User reviews

I've got to admit I will miss Kyra Sedgwick, but for the past couple of years Mary McDonnell has been honing and refining her character of Captain Sharon Raydor so that we are familiar with her. As Sedgwick left the LAPD, McDonnell was poised to take over.

I do love Captain Raydor, she stays in control no matter what, completely unlike Brenda Lee Johnson who occasionally liked to cowgirl it up and cut a few corners in the pursuit of justice. Cutting a few too many corners is what forced her to leave. Raydor will never cut corners, she's all about the rules.

Like Sedgwick this first season and probably for some time after that McDonnell will be gradually winning over, Tao, Flynn, Sanchez and Provenza,those who hold over from Brenda Lee's crew. Brenda Lee's crew took a long time to warm up to her and even though McDonnell rose from the ranks, the squad views her still as the woman who was investigating their methods from The Closer.

I'm not sure that bringing in Graham Patrick Martin a street kid who was a material witness to a murder left over from the last episode of The Closer is a good fit. Clearly he's brought in for two reasons, to get a younger audience watching the show and to develop a personal life for Captain Raydor. She's got two grown children and I'm sure they'll visit from time to time which will provide plots for future episodes.

I like what Mary McDonnell does with her character of Captain Raydor and I hope the show lasts.

I like this show but Rusty ruins everything...

His character is pointless and annoying.

The Closer was one of the best shows ever on TV. For the first few seasons, every episode was riveting and most episodes had an unexpected twist or surprise ending. The final episodes of the series gradually and flawlessly morphed Captain Raydor, who had always been a thorn in Brenda Leigh's side, into a hero and set her up to be the lead of the Major Crimes squad. The best of the cast from The Closer was carried over as well, and it looked as if the spin off might turn out to be nearly as good, if not quite as good, as the original show. Unfortunately, while Major Crimes is pretty good, even very good at times, it falls short of its early promise, mostly because of the storyline involving Rusty, Capt. Raydor's teenage ward. Rusty comes across as unpleasant, rude, annoying, and petulant, and the writers have given him way too much screen time. In addition, his constant presence at the police station is not credible, as detectives do not have time to coddle a whiny teenager as the Major Crimes squad does, going so far as to help Rusty with his schoolwork and offer him advice at every turn. Without Rusty the series would undoubtedly be far better. But as another reviewer mentioned, he is designed to attract young viewers, and so we're probably stuck with him for the run of the series. Too bad.

Major Crimes is a very good crime drama indeed.

But I just don't understand the Rusty character. What is he supposed to be exactly? Why is he in the squad room while all the detectives are discussing the case (any case for that matter)? Why is he in the video room while the detectives and sometimes the ADA are watching an interview with a potential suspect?

I'm pretty sure no police organization in the world would allow such bull.

Why is his dialogue so LONG and TEDIOUS, having nothing to do with the show at all?

I'm trying to figure out the point of having him in the show and of course, what are the writers thinking.

Like one reviewer said, automatic fast forward with he's in the scene.

It is not very often where you have one crime TV series cancelled only to be replaced with many of the original cast members but excluding the major star (Kyra Sedgwick) of the original crime series and to have such an enduring presence for years to come.

I must say that week in and week out Major Crimes generated a suspenseful and entertaining crime program in which each of the detectives and their new leader Captain Sharon Raydor (Mary McDonnell) all played significant and independent thinking detectives with an eclectic personality. Mrs. Shullivan and I have discussed this TV series on many occasions and we both agree that theirs is an all star cast, second to none.

If I had to pick a single favorite detective I just could not. If I had to pick a favorite episode from the series 105 episodes spanning six (6) seasons I just could not. I will however say that the Major Crimes unit were all unique personalities and during each episode I just was never sure what to expect, which detective(s) would leave us with an inspiring ending, with a humanistic approach to crime solving because there were just far too many great stories to choose from.

This group of detectives especially Captain Raydor whose husband Jackson Raydor (Tom Berenger), she was seperated from due to his drinking and gambling problems as well as just not being a good husband and/or father to their two (2) now adult children. Unlike many TV series the producers allowed the audience to recognize that Captain Raydor was a devout Catholic by religious faith, but always struggled with her decisions amongst her family members (divorce isa dirty word for Captain Raydor) including the adoption of a near adult named Rusty who was under her direct witness protection in a murder case, as well as in her methods of capturing the criminals.

I must say that the "like father and son" relationship that the curmudgeonly detective Louie Provenza (G.W. Bailey) and the 17 year old witness under police protection Rusty Beck (Graham Patrick Martin) shareded was very endearing. The emotional and "take no prisoners" approach that the tough as nails, wild eyed detective Julio Sanchez (Raymond Cruz) displayed was also one of my favorites. But having said that, each of the detectives including detective Mike Tao (Michael Paul Chan) their technical data guru, detective Amy Sykes (Kearran Giovanni) with her military surveillance background, recovering alcoholic detective Andy Flynn (Tony Denison) who followed his captain Raydor around like a love lost puppy dog, and their videographer Buzz Watson (Phillip P. Keene) all were such interesting characters. All the supporting cast such as the police chief, deputy district attorney and coroner played key roles a well.

