Rizzoli and Isles 3x15 "No More Drama In My Life" Review

As far as season finales go – this one was much better than last season, where our two favorite ladies were on the verge of spitting fire at each other. It’s also great to see that for once, neither of our ladies were in jeopardy (just Frost, Tommy & TJ this time) and no cliffhanger (thank god!)  My biggest grievance for this ending is – no hug? Seriously? Just let them stare off at the others leaving? Sorry kids, but that’s just lame. I did love the promo pic of them holding hands at the end of that scene though.

Here are some of the main points from this episode:

- family (blood or water)

- Jane’s influence

- Casey’s choice

- Maura’s choice

- Barry’s confession

- the evolution of Tommy Rizzoli

- Korsak the computer wiz

- lives in peril

- being the strong one

- prop gun nightmares

- familiar faces

- Rizzles

1. family (blood or water)

Out of all the drama from this episode (and even through the entire season 3), there is one line here that probably resonates as loud as anything that’s been uttered on this show for this season. It’s during Angela’s talk with Hope in the café: “I know this isn’t my business, although, uh, Maura…(touches her heart) Maura is my business.”

That’s like a follow-up to the season 3 premiere where Angela tells Maura “you’re like my daughter too.” This time, it’s like Angela is telling Hope that even though Maura is neither her biological nor adopted daughter, she’s become her daughter “in heart.” I’d love to see a scenario where Hope has to go up against the entire Rizzoli clan – kind of like Rene Sparks (Lydia’s mom) did, where they all stood up for Tommy. I was also pleased that Angela basically hinted to Hope that Maura has told her very personal information about her life. It seems to be another reminder to Hope that Maura does have a real family – and not just the two who are her legally adoptive parents, but also people who love her unconditionally, and whom she can turn to for support – who don’t have any blood or legal connections to her, just love.

The comment also reminded me of the beginning of the season 2 premiere where Jane & Maura banter in Jane’s apartment.

M: Mind. Body.

J: Mind. Business.

M: you are my business.

2. Jane’s influence

How many of you thought that Maura ‘telling off’ Hope and not giving in initially to her begging was the result of Jane’s influence on her? My first thought was - “That’s such a Jane Rizzoli thing.” My second thought was – “you go, girl!”

And then there’s the scene in autopsy where Maura totally had a “Jane Rizzoli moment” and ended up lying on the autopsy table with a pillow over her face and moping. Talk about role reversal. Yikes!

Speaking of role reversal – yes, Jane was actually wearing PINK at the beginning. See how Maura’s influence is rubbing off on her as well? Gotta love it.

3. Casey’s choice

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it many times more – as much as I love seeing Jane & Maura together, I also love Jane with Casey. This could have turned into a very sweet romance had they not needed to give an ‘out’ for Casey’s storyline because of Chris Vance’s other commitments. I understand the choice that Casey is making in pushing Jane away, because I think it’s the same choice Jane would make if the situations were reversed. Jane would absolutely be pushing Casey away and not letting him see her at her lowest point the way Casey is doing. This is also the reason why Jane understands his choices, but is still trying to get him to lean on her for support, because he’d be doing the same thing.

4. Maura’s choice

I love the scene where Maura confronts Hope in her office. It’s one of the first times that we see Maura stand up for herself and give Hope a piece of her mind instead of being a pushover and giving in. But why doesn’t Jane ever get to be around when Maura & Hope have those sweet moments? I’d love for Jane to put in her two cents with Hope the same way she did with Constance.

5. Barry’s confession

Was anyone actually surprised by Frost’s confession that he’s had a big crush on his partner, Jane? Doesn’t everyone have a crush on Jane? I mean, really, she’s Detective Sexy McBadass, for goodness sake. I did love when Tommy asked Frost if he was gay. I was also disappointed (but not surprised) to hear that Frost doesn’t have a girlfriend. The last we had seen on that front was back in season 2 with the appearance of his ex-girlfriend, FBI Agent Anna Farrell. At the end of that episode, he was going off to talk to her (and do a little making up?) Considering that this show isn’t very good with brining back previous characters, I’m not surprised that they’ve given up on that possible upcoming story line.

6. the evolution of Tommy Rizzoli

Now that season 3 has been completed, this final episode of the season shows us the most grown-up side of the youngest Rizzoli sibling that we’ve seen so far. The guy has gone from prison inmate to untrustworthy parole to unexpected parent to doting father. I love the evolution that we’ve seen in him so far. I’m sure season 4 will bring him a few trials, because we know the ‘lovable screwup’ of the family won’t be able to be perfect (that would be so boring) but I would hope for a little more Tommy/Lydia interaction in the season to come as well.

The cutest part of Tommy Rizzoli in this episode (other than his devotion to his son) was when he was awed at Jane & Maura getting the call out to come to a crime scene. Random thought – how many times is it now that these two have answered their phones simultaneously like they did here? I think it should be mandatory that it’s in every episode. Sometimes it gets annoying, but most of the time it’s very cute when they answer their phones simultaneously.

7. Korsak the computer wiz

It was great to see Korsak being put into the position of “computer geek” as Frost was indisposed. It’s cute how he even comments that he’s not as good as Frost (and didn’t know how to scan the copies, but knew enough to just hold them up for Jane to see), and I like how Jane was so patient with him in doing so, knowing that he was doing everything he could to help in saving the lives of their loved ones.

8. lives in peril

I’ve watched a lot of CSI throughout the past decade. One of the annoyances with that show is that there are always too many CSI-in-peril episodes. This show is really starting to go down the same path – although here it’s the “Rizzoli family in peril” syndrome. Jane, Maura, Frost, Tommy, Constance… I guess we’ve still got Korsak, Frankie, Mama R, Lydia, Cavanaugh and Rondo to go. They’ll probably even give us a Pops Rizzoli-in-peril storyline just to make us all try to feel bad for him (not sure that’s possible) and try to convince us he’s not really that big of a jerk.

