Maura and her biological mother Dr. Hope Martin (Sharon Lawrence) are waiting to testify against Maura’s biological father, Irish crime boss Paddy Doyle (John Doman) which has the usually unflappable medical examiner on edge. At the same time Jane is dealing with complicated issues regarding her boyfriend Lt. Colonel Casey Jones (Chris Vance). During the third season, he had been left partially paralyzed due to an injury, and the only cure was risky stem cell surgery that could leave him paralyzed for life. However, in the fourth season, it is revealed that Casey had been misdiagnosed, and doctors were able to remove the shrapnel from his spine. Now, he faces two choices: return to service or marry Jane?
If that’s not enough, the ladies have plenty of crimes to solve. There’s a dead journalism student who had been investigating a drug ring at her university, an assassinated Senator, a driver’s education teacher who is killed by a car used in his own class, a street racer who is killed after he starts his car, and a dead judge among other things.
In many ways, Rizzoli and Isles isn’t a lot different than the countless crime procedurals that have come before it, given its “crime of the week” setup, but much like Cagney & Lacey of the 1980’s the chemistry between Rizzoli and Isles gives the show a bit of a different feel. I have no Idea what the offstage relationship between Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander is like, but their onscreen friendship is completely believable: through their ups and downs, their relationship is one almost anyone can relate to somehow.
Season Four Episodes: “We are Family,” “In Over Your Head,” “But I Am a Good Girl,” “Killer in High Heels,” “Dance with the Devil,” “Somebody’s Watching Me,” “All for One,” “Cold as Ice,” “No One Mourns the Wicked,” “Built for Speed,” “Judge, Jury and Executioner,” “Partners in Crime,” “Tears of a Clown,” “Just Push Play,” “Food for Thought,” “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone.”
Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, these standard definition episodes look on the high average side. Contrast fluctuates from time to time, and there is occasional blooming in evidence. Color reproduction is solid throughout, and flesh tones appear natural.
The English Dolby Digital 5.1 track is fairly dynamic, and provides nice surround activity. It handles the street drama scenes very well, and dialogue is always clean and clear.
English and French subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
- When Truth Meets Fiction (SD, 18:45) executive producer and writer Janet Tamaro explains how they develop each of the stories that become an episode of Rizzoli & Isles.
- Building Boston (SD, 6:19) Series production designer Lauren Crasco explains how Los Angeles stands in for Boston.
