The end of Rizzoli and Isles

Rizzoli and Isles is going to be ending after season 7, and I'm not ready! They ordered for a 13 episode season and will wrap things up. So far, they're in the middle of season 6, but the winter break just ended and now episodes are popping up every Tuesday! Based on the talk, it doesn't sound like TNT canceled the show because of low ratings or waning interest. It sounds more like the cast and crew felt it was time to say goodbye. 7 years committed to one project, especially the hard work involved in making a TV series, is a long time so I can understand people wanting to move on and do something new. I've really enjoyed this show from the very beginning. It was new and didn't read as the standard cop procedural. I was surprised by how hooked I was after only a few episodes. I hadn't read the book series by Tess Gerritsen prior to watching the show, but later I did read the first book. I felt that the books and the TV show were so different, especially when it comes to the characters of Rizzoli and Isles. The first book deals with the Surgeon, the serial killer, who's preying on Rizzoli. I didn't get the silly banter between Rizzoli and Isles and the other comedic moments that the TV show brings. The book read more like a serious drama. Maybe other books later in the series relate better to the TV series but I wouldn't know since I haven't read any more. I'm fine sticking with the show.

One of the things I love most about this show is the dialogue. You get smart lines spoken by a very well chosen cast. It's also refreshing to see 2 women as the main characters. Though there are a lot of male characters too, the show really highlights the unparalelled intelligence in Maura Isle's character and the great detective mind of Jane Rizzoli. You have 2 great females who are at the top of their game and profession. And throughout the series, I felt that the episodes were only getting better and better. Some underlying plot stories in each season had some hiccups (I was so done with the Surgeon and the whole Tommy and Lydia thing was a mess and annoying to watch), but overall I was happy with the way the show was going. It was a little disappointing that the stereotypes of cop procedurals were still in effect for this show. Meaning that basically every character was either single or had a string of broken marriages. For once, I'd like to see attached characters in some form. Maybe it IS more realistic to say that cops and federal agents have a tough job that creates a difficult marriage or relationship environment. But I think it would be nice to see a character try to make their relationship work. That they have relationships outside of work. That work doesn't consume every aspect of their lives. Every show I can think of that involves cops and federal agents has single characters. Ok moving on now, rant over.

Back to the show. It was very painful when Lee Thompson Young (Barry Frost) passed away during filming. It was a shock, and I couldn't wrap my head around it. Horrified and so very very sad. I knew Lee from back in the day when he used to do TV as a child actor. I loved his big smile and friendly demeanor. I was so happy when I saw he was on Rizzoli and Isles as an adult, and his character Frost was so well played. I couldn't believe when I'd heard he committed suicide. Of course filming was suspended for a while. The writers decided to have his character pass away as well from a car accident. And you could tell that the cast was haunted during the rest of filming for season 5. I felt that the grief exhibited by everyone was genuine. And the funeral service when Rizzoli gave the eulogy, I felt that Angie Harmon was speaking about Lee, not Frost. And I really liked that Frost was still on their minds and not forgotten. He had a presence on the show, and I thought that was a really nice way to honor his memory. And creating a scholarship fund in his name at the end of the season was a nice touch and of course brought on the waterworks. When seaon 5 premiered, I didn't even watch it when it aired. It was too soon, and I couldn't see Lee's face on my screen or even hear his character's name without tearing up. It took months. I bought the DVD when it came out and finally was able to watch it all the way through.

Again I have mixed feelings about the show coming to an end but at least they are going out on a high note. Now I'm very curious to know what the finale will consist of! Let's hope for a happy ending. I think that all the characters deserve that. Or at least knowing their characters will continue on as they always have will be acceptable too. And I don't want it to end on a cliff hanger!

#rizzoliandisles #tv