9. being the strong one

As just mentioned, it seems that, so far, Frankie has been the only one in the immediate Rizzoli family to go pretty much unscathed. He’s been the strong one (giving Jane a hug in this episode to bring her strength), he’s usually been the ‘gopher’ or the tag-along for the most part, as well as the mostly supportive, but occasional annoying brother. Aside from the Teresa/Lily storyline, we’ve really yet to see anything ‘juicy’ come Frankie’s way. I hope season 4 brings us some Frankie stories. And if that also happens to include more “Frostie” (Frost/Frankie), then all the better.

10. prop gun nightmares

I’ll admit that the first thing I always think of when I hear ‘death by prop gun’ is Jon-Erik Hexum, and how his ‘pretend’ game of Russian Roulette with a prop gun turned deadly on the set of “Cover Up.” Jane’s comment – “I’d be in shock too if I fired a pretend gun and killed my co-star” seemed to be written as basically a ‘throw away’ line – kind of an ‘under-the-breath’ type of line – but I’m guessing the reality of the statement is something that has crossed the mind of every actor who has had to fire a gun on camera at a fellow actor, as many times, the guns are real, and the ammo is real – even though ‘blanks’ don’t have a regular projectile. Even standard ‘prop’ guns have something in the chamber to give the appearance of the ‘puff’ of firing a gun.

The subject also hits close to home for the show as guest baddie Michael Masse (Charles Hoyt) was the one to pull the trigger on the prop gun that killed Brandon Lee back in 1993. And it’s not always guns, either. Katey Sagal’s father, Boris, was killed (nearly decapitated) after walking into the tail rotor blades of a helicopter while on set as a director. Vic Morrow (he was so great in “Combat!”) was also decapitated by helicopter blades on set.

11. familiar faces

There were a number of faces that were familiar to me as guest stars in this episode.

First & foremost is Robin Thomas as Councilman Roger Deluth. I’ll always remember him from back in the mid-80s as Mark on the daytime soap, Another World. But more recently, I remember him as a guest star with Angie on her previous show, Women’s Murder Club, in the “train in vain” episode, where he was the ex-husband of one of the shooting victims from the train. Lindsay & Jacoby interviewed him.

The second most-recognizable guest star in this episode was Christopher Cousins as the developer, Sam Nelson. I know him best from Stargate SG-1 as Ambassador Joe Faxon, and ‘future’ Sam’s hubby from the ‘2010’ episode.

And, of course, y’all should recognize Lamont Thompson as Captain Green (with the firefighters). He was the one ordering Jane, Maura & Alex to take a decontamination shower in 3x11 “Class Action Satisfaction.” I found it interesting that Jane had to introduce herself to him. Would he not recognize her fully-clothed this time?

12. Rizzles

Well, the Rizzles in this episode was at least much better than the last episode. We finally get back to some semblance of the fun and quirky relationship these two have, instead of the antagonistic, degrading stuff that we had to suffer through last time. The scene in the morgue where Maura has the pillow over her face is so cute. It’s such a Jane thing to do. And even the two turning to each other during the building collapse crisis was refreshing. I still think it’s strange that only those two went into that tunnel to search for Frost & Tommy. And I still thing Jane needs to be around the next time that Maura talks to Hope. I want Jane to give Hope a piece of her mind.

Let’s look back at a few scenes:

-- She knows her LLBFF well --

M: Cauda Equina means ‘horse tail.’ Cauda Equina syndrome…

J: gets its name because all of this junk hangs out of your spine like a horse tail (twirls the ‘horse tail’ wires)

M: could you stop playing with this?

J: Okay. What the hell are you wearing?

M: (looks pleased) Alfresco Lunchtray Pants. They came today. (grabs an apple) Alfresco means ‘dining in the open air.’  (she sits cross-legged on the floor and the Velcro on her pants opens to form a tray) Look! (she puts the apple on the ‘tray’)

J: something’s going on. (looks around) uh-huh. UPS boxes. There’s your tell, Maura. What happened?

M: (gets up) okay, let’s just get back to Casey. Shrapnel from an I.E.D. transected his spinal cord and is still imbedded in there. Only a ‘cowboy surgeon’ would attempt to remove it.

J: it’s Hope, isn’t it?

M: how did you know? Yes. She emailed me.

J: she wants your kidney…for Cailin.

M: I haven’t responded.

J: you don’t owe her anything, okay? It is not your fault that she’s your biological mother just as much as it is not her fault that you’re her biological daughter… and that didn’t sound right. You should say ‘I like both of my kidneys. And have a nice life.’

 
 
 

Awww the LLBFF banter that I love. Jane playing with the ‘horse tail’, Maura being excited about her new pants (only to be deflated by Jane). I love how Jane remembers Maura’s ‘tell’ from the last time (3x05 throwing down the gauntlet) when Maura bought all kinds of weird stuff  because she was worried about something with Hope.

The scene had me confused for a moment when Maura mentioned “cowboy surgeon” and Jane responded with “it’s Hope, isn’t it.” I thought they were talking about Hope being the ‘cowboy surgeon’ who was going to do the surgery on Casey. Who knows, maybe it is anyway! I’d love for them to have Hope do the surgery with Maura assisting her, basically putting Casey’s life in Maura’s hands. Can you imagine how heartbreaking that would be for both Jane & Maura if something went wrong? Yikes.

I love how Jane is trying to be supportive of Maura, telling her it’s not her fault that Hope is her mother, and vice versa, until she realizes the ‘vice versa’ doesn’t work in that case. It reminds me of a quip in Stargate SG-1’s “New Order Pt 2” where Sam tells Jack, “If you don’t take the job, we could end up with someone much worse… okay, that didn’t come out right.”

-- doting papa --

Tommy comes in the front door dressed in rain gear and carrying TJ in a front carrier.

T: hey.

J: what are you doing out in the rain?

T: oh, I couldn’t get him to sleep, so I took him for a walk. (sees Maura holding the ‘horse tail spine’) Ew. You do that in the kitchen?

M: no, of course not.

J: yes. She was just about to put the head in the garbage disposal.

T: wait a minute, you’re messing with me, aren’t you?

J: no.

T: yeah (to TJ) your Auntie Jane’s a kidder.

Angela comes in the back door. 

A: what are you doing in the rain with my grandson?

T: babysitting.

