What I’m Watching: Rizzoli & Isles

Rizzoli & Isles: Season 1, Episode 4 “She Works Hard for the Money” (B+)

Another episode, another intense case, but this show is making it work. One minor element that has truly impressed me thus far is the incorporation of Lorraine Bracco as Rizzoli’s mother. She’s given the coveted “and” billing in the opening credits, and it’s easily possible that she could be a distracting supporting presence whose constant insertion into her daughter’s life could seem forced and inappropriate. Instead, her character is certainly a badgering force but not a negative one. The fact is that she lives nearby to her daughter and therefore interacts with her constantly, occasionally dropping by her work and calling her when her car breaks down. The scene at the dealership was particularly strong, demonstrating how the younger Rizzoli takes care of her own and puts her stubbornness to work. In the absence of Lieutenant Grant, it’s good that Rizzoli has someone to steadily distract her. I also enjoyed the incorporation of Maura (not sure whether to call them both by their first or last names; I think I’ll go with what others on the show seem to call them) into this episode, leading a group of uninterested students through a tour of the police station and then jumping at the chance to return to her alma mater. It’s good to see their teamwork in action, and I’m still holding for my breath for a truly Maura-centric episode which gives us a good look into her back story, like the first episode did for Rizzoli.

The good news is that there will be more chances for just such an installment – “Rizzoli & Isles” was renewed last week for a second season of thirteen episodes, slated to air sometime in 2011.