Rizzoli and Isles 3x09 "Hometown Glory" review

For this episode, I would have chosen the title, “In all her glory”, because that’s just how good Lorraine Bracco was as Mama Rizzoli. She may have had limited screen time, but she certainly was the star of the show.

1. The Life & (hard) Times of Mama Rizzoli

Angela Rizzoli has had a rough couple years. Her youngest son has been to prison; Her daughter and other son are police officers, who have both been at death’s door because of their job, making each day worrisome for their mama. Her husband left her (and the grown kids) because he “wanted a change.” She lives in the guest house of her daughter’s best friend (a woman who’s become her second daughter.) And now she finds out that the single soon-to-be mother that she’s befriended is actually the woman who had an affair with her ex-husband after he left. And that same woman is carrying a child who could either be her ex-husband’s or her son’s.

On the bright side, she has a place to live (thanks to Maura’s generosity); she has a good job (where she also gets to see her children throughout the day); and children who adore her enough to try and shelter her from things that will cause her more pain.

One can easily see where Jane gets her strength and her tenacity.

Aside from the fact that it’s a show featuring Angie Harmon, one of the biggest reasons I love this show is the strength that it gives its main female characters. Jane, Maura, and Angela are all the epitome of ‘strong women.’ Now, if only they didn’t have every single female guest star as “weak” or “ditzy”, things would be perfect. Even FBI Agent Farrell came off as fairly weak and making poor decisions. I’m guessing they do that so that it emphasizes the strength of our three main ladies. About the only ‘strong’ female guest stars so far on this show have been Maura’s mothers – bio & adopted. Then again, it really wouldn’t be good to have Maura as such a strong character when her mothers weren’t, right?

Turning back to Angela for a moment: I have never watched The Sopranos, but I have seen Lorraine Bracco in Medicine Man and a few other things. This episode brought us the wonderful “dramatic” side of Lorraine. Usually we get to see Angela as witty, whiny, or nosy. It’s great to see her “hurt” side come out this time.

That’s another thing that I love about this show – it brings out all of the facets of our beloved main characters. They all get the chance to go from being tough & serious to funny & goofy and everything in between. Remember how they even had Korsak doing yoga with Jane (undercover)? Bruce McGill’s comedy is so underrated.


2. Won’t you be my neighbor?

I would have loved growing up in Jane’s neighborhood. She sure had a lot of cute boys around back then. The Finnegan boys, Giovanni (yes, he’s cute. He’s just a bit sleezy. lol), Steve Sander, Joey Grant, Casey Jones, … When are we going to see more of the neighborhood girls? I’m sure there weren’t all boys, even though Jane would have been out playing with the boys instead of the girls back then. I think they should have a big neighborhood reunion get together in the park. Mama R would make a big picnic lunch for everyone and all of the grown-up kids would be playing ball. That reminds me of the beginning of this series where Jane & Frankie were playing basketball in the driveway, and even to the PD softball game just before the “strangler” case resurfaced in episode 2. The part where Jane was hugging the Finnegan boys also reminded me of Jane’s comment to Maura in Season 1’s “Money for nothing” when she says “I’ve just never seen you hugging suspects before.” Then again, at the time, the two brothers weren’t suspects in this one...yet.


3. coming and going

It’s another episode without “the boss,” – Lieutenant Cavanaugh. Why did they put Brian Goodman in the opening credits if he was going to be AWOL half the time? One person I was pleased to see again is Susie. She even had more than her standard line, “here are your results, Dr Isles”. Way to go Senior Criminalist Chang. And yet another episode without our beloved pets, Jo Friday & Bass. Last week we were in Jane’s apartment a few times, but no peppy little puppy. This time, we were in Maura’s house for a bit, but no sight (or mention) of bass. Maybe Mama R is hiding them in the guest house to keep her company? Yep. That’s gotta be it.


4. Who’s the boss?

So, we didn’t have the real “boss” around this time, but I have to chuckle every time I see Jane giving Korsak instructions to do something. Have the writers actually forgotten that Korsak was promoted to Sergeant at the beginning of season 2? He’s technically Jane’s superior, yet every case we see on this show, Jane is always in charge. I wonder: when/if Frankie gets promoted to detective, will they team Frost up with Frankie and have Jane & Korsak as partners again? It would actually be nice to have two separate cases one of these times with the detectives split up. Oh wait. I’m not watching CSI am I? I guess it doesn’t matter because CSI forgot how to do episodes with multiple cases after season 6 anyway.


5. If there was such a thing as a plot…

If they split up the detectives, then there would actually have to be things called “plots” to the episode. And I’m talking about actual plots that make sense, and also not those where you can figure out the ‘bad guy’ ten minutes into the episode. That’s exactly what happened in this one. As soon as I saw Jane hugging the other two Finnegan brothers after the interrogation, I knew it would be them who killed their brother. I also knew Lydia was going to tell Angela who she actually was. I also knew almost exactly what Jane would tell mother to get her not to leave at the end, as well as Angela’s response. I think I almost could have recited it verbatim as they were saying the words.

Yes, it was that predictable.


6. Rizzles united.

Then again, this show really isn’t about plots (or the lack of them.) It’s all about Jane & Maura – and those who make up the world around them. Right? Tonight we saw just how much neither can say ‘no’ to the other, and they both give in just by getting “that look.” Even to begin with, we see that Maura got Jane to wear heels again. We even got the return of the under-the-table “shin kick.” If that doesn’t say ‘love’, then nothing will. Then there’s the “good cop” and the “beat your face in cop”. I think I prefer Dr Smartypants and Det Sexy McBadass instead. It rolls off the tongue much easier.

