in the 70's women were still fighting for the right to be treated equally, and that Cagney and Lacey served as role models. Hopefully Rizzoli and Isles can do the same.

So sad to see it end

[royal_pain-99049 · 10/10 · 29 April 2019]

This show has everything you could possibly ask for in a show. I was shocked and so said to see it come to an end