Rizzoli and Isles 3x12 Love the way you lie review

As great as this show is, I will admit that I was prepared for the letdown this week after last week’s great “winter episode” premiere. I call it using the “Catherine Willows Theory,” taken from a saying by Catherine in an episode of CSI, where she mentioned her philosophy of “always expect the worst. That way you’re never disappointed & sometimes you’re nicely surprised.”

I also have to say that I’m quite glad this week’s episode was more case-driven, with less Rizzles, and more focus on Frost, Angela & Cavanaugh (and maybe a bit boring) because things were busy at work tonight while I was trying to watch the show and I couldn’t give it much attention.

There were a few things that I did enjoy with this episode:

- a little bit of Frost backstory
- more screen time for Cavanaugh (and even a backstory)
- Angela’s secret relationship
- Jane Rizzoli in caffeine withdrawl mode
- Maura/Frost scenes
- yes, there were some cute Rizzles moments

There were also a few things that made me bang my head on my desk as well:
- going down the ‘bad’ CSI path
- making a mockery of PD

Let’s look closer at the details:

- a little bit of Frost back story
“I was one of three black kids at an elite all-white prep school.” I know we’ve had Frost’s dad appear in an earlier season, and we’ll get a story with his mom coming up soon, but other than that, we really haven’t heard much about his back story. This was a nice little snippet about his past that says a lot in just one short sentence. I really wish they’d bring back his ex (the FBI lady, Farrell) sometime soon as well.

- more screen time for Cavanaugh (and even a back story)
I was excited when they added Brian Goodman to the opening credits at the beginning of season 3. However, it seems like they haven’t found a way to incorporate him into the story lines much after the first couple episodes. I like the extra screen time for him in this one, but I’m not sure I like the way they did it. They almost made it be part of a comedy routine – as I’m sure the whole “Boston PD being healthy” week was at the insistence of Angela (is he really THAT whipped already?) and then having him fall & injure himself while in his underwear (he did look adorable!) outside Maura’s house? I saw Brian in an episode of Mob Doctor a month ago, and he was so great as a “good baddie.” This show needs to write him a decent story line where Jane isn’t whining about seeing him “like that.” I hope they continue to flush out more of the back story about his wife & child dying in that fire.

- Angela’s secret relationship
We knew it was coming (it just took forever). Remember back to when Angela walked into Maura’s house all dressed up and complaining about wearing heels again. Maybe all I need to remind you is the eye-rolling blatant product placement scene for Dr Scholl’s insoles for high heels that Maura gave. I’m sure y’all (don’t want to) remember that quite well. As much as I love Angela & Sean together, this is one time where I really wish the tv show would take the path that Tess Gerritsen’s R&I books do, where Angela hooks up with Korsak (even though I know how much Jane would whine & gag at that thought.)

- Jane Rizzoli in caffeine withdrawl mode
Making Jane give up her coffee is like someone trying to take away my Cherry Coke. It’s not a pleasant sight. The caffeine withdrawl even seemed to turn Jane into someone else as she not only ordered wine at the Dirty Robber, but also admitted to Maura that she actually listens to her. *gasp* oh the horror!

- Maura/Frost scenes
Maura/Frost scenes are like Jane/Korsak scenes – they’re really great, but something that we don’t get to see enough of these days. I think back to season 1 where Maura was trying to help Frost with his nausea while around dead bodies in the morgue. The scenes in this episode were much sweeter because it was something that seemed quite personal to Frost.

- yes, there were some cute Rizzles moments (it’s the #1 reason to watch, right?)
Maura being giddy about being named “captain”; the banter at the crime scene (Jules Verne/Door #1 or #2?); the happy face/sad face stickers; ‘meditation time’ banter; ‘strangled or hung’; Jane admits she listens to Maura (Awwwww!!)


On the down side:

- going down the ‘bad’ CSI path
I was kind of sad to see that the show decided to go down the path that CSI has trod for way too long – where both the “A” and “B” cases end up being one. Just once, I’d love to have an episode where a single case is solved halfway through the episode, and a new one comes up – one that ISN’T connected to the first one. Is there any show that’s actually done that? I think THAT would be something that’s different (and fun) to watch.

- making a mockery of PD
How is making a mockery of the Boston PD supposed to be classified as “comedy”? Seriously, this whole Boston PD “health week” thing is nuts enough by taking away their coffee and ‘unhealthy” food, but making them meditate and do physical exercise?! (everyone ready with your Jane Rizzoli voice?) REALLY?! Having all of the homicide detectives doing their exercises (running in place) in the middle of the bullpen while other people are standing in the hallway? Ridiculous. I know that the best part of this show is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but…this is a bit over the top, don’t you think?