Did you all catch the fact that Maura was singing in the morgue to Jane’s song? “Pure Boston Beauty” -- “The most beautiful girl in the world. She’s right here from Southie. She’s pure Boston beauty. A little bit tough, a little mouthy. She struts…”

How about Maura picking up on some of Jane’s traits now? When Jane’s being sarcastic to Lydia about her new job, Maura grabs her arm & says “come on” as they leave to go to the crime scene. In fact, there seemed to be quite a lot of role reversal in this episode. It was quite amusing to watch.


7. those lovely family moments

Most often, we find the Rizzoli family joking, teasing, bickering, or annoying each other, so it’s always wonderful to see those intimate or ‘heartwarming’ family moments. This episode had a few of them. First off, we got a sweet Jane/Frankie hug, after Jane finds out that their childhood friend had been killed. A second ‘sweet’ scene came when Frankie gave Jane her lunch after Mama Rizzoli was avoiding Jane because of what Mama considered a betrayal. Finally, the heartbreaking scene at the end where Angela is bemoaning the fact that her life has taken such a cruel turn, only to have two of her children point out her incredible strength and determination to make the most of what life has thrown at her. It’s great to see Maura still being included as one of her ‘kids.’ And can’t forget earlier when Mama R made that pouty little face to get what she wanted. Now we know where Jane gets it.


8. let’s check out some of the scenes

** We begin with the end (group hug, y’all!!):

Frankie stomps into Maura’s house.
J: what are you doing here?
F: she wants me to help her move, Jane.
J: what?!
Angela walks in
A: I’m gonna go, uh, move in with my cousin, Theresa.
M: Angela, please don’t.
F: I knew about Lydia too, Ma.
A: I know. You & Jane always shared everything. And I-I understand that you were all trying to protect me, but...
J: Ma, I’m so sorry.
A: but can you understand that … I can’t have my children think that I’m pitiful.
J: Ma, dad is the one who’s pitiful. You didn’t do anything wrong. We did. Dad did. Okay? I mean, we all admire you, don’t you understand that?
A: you admire me? (chuckles derisively) for what? I lost my marriage, I lost my house,… I live in your best friend’s guest house. I work in a café.
J: I admire you, because you picked yourself up when you could have just laid on the floor. (Angela covers her face with her arm) I admire you for the person that you’ve always been. You’re optimistic, and warm and loving and strong. Ma, you’re so strong. Okay, you’re an example to all of us.
F: hey, hey, hey. She’s right. Hmmm?
M: (offers her a box of tissues) I always wanted a mother like you.
A: (whispers) Oh Maura. (grabs a tissue) you’re great kids, you know that?
J: because of you, Ma. Because of you.
A: I never really liked Theresa. She doesn’t clean her bathrooms.
They all laugh & are pulled into a group hug by Angela. Jane tolerates it for a bit, but not for long.
J: okay, the group hug. I can’t do it. Oh my god. … is that MY gun?











Let me say once again – Lorraine Bracco, you totally ROCK. Put aside the fact that I somehow knew how the scene was going to play out. I knew Jane was going to tell her mother how much she admires her for her strength & perseverance. I knew Maura was going to tell her she wanted a mother like her. It’s basically just how that scene NEEDED to play out. Oh, and I knew Jane was going to complain about the hug. That was a given right from the time the hug began. The final comment about the gun…well, that was unexpected, I guess. And cute.

Did anyone notice that Frankie was wearing the same red shirt that he wore in 1x09 “The beast in me” when he got drenched by the water pipes? I love seeing him in uniform, but even more so when he’s wearing his ‘normal’ clothes.


** turning back the clock to the beginning…

Jane & Maura arrive at Casa Isles – Jane’s in her usual grumbly mood
J: I can’t believe that you talked me into wearing heels…and buying a purse.
M: a convertible satchel.
Jane sees a lot of baby stuff in Maura’s living room.
J: Maura, is there something you want to tell me?
M: Angela
J: my mother’s too old to have a baby.
Angela pops up from behind the baby stroller.
A: I’m a very young grandmother, though.
J: you don’t…have a grandchild.
A: I’m throwing a little baby shower for Lydia.
J & M: LYDIA??
A: I hope it’s okay.
J: no, that’s not okay
A: I’m not asking you
M: uh…sure, yeah.
J: (gives Maura a look) what?
A: Jane, come help me put this swing together. And you know all your girlfriends who have children gave me all their used baby stuff.
J: Ma, Lydia is a stranger. Okay? She ran into your car. The only thing you know about her is that she’s a bad driver.
A: she needs help. She’s a sweet girl.
J: her mother should be doing this.
A: she was raised by a single mother and she’s just… (whispers) not reliable.
J: why are you lowering your voice. (to Maura) is she in the guest house?
M: where is she registered?
J: where is she registered? Moochers R Us.
(from outside)
L: Angela?
A: oh, no. she can’t come in here.
Angela intercepts Lydia as she comes in the door.
A: hello Lydia.
L: Hi, I was wondering if…
J: wondering what?
L: (sees Jane & Maura) oh sorry, I was just leaving.
J: Jane Rizzoli. I met you when you were passed out on Maura’s couch.
L: oh, right. I remember you two. Hi.
M: is your gestational diabetes under control?
L: I guess. I mean, except when my sugars are high or low. I mean, when they’re out of whack I get, like, loony and stuff and sweaty and dizzy.
(Jane & Maura’s phones both ring)
J: love to hear more (smiles sarcastically) work. (answers phone) Rizzoli
M: (answers her phone) Dr Isles
J: alright, I’m on my way.
M: yes, I’ll be there as soon as I can.
L: that is so sad that people have to get murdered.
J: yes it is. …well, off to work.
L: I’m going to work too.
A: yeah Lydia got a big job at the Pennysaver Discount Bazaar.
L: yeah, I’m, like, an assistant to, like, this cashier in training
J: wow, like, that is big. Congratulats.
Maura grabs Jane’s arm & pulls her with her
M: come on.