J: I think when you’re the father they call it ‘parenting’

T: he’s fine. He likes the fresh air (he gives TJ to Angela)

A: come here, sweetheart. Daddy loved to play out in the rain when he was a little boy. Yes.

J: how’d Lydia?

T: she’s good. I think she’s going to get a promotion at the Penny Saver.

Jane & Maura’s phones both buzz.

J: (whines) oh no, I wanted to go to bed early.

T: is it a murder?

J: (answers phone) Rizzoli

M: (answers phone) Dr Isles

T: that is so cool. She’s so lucky.

Jane rolls her eyes. Maura smirks.

 
 

As eyerolling as their simultaneous phone-answers are, I still find them quite cute after all this time. It’s cute how they’re turning Tommy into the doting father, but I hope they don’t turn him all sugar & spice now, though.  He’s gotta screw up a little bit, methinks. However, since TJ has Lydia for a mother, I’m sure they need to have Tommy as the responsible dad. I’d love to see both Jane & Maura babysitting again, though. And how does Mama R always know when people arrive at Maura’s front door? Does she continually watch through the window? That would be annoying. At least they haven’t brought up the subject of her moving out anytime soon, now that she has a steady job. It’s very convenient to have her living in the guest house these days. Oh, and still no sign of Bass at Casa Isles. Bummer.

-- crime scene --

K: looks like an accident with a prop gun.

J: who pulled the trigger?

K: his co-star.

M: (recognizes a man standing by the stage) is that Roger Deluth? That’s my councilman.

K: yeah. His wife was directing the community theater play here. He got the space because he’s apparently pals with the developer of the Storrow Center.

M: the potholes on my street are out of control. Maybe I’ll just mention it to him.

J: or maybe we’ll just go look at the body first.

F: hey, I couldn’t talk to the woman who pulled the trigger, Jennifer Johnson, 29, EMT’s are taking her to Boston General. She’s being treated for shock.

J: yeah, I’d be in shock, too, if I fired a pretend gun and killed my co-star. Who’s in charge of the prop gun?

K: victim. He was a star, lighting designer, and prop master.

M: it’s community theater, they’re all volunteers.  That’s odd. Look at these entrance wounds.

J: wounds, plural? That’s bizarre.

K: kind of looks like a cheese grater.

J: maybe he forgot to clean the prop gun, or left cotton wadding in it. Hardly seems enough to kill him, though.

M: I’ll need to dissect this heart to know what caused this injury.

J: did you check the other blanks?

K: I was about to, that’s his prop cart over there.

F: his real job was maintaining this building and the rest of Storrow Center. I’m having his truck towed to the evidence garage.

J: anybody else have access to the toolbox?

F: I’ll check.

J: looks like a tragic accident. I’d rather be sure.

I love how Angie ‘threw away’ that line about being in shock if she fired a prop gun & killed her co-star. She’s been in a lot of shows where she has had to fire a weapon at someone – including lots of times on this show, as well as Women’s Murder Club, Baywatch Nights, C-16, etc. I’m sure it’s even scarier when actors are using bigger weapons, like in Stargate SG-1, where they had M5’s and P90’s.

It found it cute that Maura was going to take the opportunity to talk to the councilman about the potholes in her street. Maybe her prestigious name would have some influence on that. Speaking of the Isles influence… as she was talking about community theater and the people being volunteers, it made me think that the Isles family (foundation?) probably gives out grants and other funds to such types of projects, especially with Constance being an artist, and all.

And might I just make mention that I love Jane’s trenchcoat. It’s a nice change than her regular suit coat.    

-- steel balls / broken heart --

M: I wish it was still raining. The sound is so peaceful. What are you doing?

J: nothing.

M: (rolls her eyes) then why do I hear the sound of computer keys clicking. (she walks over to see Jane working on her computer) you’re accessing DMV records?

J: (seeing Casey’s records) Oohh he has a special license.

M: didn’t you just hear me? You shouldn’t be doing this. This is an abuse of power.

J: that’s why I’m using your computer. I’m not abusing my power…you are.

M: well, since I’m the one who’s exposed, you’re gonna go knock on his door and talk him out of the ridiculous surgery that he’s about to have.

J: I have left messages. I’ve emailed, and he doesn’t respond. So, you know, maybe it’s not meant to be.

M: (cutting open the heart) well that’s odd

J: what?  What are those, B.B.’s?

M: larger…denser…possibly ball bearings.

J: either way, Mr Fix-it wouldn’t load steel balls into his prop gun unless he was committing suicide.

I like how Maura continues to encourage Jane to do something about Casey’s decision. It’s the same thing that Jane does for Maura in regards to Hope – continued encouragement to get answers about important things that weigh heavily on the minds of their LLBFFs.

It never ceases to make me chuckle when I realize that I’ve probably seen more internal organs on three seasons of this show than I did in 10+ seasons of CSI. I like how Maura just cuts right to into the heart and the two analyze it without batting an eyelash. I guess that’s why they’ve basically turned most autopsy scenes into Rizzles scenes – because it would be a totally different scene if Frost was standing there & trying not to puke during that scene.  And I found it quite ironic that Maura was cutting into the heart as they were discussing a subject that was weighing heavily on Jane’s heart, and even causing her heartbreak.

-- white noise --

Jane & Korsak are checking the other bullets. Maura is examining the steel balls.

K: I’m not seeing any signs of tampering on any of these other blanks.

J: Mmm me either. So he either killed himself or someone filled a cartridge with ball bearings and then loaded it into Ryan’s prop gun.

K: the director of the play said he kept the gun in his tool box.

J: where’d he keep his tool box?

K: apparently, all over the place.

J: Storrow Center has three separate buildings. Anyone could have had access to it.

M: irregularities of no specific form.

J: what? (Jane & Korsak look at each other)

M: seven are perfect spheres, but three have anomalies.

J: okay, why is that significant?

M: well, the clearance between part & gauge is critical to function.

J: “significant” means “worth mentioning.” (Korsak’s phone buzzes)

M: well if a ball bearing is out-of-round, it can cause binding or excessive wear.

K: it’s Frost. He has something.