Let’s check out a few scenes:

-- a promotion to ‘captain’  - -
Jane, Korsak, Frost & Maura arrive at the café to get coffee. There are a bunch of other detectives in the café as well.
J: I’m dying to know why Cavanaugh brought us all in early.
F: me too. It can’t be good news, right?
K: Maybe Angelina Jolie is playing a homicide cop and wants to do a ride-along.
F: that must be it.
They try to fill their cups, but there’s no coffee in the thermoses.
J: no coffee. What the hell?
K: what?
M: try some green tea. Only 15 milligrams of caffeine.
A: anybody want fresh mint for their tea?
M: oh nice, thank you.
J: No. we want caffeine.
A: I’m not allowed to serve coffee today.
J: said who?
Lt Cavanaugh arrives.
C: morning.
A: him.
C: I’m sure you’re all wondering why I asked you in early today.
J: actually, we were wondering where the coffee is. (Korsak chuckles) Sir.
C: I’m glad you asked, ‘cause the homicide squad is taking part in a “week of health”
Maura raises her hand
J: (only loud enough for Maura to hear) are you raising your hand?
C: Dr Isles?
M: I’m happy to do whatever I can to support this program.
K: (under his breath) swell
C: and why is that? Is it because 70% of all medical costs are related to smoking, physical inactivity, poor food choices & stress?
M: well, yes. Which leads to higher than average mortality rates for cancer, suicide & heart disease.
J: maybe because somebody took their coffee away.
All of the other detectives chuckle.
M: on average, police officers only live two to five years after retiring.
J/K/F: What?
C: she’s right. I’m not standing by watching my people drop dead.
F: well, what do we do?
C: well, Mrs Rizzoli & Detective Rizzoli, I’d like to ask you to join Dr Isles as our ‘wellness captains.’
J: WHAT?!
K: how about a nice big round of applause for our new ‘wellness captains’?
The other detectives clap.
Maura & Angela look proud. Jane looks annoyed. Frost gives Jane a mock salute.
C: Mrs Rizzoli will provide meals. Dr Isles will guide us in meditation and Detective Rizzoli will lead us in physical activity breaks.
Cavanaugh leaves. Jane is miffed at her mother.
J: why didn’t you give me a heads-up? I could have stopped at Boston Joe’s.
A: oh, this aggressive behavior proves you’re a caffeine addict.
M: well, let’s just take a moment and celebrate the fact Lieutenant Cavanaugh wants us to be captains.
A: (excitedly) yes!
J: he wants us to be ‘hall monitors’ Maura.
M: Oh.
All of their phones beep with messages.
K: we gotta go. We’ve got a high-profile suicide.
J: (excitedly) GREAT! Come on Frost, we can stop & get some coffee.









First of all – can you believe how many homicide detectives there actually are in the café? Oh, and did you notice that Riley wasn’t one of them? Damn.

Secondly – I had to laugh when Cavanaugh made Jane the “physical activity” captain. Did that remind anyone of the “dance breaks” that the cast & crew do (or did? Have they started doing them again now?) behind-the-scenes each day.

I think Jane would even take Stanley’s “dirty underwear” coffee at this point. I had to chuckle at the Angelina Jolie quip. Was that a tongue-in-cheek comment meant for Angie Harmon when she did her ride-along with the Boston homicide detectives in preparation for the Jane Rizzoli role? But did they have to mention Angelina Jolie? Anybody but her, please. I’m really not much of a fan of hers.

Maura being excited at being made “captain” was adorable. I love seeing giddy Maura. It’s even cuter when Jane bursts her excitement bubble. And then there’s Korsak, knowing how to annoy Jane even more by having everyone giving them a round of applause – thus cutting off Jane’s sarcastic quip that we all knew was coming.

The statistic that retired cops only live 2-5 more years after retirement…very scary. It’s funny how that statistic got all of them to quickly shut up and quit their grumbling.


- - I’ll take what’s behind Door #3, Monty - - 
K: victim was a famous author
J: is his name Jules Verne?
M: nice literary reference! Do you see hints of Dickens, too?
F: victim was a steam punker.
J: a who?
F: steam punkers revere Victorian-era fashion & technology, but add a punk spin.
J: uh-huh
F: damn. (grabs the book on the table) it’s Ethan Slater.
K: (reads the summary on the back of the book) “’Suicide Boy’ is a harrowing memoir of Slater’s drug use, depression, and his attempts at suicide.’ Sounds good.
F: look at you going all Gen-Y. it was a best seller. Made Slater rich & famous.
J: you find a suicide note?
K: yeah. (a tech hands him the note, preserved in an evidence bag) his editor found his body. The note was in the typewriter. She was coming by to collect the manuscript for his new book.
J: (reads the note) “I can no longer live with the lies.” So what’s in the new manuscript?
K: (shrugs) wasn’t here. Slater wrote his books on this manual typewriter.
M: you mean there was only one copy?
F: *whistles* this is dope.
J: what is it?
F: (opens up a laptop) looks like a laptop in a steam punk case.
J: *phew* glad he wasn’t too retro-cool to own a computer.
M: (still examining the body) this is an unusual knot.
K: it’s an Alpine Butterfly Band, I use them on my boat. It’s not an easy knot to tie.
M: the ligature marks on his neck are not consistent with a suicide.
J: are they consistent with a homicide?
M: Mmmm
J: okay, I’ll make it easy for you… Door #1: suicide. Door #2: homicide.
M: Door #3: suspicious death.
J: thank you for playing ‘annoy the un-caffeinated detective’s game.”
M: I thought you stopped for coffee.
J: the line was too long.
F: looks like Ethan only used the computer for email.
J: so where’s the manuscript?
Both Korsak & Frost shrug.