First things first…how awesome is Jane’s leather jacket? I think that should be her standard mode of dress. I want one…or two. Awww grumpy Jane. Saved by the ‘murder’ bell again. It’s interesting that this time they actually talked over each other as they talked on the phones. Usually it’s one talking at a time. I like the overlap. It feels much more natural. That picture of those hooded people on Maura’s wall still kind of intrigues me and also kind of freaks me out. So mysterious. It’s also interesting to note that, since Maura can’t lie, she ignores Jane’s question on whether Lydia is staying in the guest house. I also found it intriguing that Maura has finally caught on to Jane’s sarcasm and recognizes it much better, and Lydia is now the clueless one when it comes to sarcasm. Oh, how far Maura has come in three seasons. I love watching the progression of Maura’s influence on Jane & vice versa.


** Jane’s song (“Pure Boston Beauty”)

As Jane walks to the morgue, she hears a Channel Street Boys song blasting from a tv as Maura is listening to it as she does the autopsy. “The most beautiful girl in the world. She’s right here from Southie. She’s pure Boston beauty. A little bit tough, a little mouthy. She struts…”
J: I love that song.
M: (goes to turn it off) sorry. I never heard of Channel Street Boys before. How’s your mother?
J: bawling.
M: I’m so sorry.
J: yeah, me too. Ah, what’d you find?
M: he has a very pretty face. Teen idols often have symmetrical features and distinguished brow.
J: yeah, he was even prettier alive. He was so sweet & soulful.
M: there are fibers imbedded in the shrapnel wounds.
J: what, from the hoodie?
M: I’ll have to…
M & J: run some tests.
J: right. Okay. His father made him the meal ticket of the family. They went from a cold water flat to stardom just like that.
M: did Frankie & Shane stay friends?
J: no. I mean, Frankie would see him whenever the band would play in Boston, but I think Frankie knew Shane was into drugs, so…
M: hmmm probably a dopamine dysfunction. It’s associated with substance-related disorders, particularly with people who become celebrities as children or teenagers.
J: I thought fame was the drug.
Susie enters with results
S: tox screen results are back
M: thanks (Susie leaves) Hmmm
J: what’s the “hmmm” for?
M: Shane didn’t have any drugs in his system.
J: well, that’s probably why he was down there buying more crack.
M: no, I-I-I had Susie take hair samples. He hasn’t had drugs in his system for at least six months.
J: well that doesn’t make any sense. What was he doing down there.





I love these scenes between the two ladies when the case is personal to one of them. There’s more of a reverence or sincerity to discussing the results. I also like hearing a bit more backstory with the characters. In this instance, it was that Frankie would stay away from his friends who were doing drugs. I really, really want to hear the full “Pure Boston Beauty” song. R&I Soundtrack, anyone?

Here's an audio clip of the song


** cheering up Mama

In the café, Angela is disheartenedly wiping a table as Jane comes up to her.
J: oh ma.
A: oh, why isn’t Frankie back yet?
J: he’s still at the crime scene looking for the gun.
A: well at least he has something to do. … why, honey? Why would someone kill Shane?
J: We don’t know, Ma.
A: you know his brothers told me that you were the girl in their song, “Pure Boston Beauty.”
J: what?! Me?!
A: yeah, well, Shane had the biggest crush on you.
J: he’s like my little brother.
A: you told him once he could sing, you remember?
J: yeah. Frankie & him wanted to start a band. Good thing Frankie kept his day job.
Jane’s phone buzzes with a text.
A: anything?
J: I gotta go. They just brought Shane’s car in.
A: hey, will you come to Lydia’s shower?
J: oh, come on, Ma. That’s so not fair.
A: life is short. Please. She needs the influence of strong women.
J: I don’t know.
A: it would make me so happy. If you came. You know, I’m gonna text her and tell her that you’re coming.
J: what? NO, Ma.
(a customer interrupts)
C: excuse me, can we get some help?
A: one sec. (gives her phone to Jane) could you just finish this text to Lydia?
J: (gives a dirty look, then starts typing)






Poor Jane. All Jane wants to do is keep the shit from hitting the fan. Can we all give a big “Awwww” that “Pure Boston Beauty” is written about Jane? The lyrics totally fit as well. Did you notice that it’s not only Maura who can get Jane to do things with a pouty face. She just can’t say no to mama either, it seems.


** more than he wants to know

Frost is processing Shane’s car while Jane & Maura are having a different conversation behind him.
F: I’m not seeing any blood
J: (to Maura) well we will if we don’t talk to Lydia.
M: how are we going to get her alone?
J: we’re…meeting her at the Dirty Robber in two hours
M: what do you mean “we”?
J: I sent her a text from Ma’s phone and she thinks Ma’s going to be there.
M: YOU DID WHAT?!?!
J: Shhhhh. (Frost looks back at them)
M: I can’t be a part of this.
J: oh you are so a part of this. “where is she registered?”
M: I was trying to be polite.
J: okay, well you be ‘polite’ cop and I’ll be ‘I’ll beat your face in if you tell my mother you slept with her husband & her son” cop. (Frost looks a bit freaked out in an “I really didn’t want to know that” way. Or maybe it was more “just get a room.”) okay?
F: (clears his throat) found something.
J: that’s Shane’s backstage pass.
F: found his car keys too.
J: that’s weird. … Frost, pop the trunk.
They open the trunk to find a bag.
J: nice piece of luggage. (she opens the bag & finds Shane’s phone) now why would he leave his cell phone?