J: oh, hallelujah. Bye Maura. (Jane & Korsak leave)

M: well, if they’re not uniform they won’t reduce rotational friction and support radial & axial… (she turns around to see that they’re gone) loads. (she sighs)

ROFL it’s cute that Jane even said goodbye to her and Maura had just tuned it out like ‘white noise’ as she delivered her findings in typical ‘googlemouth’ fashion. See, it’s not just Jane who tunes out her LLBFF and mutters the appropriate responses.  However, this is a great example of how comfortable these two are with each other.

-- Mama talk --

A: Hope, how are you?

H: I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.

A: no, no I was just taking a quick break to visit with my son & grandson. It’s nice to see you. I’m glad you two are seeing each other again.

H: So, Maura told you?

A: told me what?

H: oh, ah…well, I have been…emailing her. But she hasn’t responded.

A: have a seat. Well, she didn’t tell me much, but I know you didn’t leave on good terms.

H: I was, uh, so shocked. And I-I didn’t react well. I’ve never in my life been as surprised as I was when a grown woman told me that she…is the baby that I thought died at birth.

A: (doesn’t know what to say. She looks over at Tommy, who is feeding T.J.) How’s uh, how’s Cailin doing?

H: she’s doing very well.

A: I know this isn’t my business, although, uh Maura (taps her heart) …Maura is my business. Did you come here to ask her to…

H: yes. I came to see if she is still willing to donate one of her kidneys to Cailin.

A: Hey Tommy, honey. Come here. Bring me T.J.

H: he really is a beautiful baby.

A: you know I would do anything for any one of my children…and for this baby. So, no one…no one can blame you for wanting to save Cailin.

Awww now we know where Jane gets it. Last time out, it was Angela talking with Frost’s mother. This ‘mother talk’ scene is so much different from that one. It’s interesting to learn just how much Angela knows about the situation. I like how she was hesitant in saying what she did to begin with. She was feeling out Hope at the beginning, which gave her the chance to understand the real reason that Hope was there. She also knew how much the situation has been hurting Maura.

I’m not sure that there has been a sweeter line in this series than Angela’s “Maura is my business” – especially since it was said from Angela (who has become Maura’s surrogate mother) to Hope (Maura’s bio-mom who, up to this point, hasn’t even acknowledged that fact to Maura). I still really want to see a scene between Jane and Hope – a scene similar to the one with Jane & Constance at the Installation (2x6 Rebel w/o a pause), where Jane tells Constance exactly what she’s done wrong with Maura and how to fix it. I also find it interesting how both of Maura’s mothers (Hope and Constance) seemed to be standoff-ish and clinical. Jane’s ‘talk’ to Constance helped to facilitate the transition to a softer, warmer and more personable mother/daughter relationship. I think the same thing would happen if Jane had a good talk/ass kicking with Hope as well (even though Hope does mellow out at the end of this episode.)

Angela’s line about how she would do anything for her kids or grandchild made me think back to Jane shooting herself at the end of season 1, in an effort to end the hostage crisis and allow medical support to get in and save Frankie. It also reminds me of the scene in 3x06 Money Maker, when they were talking about donating a kidney. Maura told Jane that she’d want to do the same thing if it were one of her brothers.

-- another nudge --

J: can you scan for depression?

M: are you depressed?

J: only when you ask me that…no, I meant him (indicates the corpse on the autopsy table) I don’t understand why he would kill himself that way, you know? I mean something’s hinky here.

M: I think you should talk to him

J: he’s dead, Maura.

M: I meant Casey.

J: I’m scared.

M: of what?

J: more rejection.

M: he’s only rejecting you out of fear. And if you don’t try to talk him out of a surgery that could kill him, you’ll regret it.

J: well, now I’m really scared.

I love how Maura immediately asks if Jane is depressed. The most revealing part of this scene is when Jane tells Maura that she’s scared. Jane doesn’t reveal honesty like that to just anyone – mainly just Maura, Frankie or her mother. It also amuses me that the ‘normal’ roles for these two are totally reversed here. It’s usually Jane who is nagging Maura to do something that she doesn’t want to do, and specifically something that has strong emotional attachments to it .

-- Mama’s warning --

J: why does he have concrete in his tool box?

M: I’m so glad that you said ‘concrete’ and not ‘cement.’ Too many people think it’s the same thing when cement is actually a component of concrete.

J: no, but why is he saving it? and why is he saving a broken fluorescent light bulb, a copper pipe, and a bent anchor bolt?

M: well maybe he needs to purchase more.

J: yeah, but it looked like he was hiding it. (reads the sticky note on the envelope) “’creep’, epoxy, recycled?” That’s a strange list. (she takes out papers from the envelope) oh, so, he Xeroxed some plans.

M: he was in charge of maintenance for all three buildings. It makes sense that he had building plans.

J: (picks up a sheet) what do you think that means?

Maura’s phone buzzes.

M: oh, my god. Oh, my god. It’s your mother.

J: (deadpans) oh, my god.

M: and my mother…my biological mother, Hope. She’s in the café. What is she doing here?

J: she came to get your kidney?

M: (gives her THAT look) stop. Can you please go talk to her

J: what?! Why do I have..she’s your…relative.

M: oh, no. she rejected me. She said that I wasn’t her daughter.

J: then she remembered she needed your kidney for her real daughter, (perky voice)  Cailin.

M: I don’t want to talk to her. But I-I can’t keep ignoring her, it’s rude.

J: so…call her and tell her to make an appointment.

M: good idea. (turns and leaves)

J: but wh…no?

 
 

Haha. Was that another moment of sarcasm that Maura just didn’t get? Does Maura realize that even if Hope makes an appointment, that still means Maura has to talk to her. It’s cute that Maura immediately asked Jane to go talk to her instead. Hello! Yes, isn’t that what I’ve been saying all along? Put Jane in a room with Hope and see how long before Hope turns tail & runs. I find it sweet that Angela sent a text to Maura, warning her that Hope was here.

I had to chuckle at Maura’s concrete/cement debate. It makes me think of all the times my brother reminds me that the ground is made up of ‘soil’ and not ‘dirt.’

Oh, and does anyone really say “Xeroxed” anymore? That’s so 80’s.  It’s usually just “copied” these days – at least around here.