Poor Jane. Still without her caffeine. It’s gonna be a long day.  Nice reference to Jules Verne and Charles Dickens, but no Sherlock Holmes? Really? A detective show that’s spouting literary references and there’s no Sherlock? That’s just cruel.

Raise your hand if you were expecting a Monty Hall reference as well. Seriously, “Door #1, Door #2, and Door #3” but no Monty Hall? Maybe if Jane had been caffeinated, she would have replied with “Let’s Make A Deal.” Really, these are two very serious sins that have been committed in the writing of this scene. I think I want to cry.

And remember, people – since no one ever really uses a regular typewriter these days, it’s always the typewriter that’s going to be your clue. Seriously. Didn’t what’s-her-name on ‘Murder, She Wrote’ use a typewriter?  That just popped into my mind, for some reason.
I also loved the small reference to Korsak & his boat again. I wish we’d get to see a bit of Vince out on his boat. Maybe we get a crime scene that’s in the water & Vince has to use his boat to get evidence, or something.


- - sticker wars - - 
Jane & Maura walk into the café.
J: what are you doing, Ma?
A: oh, ladies (picks up a bin with ‘unhealthy’ snacks) please, empty your pockets of any unhealthy snacks.
Maura searches in her purse & comes up with a container of mints and puts it in the bin.
Jane tries to grab one of the ‘unhealthy snack’ packages in the container
Angela gasps and pulls it away from her, then hands them each a container of food.
A: Maura, here is your mid-morning snack
J: A quinoa wrap? Barf!
M: oh, look! A smiley-face sticker.
J: why do I have a sad sticker?
A: because a bad attitude is bad for your body.
J: well give me the ‘bad ass’ sticker then. (Frost comes in the door) Frost had a donut this morning, what’s going to happen to him?
Angela frowns.





Yeah, how did Frost get away with it? Lucky guy. I think Jane should have  a “Detective Sexy McBadass” sticker and Maura needs her “Dr Smartypants” sticker. Then we’ll all have smiley faces because that would be just so adorable. Leave it to Mama R to be the sourpuss. And quinoa? Seriously, do I really live in the boonies? I hadn’t heard of quinoa until I started watching this show. Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing yet.


- - why me? - -
M: there’s a sticky substance alongside the ligature marks on his neck. I’ll have Trace run tests.
J: (looks preoccupied) that old prep-school case is really eating away at Frost.
M: tell him to take probiotics. It’s good for anxiety.
A message *dings* with Maura’s voice – “It’s time for your 5-minute meditation”
J: turn THAT off, please.
M: meditating lowers stress, it improves focus…I don’t want to have to report you.
J: report me? You’re gonna report me?
M: well, I have to. Lieutenant Cavanaugh insisted.
J: okay, 50 pushups. NOW. I don’t want to be forced to report you.
Susie comes into the room.
S: is this a bad time?
M: not at all.
S: the victim’s blood-alcohol results are back. He was pretty intoxicated. Point one eight.
J: poor guy was out of it when he killed himself.
M: the pedicles of both C-2 vertebrae were intact. It wasn’t a hangman’s fracture.
J: well does that mean it’s not a hanging death?
M: well, I’d expect to see an injury from a sudden forceful hyperextension. This is an asphyxiation.
J: (looks confused) okay, I haven’t had any coffee. So, can we stick to strangled or hung. (now Maura looks unsure) try again.
M: strangled.
J: good.
M: then hung.
J: why me?! (she looks at the computer screen, which shows pics from the crime scene, including  close-ups of the rope over the beam.) Maura, the splinters should be pointing in the opposite direction.
M: if he was hung. If he was first strangled, then hoisted up in the air,
J: the splinters would look like this. ‘Suicide Boy’ was murdered.






First of all, isn’t it “Hanged” instead of “hung” when talking in that context?

Secondly, Maura’s voice reminder made me think back to an episode of Stargate SG-1 where Narim, the Tollan, had his home voice system programmed to talk in Sam’s voice. Freaky, but cute.

I like how Jane turned the tables on Maura and immediately told her to do the pushups after Maura had wanted them to meditate. Susie saves the day this time. Good timing, Susie. Maura appreciates it. It reminds me of the time (2x04 Brown-eyed girl) where they were at the elevator discussing what they should do – “let’s go to the gym” – “yoga” – “boxing” – “zumba” – “beer”.

Poor Jane gets confuzzled easily without her coffee. Maura needs to go easy on her for a bit. A confused, caffeine-deprived Jane is cute though.