I find it quite amusing just how far these two have come since the pilot episode. In the early episodes, they wouldn’t have had this discussion while Frost was there. Now they don’t have any qualms about having someone else within earshot of this kind of personal bantering. It’s nice to see the characters are growing.


** Inspector Gadget vs Tom Clancy

Jane walks into the squad room as Korsak is watching a story on tv about Shane, talking about his drug addiction.
J: poor Shane, he can’t even die in peace.
K: (turns off the tv) all five shell casings came from the same weapon.
J: would be nice to find that gun.
K: (scoffs)
J: any luck tracking down their father?
K: nope. Ryan Finnegan did his time, did his probation. Last address was a halfway house. No credit cards, no driver’s license, nothing. (sees Frost arrive with a big case in hand) Oh hey look, here comes Inspector Gadget.
F: Haha.
J: what are you doing?
K: he’s opening a Radio Shack. (Jane turns back & gives him an amused look)
F: I’m working on Shane’s cell phone.
J: you found Shane’s last text message.
F: yeah, but it was to an unregistered pay-as-you-go phone.
J: so what does it say?
F: I don’t know yet. This phone’s really sophisticated. It’s a 3D block array with non-pattern rotation.
K: why does a boy-band star need military-spec security?
F: wow. I’m impressed.
K: I read. (they give him a look) Tom Clancy novels. (Frost snorts) Tom does his research.
J: well with the tabloids hacking into celebrity cell phones, these days, that makes sense. So push your decrypter button, Inspector.
F: (cracks his knuckles) here goes. (pushes the button. Data comes on his screen) yes. (alarms beeping)
K: that doesn’t look good.
F: that didn’t just happen. (types at his computer) maybe if I back-fish the instruction set.
K: maybe you should have backed it up before playing with it.
Jane clears her throat. Korsak gives her a sideways look.
F: Shane embedded a self-destruct worm in the phone’s base code.
J: That doesn’t sound good.
F: the phone’s programmed to wipe out the memory if anyone attempts to access it.
J: but you can retrieve Shane’s last text, right?
F: no. No, it’s gone…forever.







Awww Poor whiz kid, Frost. They’re never going to call him Inspector Gadget ever again. His big chance to shine, and… damn self-destruct programs. I love how the banter has increased in scenes between these three lately. They need to have Frost & Korsak open up even a bit more with humor. Most of the humor of the show revolves around Jane & Maura, but I also want more from the others…especially Korsak. I never really thought Korsak would be a reader, but since it’s Tom Clancy novels, yeah, I can actually see that. It’s also cute how these scenes have Jane coming off as the ‘adult’ and watching the kids with their “old school/new school” playground banter. All she has to do is just give them a look (either a smirk or an eyeroll). That even makes it funnier.


** protective of everything Maura

Jane is pacing in Maura’s office and Maura is trying to eat her lunch.
J: come on, Maura. Think. There’s got to be a way to get those texts back.
M: I told you, there isn’t. would you like some quinoa, kale and yam?
J: sure, when I’m a contestant on “Survivor”.
Frankie comes in all sweat-soaked and out of breath.
J: oh look, thank goodness Frankie brought us some Mad Dog 20/20 to go with our yams.
Frankie pulls a gun out of his paper bag.
F: (out of breath) I found it.
J: you found the gun!!
F: yeah. It was in a storm drain a block and a half north. It’s only like a mile and a half, so I thought I’d just run.
J: Frankie, this is huge.
F: yeah (leans over Maura’s desk, trying to catch his breath)
J: oh, you know, you’re sweating all over Maura’s stuff.
F: oh, sorry.
J: all right, take that straight to the crime lab. Okay? And fill out the paperwork.
F: okay.
J: nice job.
F: yeah. (he leaves)
M: that’s great. (starts eating)
J: Oh my…(looks at her watch) oh crap. Come on.
M: “come on” where?
J: we…we got to go face the Lydia music. (pulls Maura from her desk)
M: oh, come on…you know I don’t like confrontations.
J: that’s why you’re the ‘good cop’
M: oh right, and you’re the ‘beat your face in’ cop.
J: correct.






See. They’ve got their roles all sorted out now. Maura has now graduated from Chief Medical Examiner and Google-mouth to ‘good cop’ when her girlfriend is in dire straits and needs to deal with family emergencies. I also found it cute how Jane was so protective of Maura’s stuff (even just a piece of paper) and Frankie was sweating over her desk. It was a case of “good job, little brother, but remember your boundaries. No one touches Maura’s stuff…not even your sweat.” Quinoa, kale and yam for lunch? Ewwwww. I agree with Jane. That sounds very much like a “Survivor” meal. (not that I actually watch the show.)


** waiting for the bimbo

J: (drubs her fingers on the table & checks her watch) oh look at that. Punctual too.
M: pregnancy brain…a woman’s brain-cell volume decreases in the third trimester.
J: well, Lydia can’t really afford to lose any more brain cells. You know what the scariest part is about Lydia & my father
M: imagining them having sex?
J: NO. trying to figure out what it is he saw in her.
M: well, studies show that many men prefer to date less intelligent women.
J: but…why?
M: well, you & I have our own lives, big jobs. You know, we don’t make men our priority, but women like Lydia do.