-- a piece of her mind --

Maura walks out the morgue door and notices Hope sitting there waiting for her.

M: Dr Martin.  Didn’t you get my message? I’m… very busy today.

H: yes, I did, but I would really like to talk to you.

(now in Maura’s office)
M: what do you want to talk about?

H: when we met…I said  that I felt a strange kinship with you.

M: you also, uh, said that conceiving me was the biggest mistake of your life.

H: I’m sorry that I said that. Maura, I had no idea. Paddy told me that our baby died. (Maura’s typing on her computer) And I visited the grave.

M: you’re really trying to tell me that you’ve never seen any of this? (shows her the news article “Chief Medical Examiner Is Mob Boss’s Daughter”) Paddy Doyle’s capture was international news.

H: I closed the door on that part of my life.

M: well…at least your 18-year-old had the guts to confront me. You just denied your life. The Harvard girl who got seduced by the-the evil thug. And then you ran.

H: I’m…very sorry.

M: I had this…this stupid little-girl fantasy…that when we met, you’d be…everything that you are. But you’d want me. You’d be very happy to know that I was alive.

H: I reacted badly.

M: “badly”? You accused me of lying. You told me that I wasn’t your daughter. I actually think that you asked me what I wanted from you.

H: yes, I did.

M: and now you’re back. Do you see Paddy Doyle when you look at me? Do you see evil?

H: no. and I saw so much good in your father.

M: Paddy Doyle’s not my father.

H: I loved him. He was the…still is, the most complicated…intelligent, damaged human being that I’ve ever met.

M: why are you here?

H: Cailin.

M: well…I know what I should do – give you my kidney to save your daughter. But I’m your daughter, too.

H: I know that I have no right to ask you.

M: you don’t. I think you should go.

As Hope leaves, Maura gives a small sob.

 
 
 

Bravo Maura! Did anyone else get the feeling that those were Jane’s words coming out of Maura’s mouth? I still wish Jane had been there. Such a wonderfully played scene by both Sasha and Sharon. Most of Hope’s part was appearing contrite, remorseful, and taking whatever was going to be thrown back at her, while still humbly asking Maura for her kidney, even after all of the truthful accusations that were brought up. The Maura from season 1 would have just relented immediately without fuss. But this scene shows how much Maura has grown, just by being around Jane and the rest of the extended Rizzoli family. In three short years, Maura has realized that she can have feelings, show emotions and not be walked all over just to make others happy.  I also liked how she moved the discussion to her office – her territory – where she’d have the upper hand just by being in comfortable surroundings.

I was intrigued by the new morgue door. There are lockers or storage compartments in the background. That’s a new set we haven’t seen before, right? It looks like the doors are right next to the elevator. I chuckled at the sign that said “Caution: Protective Apparel (Aprons, Caps, Eye Protectors, Gowns, Masks, & Shoe Covers) must be worn by all persons beyond this point.” Right, like we’re ever going to see Maura or Jane do a scene with all of that on.

I don’t think I’ve mentioned yet how much I love that outfit that Maura is wearing.

-- creep --

K: you think maybe Ryan was the mosquito buzzing around him, complaining about chunks of concrete & busted lights?

J: maybe. Although (picks up Ryan’s envelope with the sticky note) look at this post-it note that I found. My father used to complain all the time about creep.

F: the ones you were dating?

J: (gives him a look) that’s funny. No. Ryan saved anchor bolts with dried epoxy.

K: he wrote ‘epoxy’ on this post-it.

J: creep can happen over time. The concrete cracks, the anchor bolts pull out, and the pipes burst. My father hated being blamed when the pipes burst from creep.

K: maybe Ryan was finding problems with the Storrow Center buildings.

F: Sam Nelson would want to cover that up.

J: what, enough to kill one of his employees?

F: maybe. Billions of dollars at stake for one maintenance guy? (he looks at the building plans)

J: what, where are you going?

F: Storrow Center. It’s not far.

J: we don’t have enough to say hi to this guy and you know Sam Nelson has a stadium full of lawyers.

K: yeah, we show our cards now, we’ll never get him.

F: can you guys relax, I’m just gonna snoop around in the public areas.

K: with your cell phone?
F: with the camera in my cell phone.

Frankie comes in.

Fra: Jane, can you give Tommy & the baby a ride home?

J: why can’t you?

Fra: I’m filling out paperwork.

J: (scoffs) I don’t have anything to do.

Fro: I can drop them after I take the photos.

J: really? You sure?

Fro: yeah, no problem.

J: all right, thanks. (phone buzzes) good, cuz Maura needs a shoulder to cry on.

K: why, what happened?

J: girl stuff.

K: oohhh.

 
 
 

“girl stuff” LOL I love Korsak’s reaction to that – kind of like “I’ve been married three times, so I hear ya.” Awww I love how Barry has no problems helping Jane out with her family problems. After three seasons, it’s all become just one big happy, wacky, dysfunctional family anyway.  I love hearing Jane talk about her father’s job. (even if he has become a creep these days)  It still reminds me of season 1 when Frank Sr was around and doing plumbing jobs – like at the Dirty Robber and under Jane’s sink as well. It also reminds me of the scene back in 1x09 (the beast in me) M: I happen to know a thing or two about copper flux. J: do you, show off? Well, so do I. I’m the daughter of a plumber.

-- cheering up the LLBFF --

Jane walks into the morgue to see Maura lying on an autopsy table with a fat pillow over her face.

J: Maura, what are you doing?

M: looking for the oblivion of sleep.

J: what about him?

M: he doesn’t mind.

J: okay, come on. (takes the pillow off) you’re gonna get lip gloss on your nice pillow. (she puts the pillow under Maura’s head)

M: I don’t care.

J: I thought you told her to make an appointment.

M: she just showed up.

J: well, at least you got to keep your kidney.

M: no, no, no. it wasn’t even about that. I wasn’t holding my kidney hostage.

J: okay, this conversation just took a weird turn.

M: I can’t believe I just did that.

J: did what?

M: I stopped being nice. I said what I thought. I was really mad and hurt, and I just…said it.