- - Mama Jane - - 
Frost & Korsak are taking their blood pressure. Korsak is also reading the “suicide boy” book.
F: what’s yours say?
K: shh. Shh.
F: mine’s 140 over 90.
Jane looks concerned.
K: huh. That’s the same as mine.
J: Frost, that’s not good.
K: oh, but it’s fine for me?
J: he’s uptight about the Quentin Morris case.
K: oh, I heard the kid lost his final appeal.  That what got your blood pressure up?
J: his mother was here putting pressure on him. Thinks her son’s innocent.
K: oh, that’s tough.
F: maybe I should have done more.
J: like what?
F: don’t know.
J: Frost, take an hour to go through the case, it’ll make you feel better. As your wellness captain, I insist.
F: nah. Uh, now that we know it’s a homicide, the Slater case takes precedence.





I love how Jane is so motherly when it comes to her two partners. Many times we’ve seen Jane as kind of a ‘little sister’ confidant when Korsak has a bit of a personal conflict. Here we get the ‘Big Sister/Mama Jane” mode when Frost has a conflict. I love how she knows enough that his blood pressure is high and why it’s high at that time. I also like how Korsak doesn’t blow off Frost’s concern about the case, because I’m sure he’s been in that situation where he just can’t seem to let go of a certain case.


- - play time - - 
Jane’s phone chimes with Maura’s happy “It’s physical activity time.”
J: no, it is not. (clicks her phone) I’m going to kill her. That should fulfill the physical activity time for today.
Cavanaugh arrives.
C: Glad to hear you’re leading everyone, Captain Rizzoli.
J: (stutters) Yes…yes sir, uh… everybody up. Stand up. (all of the detectives in the room comply) on your feet, because…we…are…jogging. We are jogging in place. (they all start jogging. Cavanaugh leaves.) Doesn’t that feel good.
Frankie comes in.
F: Detective Rizzoli?
J: (still jogging) isn’t that…
F: JANIE?!
J: what? God.
F: I brought in your suspect. When you’re finished with your calisthenics maybe you want to talk to her?
J: thank you. (everyone’s still jogging) Oh, stop!







All I can do is…shake my head and roll my eyes. What else can I say? Really? I did like the fact that Frankie was very professional when he came in and called his sister “Detective Rizzoli”. When that didn’t work, he went to “Janie.” LOL


- - definitely a bad sign   - - 
F: I haven’t thought of this case in two years. Why am I sweating it now?
J: it doesn’t matter why, Frost. If there’s something to find, you and Maura need to find it.
F: my gut’s been jumping all day.
J: yeah, mine too. Maybe it’s because of these dried beets.
Frankie comes in with a container of some juice.
Fra: blah. Have you tried this stuff? It tastes like sweat and …rotten celery.
Fro: stop drinking it. And stop drinking your own sweat, too.
Fra: Jane, something’s going on with mom.
J: maybe she ate too many chia seed.
Fra: Jane, she’s growing herbs.
J: uh-oh. Did you spot cannabis in between the basil & the rosemary?
Fra: she hasn’t gardened since pop left.
J: oh no, I hope she’s not enjoying her life again.
Fra: okay, she’s suddenly interested in lip balm, and she asked me if the pants she was wearing made her look fat.
J: that is bad. No, that’s a bad sign.
Fra: I told you.



 




Uh-oh. Mama Rizzoli needs an intervention. LOL I love how they continue with Jane in the “mama bear” role with Frost again, then let it turn humorous with the beets and ‘sweat’ juice.


- - he’s got a ‘sensitive’ side - - 
F: no record of any Sadie committing suicide in Boston in the last two years.
J: maybe Slater made her up for dramatic effect.
K: yeah, like that guy on “Oprah” who wrote that fake memoir.
Jane looks at him, then looks at Frost.
F: Oprah?
K: what, I can’t have a sensitive side?
J: maybe Slater changed Sadie’s name so he wouldn’t get sued.
K: oh, he did. (reads from the book) “Names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent.”
…later in the scene …
Frost gets a text from Maura.
J: Maura’s got something?
F: it can wait.
J: no Frost, go. We got this.







Korsak showing his ‘sensitive’ side. Awwww. I love how both Jane & Frost get the funny looks on their faces when he mentions Oprah. And we even get more continuation of the Jane/Frost sweet & sensitive moments where she knows that he needs to do this for his own peace of mind.

The ‘names have been changed’ part of the scene makes me think of the old Tammy Wynette song,  “Only the names have been changed to protect the guilty. The guilty, and sometimes ashamed. The stories, the people are real. Only the names have been changed.”