I just realized that I’ve missed Maura’s Google-mouth. We haven’t had much of that lately. I think Jane will change her mind and put “imagining them having sex” atop of the list of scariest Lydia/Dad things now. I’m sure that picture never even entered into Jane’s mind. Thanks for reminding her of that, Maura. LOL


** Jane’s sarcasm is still lost on Lydia

Lydia arrives at the Robber.
L: I ran out of gas on Sudbury Street.
M: what, you walked?
L: uh-huh. Can I sit down? Oh, my feet are killing me.
M: (slides over) right here.
L: okay. So, where’s your mom.
M: drink some water. Dehydration isn’t good for pregnant women.
L: okay.
J: (under her breath) neither is being a slut. (Maura gives her a kick under the table) Ow.
Lydia is taking out all of the ice in her water glass.
L: oh, I don’t like ice…too cold.
J: yes, ice is cold. Uh, Lydia, listen…the reason that we wanted to talk to you…
L: I don’t know.
M: we haven’t told you yet.
L: I don’t know who the father is. I mean, is that why you wanted to talk to me? But it’s either your father’s baby or Tommy’s so…
J: oh my god.
L: I thought you knew.
J: You though I knew?
M: well, Jane, you did know.
J: I did not know. I do not know…how do YOU not know?
L: well me & Tommy were just having fun hanging out and then he introduced me to Frank, and, I mean, Frank was so nice…
J: okay, can you just please get to the part where you know which one…did that.
L: well, that’s just it. I-I don’t know.
J: of course you don’t.
L: I have to come clean with Angela.
J&M: NO!!!
L: she’s the nicest, best mother ever. That’s why I wanted to bump into her.
M: what, you meant to rear-end her car?
L: oh, no, that part was just an accident, but Frank said…
J: please stop calling him “Frank”
L: well, your dad said…
J: go back to Frank
L: uh, well, he said that Angela was the best mom. I want to learn from her.
J: learn what? Frank left her.
L: he left me too… when I told him I was pregnant.
Lydia starts crying. Maura grabs a tissue from her purse & gives to her.
M: here you go, here you go.
L: thank you. (blows nose) well, I should go. I have to get to Lamaze.
M: wait, you can’t go to birthing classes by yourself. I’m gonna drive you.
J: okay, well, have fun. Breathe deep, in & out, all right? Bye bye.
M: (whispers) Jane
J: oh no, Maura. I am not going.
Maura gives her “that” look.






Yes, “that” look. You know, the one that will get Jane to do anything. It’s the “the easy way or the hard way” kind of look, and the one that always gets Jane to melt. You know, I don’t think Lydia is really as ditzy as she lets on to be sometimes. I think she’s just looking for a caring family to belong to. Yes, her watery puppy-dog eyes have gotten to me, I think. I hadn’t seen Alexandra Holden before her appearance as Lydia, but she’s done a great job with this character, making her ditzy and naive, but even more sympathetic. If Lydia is going to be part of the family any time soon, she really needs to learn Jane’s sarcasm. Or maybe not. It’s much more fun when she doesn’t have a clue…even though that turns her into a stereotypical “dumb blonde.”


**breathe in/breathe out

The Lamaze instructor is giving out directions to the class
J: so Lydia, what do you like to do?
L: oh, you mean, like hobbies?
J: Mm-hmm
L: well, I don’t really have any.
I: take your mind to a beautiful and peaceful place
M: well, where do you like to go? The beach? The mountains?
L: the mall. I like the one in Wrentham…no sales tax.
M: fine. Um, let’s pretend you’re in Wrentham.
L: what am I doing?
J: Lydia, um, have you thought about, you know, getting…getting some tests done to figure out who the father is?
L: no, it’s not important.
J: Uh, I mean, I think it’s good to know.
L: I don’t
I: visualize that happy place.
L: (breathes deeply) cool. I’m at the mall. I’m in Hotdog Haven. I love their outfits.
M: (chuckles) yes. Yes, the bright colorful ones with the hats, the “Cat in the Hats”
J: Maura.
I: and now a contraction begins. Sit behind your partner and massage her back.
Jane & Maura look at each other. Maura eventually goes behind Lydia & starts massaging.
J: you know, um, after the baby is born, you could…you could have a paternity test.
L: No. I want to do a water birth.
J: (breathes deeply) okay, listen to me, I don’t want you telling my mother what you did, it could really hurt her, all right?
L: (to Maura) can you massage me a little bit lower? (to Jane) but I don’t feel it’s right not to tell her.
J: (a bit loudly) what, now you got a conscience after you slept with half my family?
Others look at them, then quickly turn away.
M: Lydia
L: hmm?
M: think.
J: no Lydia, don’t strain yourself. I don’t want my mother to know about this, all right?
L: okay. Okay, I won’t tell her.





Yeah. Famous last words. It almost makes me wonder if Lydia has some other agenda. Maybe the kid isn’t a Rizzoli at all? I need to rewatch that scene again, and picture a Lamaze class with just Jane & Maura. Someone needs to write a fanfic around that, I think.


** what was lost is now found (sort of)

Frost is at his desk, bleary-eyed & chugging down coffee as Korsak comes in
K: did you sleep here?
F: (puts the computer screen face down on his desk) I didn’t sleep.
K: what are you hiding.
F: you can see when Jane gets here.
Jane walks in holding a poster of the Channel Street Boys
J: look what I found in my closet? Shane even signed it.
Frost & Korsak give her loving looks
F: guess what I found. (he picks the computer monitor up to let them see) Shane’s last text.
K: you found it, cuz you LOST it.
F: shut up.
J: I thought the phone’s memory was destroyed.
F: it was, but…they had cameras shooting the entire concert. I went through…all…the footage.
(he points to the monitor on the wall with video of the concert ending and Shane standing to the side of the stage sending a text. The screen is visible.)
J: Shane’s last text. Frost, you’re a genius
K: Geniuses wouldn’t have killed the phone in the first place. (Jane gives him a look)
F: are you…ever…gonna let me live this down?
K: hell no.
F: okay. … if I enhance the image (he brings up the text)
J: “I’m free. Let’s do it.”
F: sounds like a booty call
K: texting for booty? Technology is killing romance.
F: well if you learned how to text, you might have a little more luck with your booty calls. I can show you how.
J: all Shane would have found in the combat zone was prostitutes. I guess it’s possible. Unless he didn’t want to be recognized. Maybe he was meeting someone in one of those motels down there.
K: they’re pretty sleezy. Half-day rates for druggies & working girls.
J: (her phone buzzes with a text) Maura’s got something. (she leaves)
K: come on, Frost. Jane may be on to something. Let’s go shake down some motel managers. See what falls out.