J: Maura, that’s good. That’s okay, all right? I’m proud of you.

M: I feel nauseous. What did I say? Why did I say it? why…I don’t even know what I said.

J: okay, okay. Let’s talk about something else. Oooh (claps giddily) ball bearings. You like to talk about ball bearings.

M: well, I’m almost certain that they came from a computer hard drive, and the lab is trying to track down the manufacturer. 

J: okay, good…speaking of balls, I just strapped mine on and called Casey’s office.

M: you did?

J: mmhmm. He took a leave of absence yesterday.

M: well, go talk to him now – like right now.

J: it’s my lunch hour, and I only have 43 minutes left.

M: well, that’s enough time to say what needs to be said.

J: I don’t know what needs to be said.

M: say ‘enough with the magical thinking that could kill you or leave you a quadriplegic.’

J: (turns to leave) oh, I don’t know why I’m doing this.

M: ‘cause you love him. (lays back down & puts the pillow over her head)

Oh, I can just imagine the fanfics that are going to come from Jane’s comment of strapping on her balls. Oy. Didn’t Jane say in a previous episode that she’s never actually taken a lunch break? It’s cute that she spends this one trying to cheer up her LLBFF. 

As for the rest of the scene - First of all, it’s a cute pillow, but the nice fluffy pillows (like on Jane’s bed) work much better for covering your face with, to bring the ‘oblivion of sleep’ (and are much better to scream into and absorb the sound.) Secondly, Jane’s comment about how the conversation ‘just took a weird turn’ made me laugh, because that’s usually how most of the Rizzles conversations are to begin with. Thirdly, Maura’s comment about not holding her kidney hostage was one of the strangest, but cutest things she’s ever said. Fourth, Maura’s “stopped being nice” and “said what I thought” comment made me think back to the beginning of the season when the two were at odds with each other and bickering back & forth. It made me realize how Maura’s knowledge of being Paddy Doyle’s daughter has changed her. It wasn’t until Maura was “kidnapped” by Paddy in season 1 that we finally saw Maura stand up for herself and protect herself against him. That, along with constantly being around the Rizzoli family, has allowed Maura to have the confidence to give her opinion and stand up for herself and her loved ones.

Oh, and one other thing I noticed – was Maura wearing crocs? Didn’t Jane sneer at that same footwear which the employees at that fertility clinic were wearing in the “living proof” (2x02) episode ?

-- Casey’s reality --

Jane knocks on Casey’s door.

C: Jane, what are you doing here?

J: can I talk to you?

C: it’s not a good time.

J: well, there’s not gonna be a better one.

He lets her in. Jane sees many bottles of medications and other medical stuff.

C: it’s not too pretty, is it?

J: I didn’t mean to come here unannounced. I’m not here to embarrass you, okay?

C: I have tea, uh, water. Can’t drink alcohol.

J: oh

C: because of the surgery.

J: right. So, you’re going through with it?

C: yeah. I am.

J: uh…Maura seems to think that…your spinal injury is in a place that’s hard to repair.

C: yeah. Yeah, it is.

J: and…and that whatever surgical procedure you’re having is risky.

C: it is, very.

J: well, how risky? Like ‘you’re gonna die’ risky?

C: more likely, I’ll end up a full paraplegic.

J: oh my god.

C: I told you it wasn’t romantic.

J: well, then, why do it? Okay, why make things worse?

C: this catheter…I was about to put it in when…

J: look, I’m, I’m sorry. I’m not saying it doesn’t suck, okay? It does. But, it’s reality and I can deal with reality just as long as you talk to me. Okay?

C: reality? I can’t feel, Jane. Not just here (covers her hand that’s on his knee) I cannot feel anymore. I can’t make love to you. I can deal with crutches and the leg braces, and…I can even deal with the catheters. I can’t live without being able to feel you. Give you children.

Jane gives him a hug and a little kiss.

It’s interesting how this conversation comes shortly after Maura’s confrontation with Hope. Both ladies are confronting people who hold keys to their happiness in the same episode. A nice melding of storylines. Yes, I love Casey. I wish Chris’ situation was different where they didn’t have to go this route. It’s sweet how Casey says that if he’s going to be with Jane, he can endure all of the other stuff that goes along with the paralysis, but he can’t live without the intimacy.

-- check ‘recycled’ off the list --

Jane sees Maura tending to injured victims.

J: Maura! Maura!

M: what is it?

J: they’re inside the building – Frost and Tommy & T.J.

M: oh my god, are you sure?

Frankie comes running up to them.

F: Jane! Jane! I couldn’t find them. We were pulling out bodies and people with broken bones. We got to as many of them as we could before they ordered us out.

M: they’re afraid that the entire building is gonna collapse. It’s built from recycled concrete.

J: what?

M: the lab results came back on the concrete samples you found. It’s recycled. Ground-up concrete debris, not the more durable concrete made from hard rock.

J: Ryan’s list. “Recycled” he knew. W-what other shortcuts did this builder take?

F: they can’t find him. Sam Nelson, the developer. He was last seen leaving right before the collapse.

J: he’s probably halfway to the Marshall Islands by now. Okay, look, you don’t say a word to Ma, okay, until we’re sure they’re in there.

Paramedic: Dr Isles, we’ve got more coming.

J: Maura, go. Go.  (Maura leaves)

J: come on, we’re going in there.

F: they won’t let anyone past them. I tried.

J: okay, so we try again. Come on.

F: Jane. Jane, wait. You can’t.

J: (gets emotional) I hope they’re still alive in there. (gives Frankie a hug)

F: I know. I know. I know.

 

I love how Frankie gets to be the strong one so Jane doesn’t have to. There are only a couple people who could have stopped Jane from barging back in there. Frankie is one of them. It’s sweet how Jane pushes Maura to go and do what she does best. It’s also nice to see how Maura seems to be the doctor in charge – even though she’s a medical examiner, and not a regular doctor. And the cute little arm taps that they give each other as a means of support. Yep. She’s definitely part of the Rizzoli family.

I know that paramedic guy from some place. I picture him as a baddie from some show, but can’t place him

-- personal plea --

J: Councilman Deluth, Captain Green, we need to talk to you.