- - meditation interruptus - - 
Jane & Maura are sitting on the floor in Maura’s living room. Maura is trying to get Jane to meditate.
M: close your eyes.
J: how much longer?
M: (sighs) you’re insufferable. (in a kid’s voice) are we there yet? (normal voice) just quiet the chatter in the monkey mind. Inhale deeply through your nose & exhale.
Jane gives a quick sigh. There’s a noise outside.
J: did you hear that?
M: try not to attach to the ambient noise.
J: no, it sounded like it was coming from right outside the guest house.
Angela’s voice shouts Maura’s name from outside. She shouts again, then comes running into the house dressed in just a slip.
J: Ma, what the hell’s going on?
A: he fell. Hurry please.
They rush outside. Jane follows, but Angela shuts the door before she can come out.
A: uh, no.
J: Ma.
Jane opens the door & goes outside. Sean Cavanaugh is lying on the ground, dressed in an undershirt & shorts. He has a bleeding cut on his forehead.
A: Sean? Sean?
J: oh my god, is that Cavanaugh?
M: Jane, call 9-1-1
S: No. No.
J: No?
S: I said ‘no’ and that’s an order, Rizzoli.
M: Angela, get me a towel.
A: okay
J: and his pants too, while you’re at it.







Uh-Oh. The secret is out. I don’t know which to feel sorry for first – Jane, because she’s realizing that her mother is in a relationship with her boss, or Angela & Sean for having it revealed to Jane in this way. Either way, I still kind of like the two together – even though I’d like Angela & Korsak even better. At least this way, it gets more screen time for Brian Goodman.


-- trading roles –

Sean has made it to Maura’s couch. Angela & Maura are doting on him while Jane’s ‘inner child’ is being released.
S: what the hell happened to me?
M: it appears you experienced a vasovagal episode.
S: I went outside to get some air
J: you live in Dorchester.
S: I got light headed is all.
J: is that how your pants fell off?
A: (whispers) Jane, don’t embarrass him.
J: Him? I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life.
M: well, your dizziness could have been caused by sexual arousal and the sudden rush of blood to your genitals.
J: oh my god.
A: okay, we weren’t making love, we were just making out.
J: I’m going to have a vasovagal episode if you don’t stop. Please, I beg you.
M: you should go to the hospital.
S: no.
A: maybe you could just…stitch his head up.
M: well, we need to know what caused this. When was the last time you ate, Lieutenant?
A: well, he got his meals at the café, same as you two
S: well, I – I might have skipped lunch…and dinner
A: you said my healthy food was sensational & delicious.
J: he meant your health food was silent & deadly.
M: a butterfly bandage might close this up.
Angela gives Jane a murderous look as she gets off the couch.
J: well, how long have you & my boss been seeing each other?
A: we are not going there.
J: you are in a slip, and my boss is on my best friend’s couch in his underwear. What do you have to say for yourself?
Angela says nothing as she walks back to the couch to give Sean a glass of water.
M: I still think you need to be seen in the ER.
S: No. look, no one else can know about this incident. You know what? I’m just going to get my car & go home.
A: alright, at least let me drive you home.
They leave. Jane & Maura look at each other. Jane looks traumatized. Maura is trying not to laugh.
J: please tell me I’m asleep and that was a dream.
Maura is still trying to stifle a laugh.



 





Poor Sean. But BG really does look good in his underwear! I love how Maura tried (unsuccessfully) to contain her smirk at the end. I think it’s interesting how much more all of the characters rely on Maura these days to treat their medical problems or even come to her for medical advice.

I wonder how awkward BG was doing that scene in his underwear, with three women around him, and one of them talking about sexual arousal & blood rushing to his genitals.


--  that awkward moment --

Jane has all of the detectives in the squad room doing their jogging.
J: come on guys, like 20 more seconds.
K: I think I’ve gained two pounds on this program. Do you think I’m building muscle mass?
F: I’m sure it’s not the donuts I saw in your desk drawer.
J: oh, I saw you eating a contraband donut this morning.
F: you wellness snitch.
They stop as Cavanaugh walks in.
C: nice jogging, Rizzoli.
J: thank you, sir.
K: what happened to your head?
C: oh, I slipped & fell. So where are we at on the Slater case?
J: uh, well. Both the suspects have alibis, so nowhere, really.
K: Slater used pseudonyms for all the drug addicts & chatroom suicide folks that he wrote about.
C: okay, so, uh…run ‘em down, people.
Cavanaugh leaves.
K :what’s going on with him?
J: too many whole grains?
K: I’m thinking that old dog got some last night.
Jane doesn’t look amused.


  
 



Poor Jane. Now Korsak put that image back in her brain. How nice. I like how Korsak realizes that there’s something up with Cavanaugh (other than the cut on the head). After all, the two used to be partners back in the day.