Awww Jane sounded so proud when she mentioned that Shane had signed her poster. Again, I think we need more LIVING people from Jane’s neighborhood growing up. I LOVE the way that Frost & Korsak continue their banter, and Jane just decided to stay out of it and giving them various looks. I think Frost & Korsak have learned much from Jane & Maura.


** blame it on the wenis

Susie has brought evidence to the morgue
S: there are no prints on the weapon, but there was a minute concentration of dried blood on the upper back area of the grip.
J: wow. Okay, so it’s amateur hour.
M: meaning?
J: ah, it’s a classic newbie injury. I saw it a couple times at the academy. (she goes to a file cabinet full of guns & pulls one out) if you use an improper grip, (slides the chamber open) the slide will slice that piece of skin right between your thumb & trigger finger.
M: interdigital webbing.
J: we used to call that a “wenis”
M: I like that. “Wenis.” Hard to forget since it rhymes with (Whispers) pe…
J: Maura. (looks towards Susie, who is still standing there. Maura catches the look & turns to Susie)
M: oh, thank you Senior Criminalist Chang. We’ll take it from here.
Susie leaves.
J: so, can you run the DNA panels on the “wenis” blood…as fast as possible, Doctor? (answers a phone call from Frost) Frost
F: Jane, do you know if Shane knew anyone named Jamie Rellis?
J: Jamie Rellis? Yeah, that’s a character in “Friends with benefits.”
M: why are you talking about romantic comedies with Detective Frost?
J: Shhh
F: someone checked into the Hancock Street Motel right before Shane’s concert. Hasn’t been out of the room since. We’re about to go in.
K: (to hotel manager) how long’s that sign been up?
Manager: I don’t know.
K: open the door.
Manager: I shouldn’t be doing this.
K: NOW.
He opens the door.
F: someone on the bed
They find a woman dead on the bed.
K: Miss?
F: (checks the bathroom) clear.
K: better get Dr Isles down here. This one’s not coming back.







Just gotta say, technically speaking, I love the way they did that last shot with the mirror reflection on the one side. It seems to me that one of Jane & Maura’s movie nights consisted of watching “Friends with benefits.” Is it clever or sad that they referenced a movie that featured Justin Timberlake in an episode that was about pop stars? Getting back to the beginning of this scene – so great to see Susie have a bit of a bigger part. Finally!! I’d love to have her at some of the crime scenes collecting evidence too. Get her out of the lab and into more scenes. And then there’s the “Wenis” moment. Leave it to Maura to say the “P” word. I’m sure Jane knew that was coming. It would have been a cute moment with more of a Jane reply if she hadn’t been so worried about Susie listening to that type of conversation. I would have loved to have had Susie chime in with a funny quip. Missed opportunity, writers.


** technicalities and details

At the motel crime scene, the entire gang is processing evidence.
F: It’s Gia Lamont
J: the famous pop singer?
M: she can’t be that famous, I’ve never heard of her. (Jane & Frost give each other a puzzled look) Her upper & lower lip have second degree burns.
K: from a crack pipe. Looks like an overdose.
M: let’s not leap to conclusions, Sergeant.
J: yes, Sergeant, please. Stop the leaping. (Korsak laughs)
F: I’m looking at some online gossip sites. Gia & Shane knew each other. Same rehab program.
J: (looks at the tabloid Frost found) I think I know why Gia offed herself with a crack pipe.
M: again, we don’t know if this is an overdose or a suicide. (Jane shows Maura the tabloid) Gia & Shane were lovers?
J: (with an astonished face) Dr Isles. You just leapt to a conclusion.
M: I did not. “Gia & Shane were lovers” …question mark.
F: I’ll go round up the security footage from outside the motel.
K: you’ll probably need some help.
J: oh, come on. You guys aren’t afraid of a little female towel snapping, are you?
K: (as he & Frost walk out) oh yes we are.
Jane looks back at Maura & they chuckle.







Female towel snapping? Okay, my brain just flashed back to Angie in “Agent Cody Banks” where Ronica snapped the towels on those unsuspecting teenage boys in the locker room. Maura needs to brush up on her google knowledge of popular music, it seems. First she didn’t know the Channel Street Boys, then she hadn’t heard of the “famous” pop singer, Gia. That’s cause for major alarm. There’s something that Talking-Google didn’t know. Jane needs to give her a lesson in popular music, it seems. I also love how she wielded her way out of the offense of “leaping to a conclusion” by stating factually that she, in fact, asked a question and didn’t make an assumption. I think Maura might have been a lawyer in a previous life.



** a cute Jane moment

As Jane is leaving the squad room to go to the baby shower, she gets in a funny quip.
J: let me know when you got him
F: where are you going?
J : to stop a snitch from squealing.



Somehow, my mind immediately came up with Rondo. I miss him. Bring Rondo back again soon, please. We need more “Vanilla” flirting.