CG: we’re doing all we can, Detective.

J: it’s bad concrete.

CG: what?

J: the builder – he used recycled concrete. That’s what caused the collapse.

D: no, that wouldn’t be enough to cause such a catastrophic failure. I-I spoke with the structural engineers who built it. they think that it was a combination of the heavy rains and the additional stories that the developer added to building 3.

CG: so, maybe vibrations from the heavy equipment and the additional pilings compromised building 1?

D: yes.

F: we want to go in. Our brother and our nephew are trapped in there.

CF: I don’t want a marble rolling around in there right now. It’s not a question of if that building is coming down, it’s a question of when. I promise you, if we can get enough equipment in there and shore it up, I’ll go in there myself.

Awww, you’ve gotta love the guy for saying that and possibly putting his life on the line for their family – and you know Jane and Frankie would be right behind them in that venture. I also love seeing Angie working with Robin Thomas again. Now I want to go back and rewatch that Women’s Murder Club episode (for the hundredth time.)

Having all of the rescue personnel around here makes me think two of my shows have collided. It reminds me a lot of Chicago Fire, which is currently one of my favorites. And it also reminds me of the wonderful older series “Emergency”

-- Maura takes charge --

M: (to paramedic) internal bleeding, he needs to get to Beth Israel.  

P: I’m out of transport right now.

M: get a police car and get him out of here.

P: (turns to a police officer) hey, you got a car?

Hope comes up behind her.

H: Dr Isles. What can I do? FEMA put out a call to all off-duty nurses & doctors, so I just came as soon as I heard.

M: thank you. Can you assess the patients over there? I think that woman has a fractured femur.

Hope walks over to the injured lady

H: hello, ma’am. I understand you’re in pain (Maura is watching her) which leg is it, please? This one? All right. That’s all right. It’ll be okay.

 

It’s sweet to see Maura watching Hope’s ‘bedside manner’ and her medical skills at work. It’s also great to see Maura at work in a crisis, and giving the paramedic the cue to grab a police car for transport. I’m guessing that thought came from working so closely with Jane, because that really sounded like a Jane suggestion.

-- Korsak to the rescue --

K: don’t give up.

J: I’m not. I’m not.

K: I don’t know how to scan these plans. (he holds it up to the webcam) can you see that?

J: yeah, sort of.

K: all right, he circled a section on P-3

J: okay

K: this looks like an arrow. He’s got a rectangle labeled “P-3 Floor” and then a circle with a question mark inside.

J: no, but maybe there’s something under  P-3.

K: P-3 is the lowest level.

Maura comes running up.
M: Jane. Jane. The lab was able to trace the ball bearings used to kill Ryan back to 500 recalled computers.

J: okay, okay, I’m talking to Korsak.

M: no, listen to me. Most of those computers were purchased for city employees including all 13 city counselors.

J: Korsak, find out the name of the concrete company that supplied the concrete to Sam Nelson.

K: give me a sec. give me a sec. give me a sec. (types on the computer) Koneff Concrete. Looking for the owner. … Claire Koneff Deluth.

J: the wife of the councilman?

K: oh god.

J: they put the concrete company in her name to avoid conflict of interest

Yep, it’s always the politicians that screw things up all for the sake of greed. I love how Jane respects Korsak for doing the computer thing, even though he’s not very adept at it, and she gives him a bit of patience in doing it. It was also sweet that his first comment to her was “don’t give up.” Awww I love Papa Bear Korsak. 

-- tunnel exploring/rescue --

J: you don’t have to do this.

M: oh, now you tell me.

J: what are all these cans?
M: old civil defense water cans. They used to store them here. Little did they know it wasn’t a very effective atomic bomb shelter because of the chimney effect.

J: can we talk about this later. (rumbles and creaks and some debris from above) please go back.

M: no.

More debris come down.

-  -  -  -  -

They get to where a rockfall has blocked their path.

J: I don’t think we can go any further.

M: oh, let me check here. (she uses her thermal scanner)

J: I can’t tell my mother that my brother’s dead.

M: (finds a couple of hot spots) Jane. Look. Look.

J: that’s them. That’s them.

-  -  -  -  -

Firefighters are sawing through the beams.

J: come on.

M: they’re almost there, Jane.

CG: all right, get him up there.

(the paramedic goes up and hands down T.J.)

J: Maura, he’s not moving.

T.J. cries.

M: that’s a vigorous cry, Jane. He’s okay. Okay.

(more rumbling from above as more debris rains down)

CG: all right, get that baby out of here.

M: come on, Jane. (pulling Jane away) Come on. Jane, come on.

Jane and Maura exploring the tunnel by themselves? Seriously? Makes me wonder if she gave this information to Captain Green, or if she just went on her own. You’d expect Frankie would be there with them as well – however, we just saw Frankie taking away Deluth in handcuffs, so he’s probably busy attending to that arrest. Captain Green made good on his promise to go in there personally. I like that. I also love how Maura pulls at Jane and encourages her to leave with T.J.

-- family reunited --

Angela is trying to calm down T.J. Korsak comes running up to them.

K: anything?

Jane shakes her head, then she looks over to the other side.

J: there’s Frost! (she runs up to him. He’s got his left arm in a makeshift sling) FROST! hey, are you all right?

Fro: yeah, busted arm. I – I think that’s it. 

J: it’s good to see you, man.

K: boy, you sure know how to make an exit.

A: where’s Tommy? I don’t see Tommy. … oh my god, there’s Tommy. TOMMY!

Jane walks up to the gurney that they’re rolling Tommy on.

J: hey man, hey, how ya doing?
T: I’m okay, exc-except for my head. Is T.J. okay?

A: yeah, yeah, he’s right here. He’s right here, baby, he’s fine. Oh Tommy.

T: I’m okay, Ma. Ta…just make sure Lydia pumps for him, okay?

A: okay, but we’ll take good care of him. I love you, baby.

- - - - -

Maura is standing back, watching the Rizzoli reunion. Hope comes up beside her.

M: I want to help Cailin.

H: she told me what she said to you.

M: she said, “I don’t want any part of you living in me.”

H: I’m so sorry.