Without question though this series is rated a 10 due mainly to the high quality team of the series writers who are far too many to mention and the show creator James Duff who also created the predecessor crime series "The Closer".

I give this series a perfect 10 out of 10 with such an amazing cast from book-end to book-end and without failure, a suspenseful and dramatic series with superior quality writing throughout the series lifespan of an amazing 105 episodes. I will definitely be looking to purchase this "complete series" when it becomes available to purchase.

I have read elsewhere that the real LAPD served as consultants on the show. If that is the case, how on earth did this whiny Rusty character make it to the screen? What department on the planet would allow some kid free access to squad rooms, computers, interviews, etc. I don't care that he was the Commander's adopted kid or that he had a miserable biological mother -- if anything, Raydor should have been extra cautious about him being around because it could have also meant the end of her career.

His presence reminds me of a continual "bring your kid to work day," except he can do whatever he wants. Interview a prisoner who's involved in an active investigation? Sure, no problem! Want to sit in on viewing interviews or hang out in the murder room? No sweat! Want to have access to privileged information? Sounds good to me. NOT!!!

I know this sounds really mean of me -- and fasten your seatbelts Rusty lovers -- but when I saw Stroh's message on the wall that Rusty was next, I actually cheered.

Great ensemble cast picks up where "The Closer" leaves off. Good stuff. But I guarantee you will tire of Rusty's constant whining and his annoying voice.

Major Crimes has taken the already rich and developed characters of The Closer and endowed them with more back story and more emotional depth. I particularly like that every character is now up front and am thoroughly enjoying the interplay among the characters. The new teen character is helping to expose a tender side of Lt. Raydor. Kudos to all the actors for developing such dynamic and sympathetic portraits.

In addition, the writing and directing is exemplary. The asides and business among the characters enriches the relationships, and the plots are moving, sometimes at breathtaking speed, but also with a rhythm that enhances the tension and release of the plot line. This show is the highlight of our television viewing week!

My wife and I were big fans of The Closer so when it went off the air we gave Major Crimes a chance. I'm still not a huge fan of Mary MCDonnell but she's alright. The rest of the old cast that made it through to Major Crimes is just great, and the few additions are fine as well. But we just can't stand the Rusty character.

For us the Rusty character ruins the flow of the show. We enjoy one Major Crime per episode and find the Rusty story to be a disturbing diversion from what is going on in each episode. It was okay for four or five episodes but it should have been killed a long time ago.

We don't feel the Rusty character adds anything to the show, on the contrary we are bothered every time he shows up. I'm sure the actor Graham Patrick Martin is fine, its just the character we don't like. I'm getting more and more irritated by Rusty every episode.

Every time the Rusty character shows up we go into smartphone mode with one eye on the screen to see when we should refix our attention on Major Crimes instead of the weather, email, Facebook, or news on our phones.

Please Please Please lose the Rusty character and don't replace that character with another side story.

Every time I see Rusty, I turn my eyes away from the TV. This character is annoying. Not to mention that the idea of letting the boss's son hang around in the police station and stick his nose in the investigations is ridiculous. I don't think this character helps anything. It ruins the good show.

I am so glad to hear I'm not the only one who can't tolerate Rusty. I love the cases, but I hate this storyline. I stopped watching after season 3. Does it ever get better?

I really enjoyed The Closer so I was really sad to hear about Kyra leaving. However, the spin-off, to me is very good. I think it has a totally different vibe and feel from the original show. I enjoy the supporting staff and like the continuation of their interactions. I'm a little surprised that there hasn't been more information regarding the politics behind the change from Brenda to Raydor. On the pilot it seemed to insinuate that the background of "men's dominance and undermining tactics, would be continuing. However, I am glad not to see that at this point. I feel that took away from the premise of the show. I hope this show continues because I will certainly be a loyal fan.

I really enjoyed the series but I felt after the 3rd season that the Rusty character should have went away. they could have sent him to college and he visit on holidays. there really was no reason for him to be in every episode. he brought nothing to the show after a couple of seasons. I started to get very annoyed with the Rusty character. I basically fast forward his scenes because I enjoyed the other characters on the show and wanted to continue to watch.

It would be a lot better if that very irritating rusty was not included in the script. He is just a whiney irritating teenager that adds nothing to the whole scope of the show, he even talks through his nose!!