** the showdown

Back at Casa Isles, Angela & Maura are getting ready for the baby shower.
A: I hope Jane comes. (Maura’s putting a cake on the table next to a fancy dish) that’s her favorite food.
M: hmm, she likes bacon chocolate?
A: yeah. I hope we get to play some baby shower games.
M: how many people are coming?
A: You, uh, me, Lydia, and … Jane, I hope.
M: so…four, total.
A: Mm-hmm.
Jane comes in with Lydia.
A: Jane.
J: hello, look who I found.
A: (to Lydia) you have no idea how much I needed to welcome this baby into the world right now. (looks at Lydia’s face) honey, what’s the matter?
L: my baby won’t have a daddy.
A: ah, you’re better off without that creep. He dumped you because you’re pregnant.
L: he dumped me when I told him the baby might be Tommy’s. (Jane & Maura turn to look at her in alarm)
A: what? Tommy? Tommy who? (Jane signs to Lydia a slash across her throat to stop)
L: uh, Tommy Rizzoli.
A: you’re carrying Tommy’s baby?
M: oh no.
J: ah, Ma…
L: Frank…dumped me. (her eyes well up with tears)
A: Frank Rizzoli? Frank Rizzoli, my husband?
Lydia nods
J: oh God. … Ma. (Angela turns to her) Just let me explain.
A: explain what? That you lied to me?
Jane looks at Maura
M : we simply avoided, uh, referencing a specific set of facts.
A: you knew too? (to Lydia) that was my husband. He was the father of my children. And you come into my house, into my family, and you ask me for my help, after what you’ve done?
L: I’m sorry.
J: Ma, listen. Ma, please. Ma, listen to me, okay? Dad did a terrible thing, okay? And I just…I didn’t know how to tell you. I didn’t know how to tell you, I’m so sorry.
A: I-I…I was, uh, Mrs Rizzoli for 35 years. I was Frank’s wife, and now…I’m not anybody anymore.
J: no, please. (Angela walks out the door) MA, PLEASE!







Right now, I can’t decide who was more incredible in this scene – Lorraine Bracco or Alexandra Holden. Both had amazing performances. Angie’s wasn’t so bad, either. With all of the visions of a “happy family” dancing in her head, I’m not sure Lydia ever imagined this scenario when she decided she was going to tell Angela. She seemed to have the feeling that she was going to be welcomed with open arms. I also like Maura’s reference to avoiding specific facts instead of actually lying. I also found it endearing that Jane turned to Maura when she had no idea of what to say. And why did Jane have to take the full brunt of Angela’s anger? Where was Frankie to help when it all went to hell?


** Meeting the mom from hell

In Maura’s car, Jane & Maura are bringing Lydia to her mother’s place. (it’s a dump)
J: is this where your mother lives?
L: yeah.
J: great. Let’s get your stuff out of the car.
L: I’m sorry if I caused any trouble.
J: IF…you caused any trouble?
M: I had no idea how roomy this cargo area is. Did you, Jane? (hands her one of the baby shower gifts)
L: yeah, the back seat’s really comfortable, too.
M: oh good.
J: yeah fantastic. Where do you want all these gifts?
L: ummm
M: do you have the baby’s room set up?
Lydia’s mom comes out of the house. She looks like a strung-out druggie.
J: I want to know if there’s indoor plumbing.
R: Is that you, Lydia?
L: yeah. Hi mom.
R: what are ya doing here? I rented out your room.
L: can I have it back?
R: you’re gonna have to share it with Jed.
L: okay. Who’s Jed?
Rene goes back into the house.
J: (to Maura) no wonder she preferred my mother.
Lydia turns & smiles at them. Jane gives a big fake smile in return.
M: oh, Jane.
J: Oh, what, Maura? What ? huh? What are you gonna do? Are you gonna go share your room with Lydia & Jed? Dump on my mother some more? (her phone buzzes) no, Lydia’s made her grown-up choices. (looks at her phone) and I gotta go. Frost & Korsak are talking to a suspect. (she starts throwing gifts out of the car.)
M: No. Don’t THROW it. (takes the gifts from Jane) I got it.





First of all, I want them to bring back Maura’s car from the pilot episode (the SL-500 Mercedes). Secondly, you know Maura’s going to come back and offer Lydia a place to stay. She won’t let Lydia stay in “ghetto hell” for very long. Poor Jane. You can tell she wants to give out sympathy to Lydia, but is still hurt by what Lydia has done, and the fact that Angela is now pissed at her daughter.


** a revised “Maura” plan

J: so they were about to get rich. TK was about to be left behind.
M: is this Mr TK “the Killer” a Caucasian man?
J: no, why?
M: because these are the DNA results. The blood on the gun slide belongs to a white male.
J: so that means Ryan Finnegan still looks good for this. Motive could be revenge. The boys put him behind bars.
K: then why not go after all three of them?
J: Shane was the band. Ryan put all the pressure on him. How the hell are we gonna find him?
F: even if he was on skid row somewhere, he has to collect social security.
K: I tried that, he listed a PO box.
F: yeah, but there’s a cell phone number.
K: the billing address is the same PO box.
M: well, maybe you can call Mr Finnegan & ask him to come down to the police station.
J: oh, good idea Maura. “Hello, Mr Finnegan, we think you murdered your son. Can you just come down here & tell us how you did it?”
M: does it make you feel better to mock me?
J: kind of.
Maura gives her “that” look (you know, the pouty one that Jane can’t resist)
J: (whispers) Sorry. …I’m frustrated.
F: we could stake out his PO box
K: for two weeks? That’s when he gets his next social security check.
J: wait a minute. I got an idea. (picks up her phone & dials Ryan’s cell number) Hello, Mr Finnegan
M: That was my idea.
J: (covers the phone & whispers to Maura) not this part. (To Mr Finnegan) yes, I’m calling from BRIC Insurance. We need to verify a receipt of a large check we sent to you. … your son, Shane, named you a beneficiary on a large life insurance policy that we issued.
Maura & Korsak smirk at each other. Jane smirks at her witty idea.