M: we all say and do stupid things. I’ll have Boson General’s transplant unit arrange everything. I-I…I don’t want Cailin to ever know.

H: Maura!

M: no. promise me.

H: I promise. … can I …would it be all right with you if…

Maura nods and gives her a hug.

H: I will never be able to thank you.

Does Maura really believe that Cailin will never figure it out? Really? Come on, she figured it out the first time. I just hate it that these two reunions were separated. Even though Maura was watching Jane reunite with her family, she should have been right there, as well as Jane should have been there with Maura and Hope at the end. I don’t like how they’ve separated things so neatly, seeing as how Jane & Maura always seem to be so intertwined. Now, it’s like they’ve turned Maura into an outsider. It completely diminishes Angela’s line to Hope that “Maura is my business.” If that’s the case, Maura should have been right there when the Rizzolis were reuniting, and the Rizzolis (at least Jane) should have been there when Maura told Hope of her decision.

-- one final goodbye --

J: how long have you been here?

C: I didn’t want to leave until I knew they were safe.

J: thank you. I’m sorry for what I said about…not being able to wait for you. It just slipped out.

C: it’s okay. Go be with your family.

J: well, what about you?

C: I’ll be okay, or I won’t. it’s my choice.

Casey turns and walks away. Maura comes up to Jane. She puts a hand on her shoulder & startles Jane.

M: are you okay?

J: yeah. It’s just another day at the office, huh?

They both chuckle.

J: are you okay?

M: yeah.

Really? No hug? (from either Jane/Casey or Jane/Maura?) No head on the shoulder? No other affection? Sheesh. That was a discombobulated ending. With all of the reunions and the goodbye, it should have been a tug-at-the-heartstrings ending, yet it just really felt…off. Totally off. And, no, it wasn’t because of Casey. I think it was everything being too compartmentalized. Rizzoli family in one corner, Jane/Casey in another, Maura/Hope in a different corner, then the flat Jane/Maura ending in a fourth corner. Nothing really felt connected. It all felt very disconnected and pieced together by the sharp edges of a scalpel. In other words, what could have been a sweet ending, ended up being salt & vinegar – thus the bad taste in the mouth to end a season. (nothing new there, of course)

The episode really should have ended with the wide shot of them holding hands, plus a behind-the-scenes clip of them all together:

Some more caps:

 
 








 

 

Guest stars:

Colin Egglesfield (Tommy Rizzoli)

Chris Vance (Lt. Col. Charles ”Casey” Jones)

Sharon Lawrence (Dr. Hope Martin)

Robin Thomas (Roger Deluth)

Christine Dunford (Claire Koneff Deluth)

Christopher Cousins (Sam Nelson)

Josh Kelly (Ryan)

Stefanie Butler (Jennifer Johnson)

LamontThompson (Captain Green)

Michael Roark (Terran McGuire)

As for a season 3 recap (or even Seasons 1 through 3), I’ve touched on a few things previously – but the one I’ve noticed most is how all of the relationships and/or characters have grown.

Of course, Jane and Maura’s relationship is the one that’s most noticeable. In season 3 alone, they’ve gone from antagonistic and rude, back to their usual fun and flirty demeanor, and even to argumentative / annoyed and back again. As much as I didn’t care for the antagonism between them in 3x14, I actually think that’s the one that most shows how much their relationship has grown. They’ve learned (from the beginning of season 3) that they can be angry, argumentative, annoyed, or even downright rude to each other, and still have enough faith in their relationship that they know the other one will still be around to where they can pick themselves back up as LLBFFs when the battle is over, or another crisis is in need of being endured.

Season 3 has also brought us growth with both Angela and Tommy. It seems that Angela has (mostly) taken over the role as ‘head of the family’ – a role which Jane seemingly had assumed as her parents’ marriage fell apart, and her brother came back from prison. Now that Angela has a place to live, a fairly steady job, all of her kids near her, and even a grandchild, she has seemed to make a priority of watching over all of her loved ones – and even getting a bit of lovin’ on the side herself. There have been a few instances lately where we’ve seen Angela standing back and watching all of her loved ones with a small smile on her face.

How many people thought Tommy would go from prison parole to devoted papa in the span of about a season and a half? I think this is the best character development for this show, so far, as I was never pleased with the “Jane/Frankie good kids vs Tommy the screw up” storyline. I’d like to see something in the future with Tommy being the hero.

While Angela and Tommy had growth in season 3, I actually think Korsak, Frost & Frankie either stayed the same or took a bit of a step back. For Korsak, the storyline highlight was seeing ex-wife #1, Dana, and getting a little bit of a back story with that. Otherwise, for the rest of the season, it seemed that Vince was stuck in the background, even behind Frost.  I think we need more Jane/Korsak moments. Those are usually my favorite. Speaking of Barold, it was great to finally get a bit more character back story with the arrival of his mother & her partner in 3x14. All we’ve seen for Barry in three full seasons is a short appearance from his father, working with his ex on a case (when do we get to see Anna again?! I want her back.) and now his mother coming to visit. I guess you can put ‘surviving a building collapse’ to that short list now too.

As I mentioned previously, Frankie really hasn’t done much in the three seasons. His character’s been quite stagnant. He’s either been the ‘messenger’ or the ‘gopher’ or the ‘supportive son/brother’. The only real storyline we’ve had with Frankie was the S2 episode with his ex, Teresa, and her daughter, Lily. About the only thing we got this season was having his childhood friend killed, giving Maura a ticket for tagging, doing a ‘crunk in the trunk, dance, and making a few arrests.  I’d love to see some kind of personal story line for Frankie, which would give Jane more ‘big sister’ storylines too.

And then there’s Rondo. I’d love for them to find a way to get Rondo into each & every episode, just to hear a “Vanillllaaa” each time. Maybe now that Rondo’s Rejects have made their way into Casa Isles, we might get more random Rondo sightings in the future. One can only hope.

Another character that I beg for more screen time for is Lt Cavanaugh. Since Brian Goodman is in the opening credits, it would be great to at least have him appear in every episode. I also hope they continue with the Cavanaugh/Angela romance in season 4. Those two are sweet together.