MAJOR CRIMES – HELLO OLD FRIEND

Ahhh… this week marks the return of season 4 of Major Crimes, or the 11^th season of The Closer, depending on how you view it.  And I welcome it.

Little changes in this show, including the ensemble cast, and I’m really happy about that.  There’s a lot to be said for a fantastic ensemble cast and actors who understand the quirks of their characters so well.

I have often said that I think The Closer and now Major Crimes, has one of the best set of writers in Hollywood.  Their attention to detail is amazing.  It never ceases to amaze me how intricate their B, C and often D plotlines are.  And it’s not just the plotlines within each episode, it is also the recurring minor details which are often acted out silently onscreen.  The continuity directing is something I marvel at.  I wish all television shows were this detailed, it is effortless and brilliantly done.

The most brilliant example for me is Provenza’s printer.  The department wouldn’t give them a printer in their office, so, instead of walking to the other side of the building for printed documents, Provenza (G.W. Bailey, the dickhead from Police Academy) bought a printer.  He clearly states that if anyone wanted to use it, they were welcome to, but must contribute to the ink fund.  Often, you will see his fellow officers going to the printer and then dropping some money into the jar.  Sometimes, Provenza would even indicate the jar for anyone who should forget.

I can rave about this show all day, there’s something that is incredibly charming about all the characters.  The loyalty and support they have shown each other, their Captain (Mary McDonnell) and Rusty (Graham Patrick Martin) has been amazing.  They’re a group of mishmashed individuals, whom, together, make an incredibly entertaining show.

Sometimes, it does feel as though I am watching a bunch of geriatrics trying to solve crime, as often, Provenza and Flynn (Tony Denison) steal the show with their partnering.  But these two scoundrels are so charming to watch.  There are so many smartass one liners in this show, often made at the expense of the victim or each other.  It sounds wrong when it’s made at the victim’s expense, but they make up for it as they go about trying to solve the case.

I love this show, and all its cast members.  I love that the ultimate villain Phillip Stroh (Billy Burke) is just forever lurking in the background.  He’s just amazingly crafty and evil.  His intelligence has afforded him so much notoriety and an ever present menacing cloud.  I cannot wait to see what the run in between Stroh and the major crimes unit is going to be this season.

For a TV serial, Major Crimes is very human.  And I appreciate that Provenza is still going strong, sure, he’s not physically fighting the bad guys like the younger members of the squad, but he uses his wits and delegates accordingly, just like a true management.

Season 4 picks up with Julio Sanchez (Raymond Cruz) returning after a suspension.  The team must solve two murders which appear to have been conducted by a group of burglars who have terrorising Hollywood.

In classic Provenza style, he wants nothing to do with the case, and he has his reasons.  It’s refreshing for me to see that he’s just as slight with the cases that come their way as always, whilst the others are quite eager for the case.  Ah, old friend, you are an intriguing individual.

It is the classic cat and mouse dance, nothing out of the ordinary here, but it’s just what I was hoping for.  Julio does appear to be significantly different to his usual self, this will be interesting to see how his character develops this season.  He does now live with his mother, that’s going to go down well for him emotionally.

Every character in this show, no matter how small, is always written as though they were the star, or perhaps that is my bias.  After all, I’ve had a 10 year long semi love affair with all these people.

To me, this show feels like I’m catching up with old friends, who have taught me many lessons throughout my adult life.  The value in friendship, the generosity of strangers, and how one person, no matter how insignificant or unworthy they think they are, can make a huge difference in someone’s life and bring them immense joy.  It is strange that I’ve learnt these life lessons from a crime show.

Rating: 7/10, the first episode of the season brings you right back at Sanchez’s return to the major crimes department after his suspension for using excessive force last season.

Continue to watch it: Of course I will, this show is one of my favourite, it’s fun, smartassy and classy all at the same time.  The character development always amaze me.

Worth my time: Yes, I look forward to being entertained and learning mini life lessons along the way.  And also, some fun quibs.

Tell my mother: Yes, Mary McDonnell is a classy woman who is incredibly smart and determined.  She’s one of the best female leads on television today.  A strong woman who does not use her sexuality to get what she wants, she’s just a good role model.

Talking points: the plot line, and whether or not you see it coming.  This show is comfort watching at its best, it’s not necessarily water cooler chit chat material.

Annoyance factor: 1/10, I want to really find out more about Stroh.  I can’t wait to see how he comes back for Rusty and Sharon.  You know it’s going to be good and surprising.