Round Two: Major Crimes

Major Crimes: Season 1, Episode 2 “Before and After” (B+)

In many ways, Raydor and Brenda are very much alike, and therefore watching the rest of the squad have trouble warming up to their leader is a similar experience to what occurred in the first season of this show’s predecessor back in 2005. Yet it’s clear that the dynamic here is somewhat different, with Raydor letting her team run their own investigations and then stepping in only when necessary, a tactic that may not produce the best results. It’s fair that Provenza is upset about being relegated to second-in-command once again, and Raydor leveling with him may or may not put his mind at ease. It would be a shame to see him leave, though, and I hope that he sticks around. Though I like Sykes, she is being painted as a bit too moronic and one-note, and I’d like to see her positive qualities spotlighted more. Rusty continues to be a thorn in Raydor’s side, and if he’s going to be a regular cast member, it would be good to give him something productive to do with his time. It’s never good when a serial rapist is the victim of a crime since all of the suspects are victims themselves as well, and, as was concluded, it’s hard to place the blame squarely on one person. I did enjoy the iPad hacking and the subsequent arrest of the victim’s wife, who didn’t think it worthwhile to leave the police station before destroying incriminating evidence that could – and did - get her sent to jail.