--  Maura’s cry for help  --
M: do you know which occupation has the highest suicide rate?
J: homicide detectives while they wait for autopsy results?
M: no. physicians. Our suicide rate is nearly double the national average. It’s even higher than dentists.
J: Maura, is this some kind of cry for help?
M: yes. If you meditate with me, you will greatly improve the quality of my life.
J: were you one of those girls that needed another girl to go with them to the bathroom when you were in 7th grade?
M: of course not.
J: well, then I’m sure that you can quiet the monkey mind chatter all by yourself. I know you can. And every suicide that I’ve ever worked, the jumper took his glasses off first. I think Dr Breyer was pushed.
M: I may have found some trace evidence to support your theory. (she swabs a substance on the victim’s hand)
J: sharing is caring.
M: there’s a sticky substance on Dr Breyer’s right hand. Could be the same substance that you found on Ethan Slater’s neck. Have you gotten those results back yet?
M: Trace is still working on it.
J: must be from the killer’s gloves. Maybe Breyer shook hands with the killer. Call me when you find something, okay?
M: alright.






LOL at Maura’s “cry for help” to have Jane meditate with her. I don’t know why Jane is resisting. It’s really a good excuse to fall asleep Jane. Maura showed you that back in season 1’s “I kissed a girl”.  I forgot to comment before when Maura said it – but the mention of “Monkey Mind” has now put that damn song by Sheryl Crow back in my head. Thankfully, I don’t even comprehend the lyrics to the song because all I can hear is Sheryl shouting some “blah blah blah” stuff, followed by “monkey mind.” Not one of her greatest recordings.

I think Maura’s google-speak stats here are alarming. Since doctors have the highest suicide rate, and she said earlier that cops only live 2-5 years after retirement – that doesn’t leave much hope for either Jane or Maura’s longevity. How are they supposed to ‘grow old’ together with stats like that?


--  narrowing down the killer, with a pep talk for Frost   -- 

K: that little scrap of paper we found near Breyer’s hand? Was from the corner of a personal check.
J: any idea what bank issued it?
K: not yet. Susie’s working on it. I’m gonna guess that somebody lured Dr Breyer up to his new wing with the promise of a big payoff.
J: huh. Well, Slater’s murder was staged to look like a suicide, then the killer steals his manuscript.
K: kills Dr Breyer why?
J: Breyer treated Slater in rehab. Maybe Dr Breyer knew what Ethan Slater was writing about.
K: so the good doctor blackmails the killer by offering to keep quiet for a price?
Jane nods her head. Frankie comes in.
K: oh, I sent Frankie to Breyer’s center to get the records.
Fra: Seven patients were hospitalized the same time as Slater.
J: nice Frankie. Okay, the rockstar/drug addict?
Fra: died last year of a drug overdose.
J: suicidal Brahman shipping heiress?
Fra: back in treatment. The other five are living healthy lives in other parts of the country.
J: you know, I bet if we find Slater’s manuscript, we’ll find his killer.
Jane notices Frost is preoccupied at his desk.
J: Frost, what’s wrong?
Fro: I went over the prep school murder case files again, thought I might discover something after questioning Ann. (opens up his tablet) no one by Quentin enters or exits Katrina’s dorm room. (shows her the footage) maybe Ann was right. Maybe Quentin did kill her.
K: why don’t you take a couple hours, Frost, drive out to Amherst?
J: yeah, take a look at the crime scene, see if the state police overlooked anything.
Fro: no. Nah, I’m done. I’ve been too consumed by this
J: Frost, you’re no good to us until you can focus, okay? Go. Jog there if it makes you feel better.
Korsak nods his head in agreement. Frost leaves. Korsak gets a text.
J: who’s texting you?
K: a new CI I’m working with.
The text is from Angela, requesting his presence in the café, without Jane knowing.




 



I like how Frankie is now their “evidence gopher”. Jane seemed impressed with what he brought and even that he’d done the checking on all of the names he gave her. I really loved both Jane & Korsak giving Frost the pep talk. It’s interesting how he still needs to be talked into investigating the case that he can’t get off his mind. If it were Jane or Korsak, they would have just told the others that they needed to take care of something and leave. It’s like Frost still asks for permission to do things that aren’t part of the current case. Kind of like he’s still the ‘new kid’.  That should be Riley’s job now, darn it. Is it next week’s episode that she’s back? I miss her already.



-- Korsak’s new CI  -- 

After responding to Angela’s text, Korsak is in the café drinking a cup of tea
A: I need some dating advice, Vince.
K: ha. Full disclosure, I’ve had three wives. I’m not much help in the dating department.
A: but you’ve known Lieutenant Cavanaugh for a long time.
K: where’s this headed?
A: we’ve been seeing each other. Well, we were.
K: let me guess, he broke it off.
A: how did you know?
K: you said it. I’ve known him a long time.
A: tell me, Vince, otherwise I’ll have you eating this health crap forever.
K: back when we were rookies, Sean lost his wife and baby son in a fire.
A: oh.
K: I don’t think he’s even had a serious girlfriend since.
A: well that explains some things. Oh, I wish he had told me.
K: I have never heard him talk about it.
Susie interrupts.
S: Hi. We’re still working on the piece of paper. Latent prints went over the typewriter. It’s just the victim’s prints.
K: thanks, Susie.
A: wow. Typewriter. Makes me feel old.
K: no. don’t feel old. A very young victim liked writing books on one. It’s an old Underwood.
A: I used to have one I used to type up plumbing invoices for Frank Sr. Changing those typewriter ribbons, ugh, was such a mess.
K: typewriter ribbon. Angela, you’re a genius.
A: mention that to your friend, Sean.
K: (calls on his phone) Jane, meet me downstairs in the crime lab. My new CI may have just offered up a breakthrough in the case.
Korsak winks at Angela. She smiles.