I was thinking whether to watch or not MAJOR CRIMES, and yes, I am gonna watch! Traditionally, quite a lot of humor. And, as in first episodes of THE CLOSER - conflict between the department and the new boss. This time conflict is deeper, I believe, and the scene between Provenza and Raydor was very intense. I was always fond of cap. Raydor both because she is played by Mary McDonnell and because she is such a pain in the ass. She is so cold-blooded and determined sometimes, and than next moment you can see her confusion and doubts - as with Rusty storyline here, which I liked very much, and I'm looking forward to see, what happens next with the boy.

I'm also curious, if Raydor's passion to the rules will ease with time, or if she'll have to break the rules one day, may be? And if there will be a situation, when she will not agree to negotiate plea bargain... All of this could be interesting twists in the plot and could enhance drama.

Last two seasons, season 5 & 6 were horrible, I loved the show because they used to have different story/ different crimes every episode. But the last two seasons one crime case would take up 4 episode & be too long, & boring. Also the new character "camilla" was so annoying, & unbelievable that she would work at major crimes.. her character is in charge of missing teenagers, & she became a major character in major crimes, this didn't seem to make any sense, & she had the most air time & lines once she became a main character. The show became incredibly annoying, w/ her new character & the writers making one boring crime case last 3-4 episodes, instead of a new case every episode, I think this truly ruined the show..

Excellent plot.I like Captain Raydor.Now that we can see more of her inner world. Of course I miss Brenda,but Captain Raydor is showing us that the same job can be performed in different yet equally perfect way.Provenza's more responsible personality(in comparison to that in 'The Closer')is really in place according to new circumstances.On the whole, characters are very attractive,interesting,consistent with reality and these in 'The Closer'.There is not logical gaps between 'The Closer' and 'MAJOR CRIMES'and this is respect for us, for viewers.We like clever plots.I hope it will continue.Thank you for creating such a wonderful film.

It's a great show, and though I regretted Ms Sedgwick's departure, Mary McDonnell does just as well - a thoughtful and individual portrayal that keeps you watching her. She gives a master class in how to play drama quietly and still grip. I like all the other characters, too, especially F. W. Bailey and Michael Paul Chan, who grow as the series progresses. Also - and this is essential - the stories and their solutions are of the highest quality. It is that rare combination of police procedural and humour, which gives the distinct impression that there people are real human beings, who not only work together but like one another. So I am a devoted fan - with just one problem. I would give it 8 or 9 if one vital change were made. That is:

Get. Rid Of. Effing. Rusty.

I must say, I don't care what anybody else thinks, if you were a real fan of the Closer, then basically, whats the difference??? Gosh i was just so Happy to see my people again :D....OK, Brenda and Gab are missing but the rest are there back to there usual gig....whats up...at least we have still got them a while longer, I was so happy to hear the music, see the crime and watch Buzz getting all Buzzie again...good, good, good, no complaints from me...keep the fun coming ;)....Just don't know what else I want to write about 10 lines more ^^. Umm, I think the Captains good and it was really funny bringing "Brenda's mess, back in" how could anybody not like it, changes had to be made...else people would have sued more ^^

After the departure of Brenda Leigh Johnson, Sharon Raydor (Mary McDonnell) takes over the Major Crimes unit in the LAPD. It's the TNT spin-off of the TV show, The Closer. She takes an interest in street kid Rusty Beck who witnessed a crime committed by serial killer Phillip Stroh. The group from The Closer is maintained. It's essentially the same show with a different lead. The addition of Rusty brings a different tone to the chemistry. Often, the serial killer overlay is disruptive to these types of police procedurals. The difference is that Billy Burke is a really compelling actor and he's not the common masked unknown killer. Mary McDonnell is solid as a replacement. It's simply a very functional police drama. The last season is more binge-worthy as it consists of three multi-episode stories. Provenza continues to be the fun comedic side although Flynn's domestication has tamed his character. I wonder if there will be a third incarnation of the franchise. That would be nice.

"The Closer" had the insuperable advantage of being centred on an unforgettable character played brilliantly. But Major Crimes falls down not only in this but in so many departments -- slow pacing, exceptionally weak jokes with bad comic timing, unimaginative camera set-ups, generally poor writing and directing. Until now I have only caught snippets of the show and it could never hold my attention longer than 10 minutes at the outside. This evening I stumbled on a Christmas episode about a Santa killed in a bank robbery, and I gave it around 20 minutes in hopes. I don't know if the commander's family of teenagers are a regular feature but they made the whole thing far worse, as just a diversion from the crime story, and a specially uninteresting one at that. "Criminal Minds" used to strike me as ludicrous when they often had a group scene and everyone has to have a line to say -- like "Scooby Doo" but without the supposed cuteness. This episode of "Major Crimes" was worse because there were scenes with up to 10 people, all having their turn to say something (which usually amounted to nothing).

I like the show and many of the characters, but this Rusty thread has Taken over much of the program now and not just a good show. Go back to solving crimes instead of the mushy drama. Not entertaining at all. This show had some funny, light heart ed quips, but now this Rusty, who never smiles and life is just too much of a depressing drama has taken over.