See, Jane. All you need to do is take Maura’s ideas and change them to fit the purpose. How cute is it that Maura was at first offended that Jane stole her idea, and then when Jane's plan worked, Maura had a proud look on her face that her LLBFF was able to come up with the perfect plan. And “BRIC Insurance” was a great idea for a company name, since BRIC (Boston Regional Intelligence Center) is right there at PD.


** Mama’s still mad at her eldest child

Outside the café, Frankie brings a container of food to Jane, who’s peeking around the corner.
J: how’s she doing.
F: not good. (hands her the food) take it before she comes back from the bathroom.
J: don’t tell her that you knew about Lydia.
F: you can’t take all the heat
J: yes, I can. Just take care of her, all right?
F: hey. You’re a really good person.
J: no, I’m not. I lied to her, Frankie
F: you were trying to protect her.
J: you should have seen her face.
F: Janie, did Mr Finnegan do it?
J: I don’t know.
Angela comes out in the hall
A: Frankie, where did you go? (She sees Jane) Oh.
J: Hi Ma.
A: Hi Jane (turns around & leaves)





Poor Jane. She’s decided that she’ll be the one to take all the blame. I love how protective she is, especially of Frankie. She doesn’t want their mom to be upset with him. I’m sure she wants to keep it that way to be sure that Frankie is still there to help Angela and take care of her during this troubled time. I’m also glad to see that Angela didn’t totally ignore Jane. At least she responded with a greeting before turning & walking away.


** putting together the pieces

As Frankie leaves, Maura arrives
F: Hey Maura.
M: hey Frankie.
J: we suck, Maura.
M: I know. Listen, I know what those lesions were on Shane’s lips & mouth.
J: well thank god I’ve already lost my appetite.
M: he was taking proguanil and chloroquine. They’re anti-malarial medications.
J: he was headed to a mosquito-infested area? That doesn’t make any sense. They were off to Europe. … “I’m free.” Unless…Gia. .. Maura, can you check to see if Gia had the same drugs in her system and then meet me upstairs?
M: yeah.




Leave it to those pesky mosquitos to bring Jane the clue that will help put a big piece of the puzzle together. I also found it cute that even the mention of the lesions on Shane’s mouth puts off Jane’s appetite.


** it all fits together

Jane comes walking in to the squad room
F: Shane & Gia were booked on a flight to Port-au-Prince
J: they were together. Shane was texting Gia, “I’m free, let’s do it.” He was quitting the band, they were running away together.
M: Gia was taking the anti-malarial medication too.
J: ‘cause they were going to Haiti. Probably to do concerts, or raise money for relief efforts.
M: Gia’s hair sample results. She had been drug free for at least six months.
J: well they met in rehab. She probably OD’d when she heard that Shane had been murdered.
M: the blood comparison test came back too. The blood in the gun slide isn’t Ryan Finnegan’s.
J: …but…
M: I found variable tandem repeats in the DNA test. The blood on the gun is similar, but has a different mitochondrial DNA.
J: so it’s familial match? …that means it’s one of his brothers.
F: but they were doing a live webcast when he was shot.
M: well, the theoretical risk of a coincidental match is 1 in 100 billion.
J: there are 7 billion people on this planet. Our shooter is one of Shane’s brothers.



See, Jane. This is why you shouldn’t be hugging suspects (or victim’s family members.) They’ll make you feel sorry for them and throw you off track. I love how the science wins again. Maybe I’ve just watched way too much CSI over the years, but I actually understood everything that Maura was saying about the DNA.


** proving the electron theory again

F: Ronan& Liam were streaming a live webcast.
J: they couldn’t have been in two places at the same time.
M: not unless they’re electrons, as Max Planck’s quantum theory proves
F: they used a cheap program called StreamBlast Pro to do their webcast. Everything looks correct, but look at the auto-update in the default setting.
J: yeah, it’s an old version of StreamBlast Pro.
M: that’s not possible. StreamBlast Pro automatically updates, and it updated the program three days ago.
J: it is possible if this live webcast was shot two weeks ago.
M: yeah, but why would one of the brothers want to kill him?
J: Shane was quitting the band. A week after MCA died, the Beastie Boys sales went up 949%.
F: TK said that Shane was worth more alive than dead, but not to his brothers.
Maura gets a text message with results
M: the fiber in Shane’s shrapnel wounds is denim.
J: Frost, can you show me what Ronan& Liam were wearing in their final concert?
Frost brings up the footage.
F: only Ronan’s wearing jeans.
J: it takes a good shot to shoot Shane twice in the leg from 20 feet away.
F: Jane?
J: yeah.
F: Ronan has a hunting license.
J: okay, so if Ronan can shoot, why the wenis?
M: that’s right, because you said that only amateurs get a w.. (looks at Frost)
F: a wenis.
J: yeah, I did. … I think I know what happened. I gotta take Frankie, he needs to see this through.





Awww two neighborhood kids are going to go and arrest two others from the ‘hood. It’s funny how Maura was hesitant to say “wenis” in front of Frost. I guess she learned her lesson from expanding it to the “p” word in mixed company with Susie. The mention of electrons makes me think back to "He ain't heavy" where Maura brought up the fact that unless you're an electron, you can't be in two places at once, to which Jane replied, "I kind of love that you know that." I wonder if that's what she was thinking again this time.


9. a few more caps





















Guest Stars:
Tina Huang (Susie Chang)
Alexandra Holden (Lydia Sparks)
Bill Dawes (Ronan Finnegan)
Stephen Sullivan (Liam Finnegan)
Beverly Leech (Rene Sparks)
Darius McCrary (TK)
Lucas Kerr (Shane Finnegan)
Frank Ashmore (Ryan Finnegan)
Ginny McMath (Alana)
Jeris Lee Poindexter (Jeremy)
Ken Colquitt (Customer)