Crimes Graves

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'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 watched The Closer from beginning to the end! I absolutely love this spin off. I love that some of the characters have stronger roles and I love the firm and human side that Mary McDonnell brings to the show. Last weeks episode was so realistic with the use of infra red surveillance equipment and I must say that I was on the edge of my seat during the shoot out! I love the continuing appearance of Rusty and honestly prefer him and his problems to Brenda Leigh's cats. Seeing Fritzy in ongoing episodes lends to the continuity of the story line of the last show of The Closer. I do miss Det. Gabrien and I hope he has moved on to to some opportunities but all in all I totally do enjoy the new show and the existing cast!

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.

The ensemble is terrific except for Rusty and Sharon. Sharon was such a horrible replacement for Brenda, but keeping wimpy Rusty around for seasons beyond when that soap-opera story line should have ended makes her unbearable. Let them both go! All the rest of the ensemble are great. Let Rayder marry Flynn and move away and let Rusty marry his boyfriend and go with them. Provenza can handle it!!! Leave us with him, Tao, and the rest, and it will be a much much better show.