She comes to Vince for dating advice? LOL I do understand that it’s because Vince & Sean go way back and Vince would have that information that even Jane doesn’t have. I love these two together. I also love how he still only tells Jane that it’s his CI, and not her mother. I wonder if they’re ever going to bring up more of Sean’s backstory. Maybe an upcoming episode will be fire related and news will spill out. Although it’s nice to have that as a secret, heartbreaking story. And it’s great to see Susie out of the basement lab again – even if she still is stuck in PD.



--  back to old-school  -- 

M: a 1930’s Underwood Model 5. Jack Kerowack used to use one just like it.
J: how in the world do you know that?
M: well I saw his typewriter on display at the Lowell National Historical Park Museum.
K: we’re in luck. Slater’s typewriter uses single-pass carbon ribbon.
M: well that’s good news.
J: yes, it’s the most wonderful news I’ve ever heard. Why do we care?
M: well some older typewriters use a fabric ribbon, and those don’t retain a retrievable legible text.
K: but with a carbon ribbon each keystroke makes a mark. You write down the characters and then figure out where the breaks go between the words.
M: it’ll take a while.
Susie has results
S: Trace results on the sticky substance from both the victims is back, Dr Isles
M: thank you Susie.
J: what is it?
M: Balsam Fir sap.
J: the same sap that was on Ethan Slater’s body and Dr Breyer’s body? (Maura nods) well, don’t look so surprised, we’re looking for one killer
M: yeah, but fragments of solidego macrophila
J: what is it?
Maura brings up a file on her computer.
M: these are the M.E. files that Frost asked me to look at.
J: the prep school murder?
M: yes, and they have the same Balsam Fir and fragments of solidego macrophila.
J: yeah, it was found in Katrina’s closet.
M: yeah, but it wasn’t considered significant because Katrina was a rock climber.
K: it still isn’t. Balsam Fir trees are common all over the Northeast.
M: but solidego macrophila isn’t. it’s unique to the summit of Mt Greylock & the Berkshires.
J: so whoever killed Katrina, Ethan Slater and Dr Breyer would have to be a skilled climber to get to the top of Mount Greylock.
Maura nods.


 



Two cases becoming one? That’s such an overused CSI plot twist. One of these times, it would be great to have non-related multiple murders/cases solved. I love how bringing back the old-tech stuff (the typewriter ribbon) makes Korsak seem more knowledgeable than Jane. My dad has an old typewriter in his closet. I used to type on it when I was little. Yes, changing those darn ribbons was a pain in the ass.


-- climbing Mt Everest -- 

F: I’m glad I took your advice & drove out to Amherst.
J: okay, if that grappling hook is for the wellness program, you can count me out. I’m not a fan of heights.
F: aww. I thought we’d take Korsak & climb Everest.
J: okay, maybe Everest.
F: I want to show you something I found when I was looking around Katrina’s old dorm room. (He brings up pics of the window from outside.) this is the building’s exterior. You see those marks?
J: yeah. You think those are from a grappling hook?
F: yeah, I do. I think that’s why no one saw him and why Quentin was the only one on the hallway security tape.
J: so Katrina’s killer climbed the wall & went in through a window.
F: now check this out. (brings up pics on his computer of Katrina & Bradley Palmer)
J: well that’s the guy who stopped you in the lobby with his father. Bradley Palmer, right?
F: yeah. He was Katrina’s boyfriend. They used to lead climbs together in the White Mountain National Forest. You see that?
J: An Alpine Butterfly Bend. It’s the same knot used to hang Slater.
F: I took Frankie to Slater’s building. He took some photos of the building’s exterior.
J: grappling hooks. He got into Slater’s apartment the same way. But here’s what doesn’t make sense. What is his connection to Slater and Slater’s rehab doctor?
F: Dr Breyer?
J: Mm-hmm
F: no idea.
J: (phone buzzes) it’s Maura. She says we need to get down to the crime lab.





So Jane’s not a fan of heights, but Angie wants to have Jane jump off a building at some point? Interesting conflict. It reminds me of Amanda Tapping (from Stargate SG-1) who has an immense fear of heights, yet her character, Sam Carter, had no problems with heights.  Can you even imagine Jane, Frost & Korsak mountain climbing? Even a small one? Nope. Me either. Now I could see Maura talking Jane into mountain or rock climbing. That’s doable.


-- decoding the manuscript – 

J: what’s up?
M: Slater was a terrible typist with bad grammar. Look at this – he uses ‘who’ instead of ‘whom’; ‘which’ instead of ‘that’;
J: well, no wonder somebody killed him.
M: here’s what’s odd. Ethan Slater started typing the last page of his manuscript three months ago.
F: so what was he typing for the last three months?
K: all kinds of things – letters, poems, essays – but not one word of this manuscript until right before he was killed.
J: well do you have that last page?
M: we certainly do, thanks to Sergeant Korsak.
K: no, thanks to you, Dr Isles.
M: oh, please Sergeant. I couldn’t have done it without your help
J: okay, we’ll throw you both a parade later.  What does it say?
K: “he told me after a group session, while he ate a turkey sandwich, that he’d beaten Katrina to death because she cheated on him.”
F: Slater’s talking about Bradley Palmer, Katrina’s boyfriend.
M: yes, he was. And this is the last sentence that he typed.
F: “Bradley Palmer showed up the same day I did at Breyer Mental Health Center, but I’d take my suicide attempt over what he did: he killed his girlfriend.” Damn.
J: and Slater and Dr Breyer to keep them quiet. But why now? Unless… Frost, did Quentin have any legal proceedings three months ago?
F: yeah, his final appeal hearing, but it was postponed.
J: until yesterday. That’s why now.
K: Slater must have hoped Quentin would get a new trial.
F: and when he didn’t, Slater made sure that book was ready to go if Bradley didn’t come clean. Eric Palmer gave me this check
Maura compares it to the piece of paper that was with Dr Breyer.
J: what do you think?
M: it appears to be the same stock and design.







Couldn’t Jane have said “What’s up, Doc” when she walked in instead of just “what’s up?” Maybe they’ve just used up their quota of comedy for this episode already. So, are Maura & Korsak going to get their parade? I think Jane should break out the party hats, party favors and streamers for a job well done be everyone.


-- salud --

J: look at that – Quentin Morris’ mother. It’s amazing. Her son was going to prison for a murder he didn’t commit and now he’s coming home.
M: how long until Quentin gets released?
J: he should be home by the end of the week.
M: (to Frost) bet your blood pressure is a lot lower now, huh?
F: I always thought the greatest feeling in the world was putting away the bad guys.
J: (looks horrified) it’s not?
F: no. the greatest feeling in the world… is freeing an innocent man.
K: nicely done, Frost.
J: all in all, a fine day for the good guys. Clearing three murders – that’s a whole lot of wellness, right?
M: I wonder what happened to the manuscript?
K: I’m guessing it went through a shredder at Palmer Industries.
Their drinks arrive.
M: I don’t think anybody ordered a red wine.
J: *ahem* actually, I did.
M: what?
J: well it’s like Maura’s always saying – the resveritrol in red wine is excellent for cardiac health.
M: you actually listen to me?
J: most of the time, yeah.
M: well, this deserves a toast. (raises her glass) salud
The rest of them raises their glasses & offer a “salud” as well.







 



Jane drinking wine and Maura drinking beer? What is this world coming to? It just goes to show how much the two have been around each other in the last three years. Jane has become Maura, Maura has turned into Jane... or is that the new version of "Rizzoli ON Isles"? I love these team “off the clock” moments. A nice wrap up to the ‘team’ solving both cases.



Other caps:




  
 




  


 

 

Guest stars:
Tina Huang (Susie Chang)
Shawn Pyfrom (Bradley Palmer)
Markus Flanagan (Eric Palmer)
Edwin Hodge (Quentin Morris)
Vanessa Bell Calloway (ADA)
Jeff Staron (Ethan Slater)
Kelen Coleman (Juliet Randall)
Jayme Lynn Evans (Ann Stephens)
Kim Hawthorne (Vonda Morris)
Aaron Hill (Kevin Baker)
Michael Catherwood (Talk Show Interviewer)



I just noticed as I watched the opening scene closely – was that Mr Palmer who opened the door to let Juliet into Slater’s home to see him hanging?

I also loved Maura’s hair in this episode. For some reason, it seemed different. Maybe a bit curlier. Maybe it was the pink blouse that she was wearing that brought more attention to the hair. Whatever it is, it really looked great.

As great as watching the new episodes is each week, the greatest thing about the Rizzoli and Isles fandom is how it becomes a whole different entity on twitter as the show airs – especially when some of the cast ‘live tweets’ during the airing. Now, even the characters (@JaneRizzoli, @MauraIsles, @VinceKorsak) are getting into the twitter ‘live tweeting’ with Angie, Sasha, Lorraine and Tess. It’s almost more fun to read the tweets than to watch the show sometimes.

On a side note – did anyone see Sasha on the Conan O’Brien show on Monday? The “Boob slapping” part was so hilarious. Who wouldn’t love to be on the R&I set daily with the fun that Angie & Sasha seem to have every day?

On a different side note – I saw that Angie’s “Agent Cody Banks” co-star, Frankie Muniz, had suffered a mini-stroke last Friday. Strangely enough, I had been re-watching that movie with audio commentary from Angie, Frankie & the director just a couple weeks ago. I hope Frankie fully recovers from his health problems. He’s so young.