Major Crimes

:

Season 1
  • Network: TNT
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 13, 2012
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 56
  3. Negative: 7 out of 56
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Buy on
Stream On

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. Zathras
    Aug 14, 2012
    3
    Major Crimes was a major disappointment for me. By retaining almost the entire cast of The Closer the show invites a comparison in which, in my opinion, it comes off as a pale imitation of the original. While Mary McDonnell is a fine actress her character is not likable and the manner in which she is installed as the head of Major Crimes made that situation even worse for me.

    That same    Major Crimes was a major disappointment for me. By retaining almost the entire cast of The Closer the show invites a comparison in which, in my opinion, it comes off as a pale imitation of the original. While Mary McDonnell is a fine actress her character is not likable and the manner in which she is installed as the head of Major Crimes made that situation even worse for me.

    That same situation and the events that it causes also made me dislike Assistant Chief Taylor even more that I did in the first few seasons of The Closer. The same was true of Chief Pope even though he did not appear on screen. While their actions can be attributed to political realities that fact does not make any of them more sympathetic to the audience.

    Added to this is the addition of another cast member whose character is also made to be rather unlikable by the manner in which she gets her promotion to the squad.

    For me all that Major Crimes accomplished was to make me miss The Closer. I will watch the second episode to give it a chance to change my mind but if it is more of the same I won't be watching the third. I do not enjoy watching shows when this many cast members are not likable.    … Expand
  2. andrewire
    Aug 16, 2012
    9
    Major Crimes is a great crime-solving series. I watched the first episode and it was interesting, intriguing and quite smart. The acting --especially McDonnell-- is superb. She's incredibly versatile and her character will grab your attention immediately. If you watched The Closer, this will feel familiar, but also renewed with new interesting things to explore. I'm definitely watching theMajor Crimes is a great crime-solving series. I watched the first episode and it was interesting, intriguing and quite smart. The acting --especially McDonnell-- is superb. She's incredibly versatile and her character will grab your attention immediately. If you watched The Closer, this will feel familiar, but also renewed with new interesting things to explore. I'm definitely watching the whole thing.… Expand
  3. dkeliik
    Aug 16, 2012
    10
    This show takes what The Closer had going to new heights, Mary McDonnell is incredible and brings new perspective to what was becoming a monotonous tv series, can't wait for
  4. Merlin52
    Sep 3, 2012
    1
    Slow and boring. The old characters have been diluted and the new lead is weak. The Rusty story is improbable and irrelevant. Very little to hold my attention. I watched my last episode tonight.
  5. martinex
    Aug 31, 2012
    7
    Major Crimes basically picks up where The Closer left off. The cast seems to be trying extra hard to cover the hole left by the amazing Kyra Sedgwick. Maybe too hard. In one episode Mary McDonnell dramatically screams at a Lab Technician "don't put me on hold I am the police." The most interesting character might be the awkward yet strangely talented detective Amy Sykes played byMajor Crimes basically picks up where The Closer left off. The cast seems to be trying extra hard to cover the hole left by the amazing Kyra Sedgwick. Maybe too hard. In one episode Mary McDonnell dramatically screams at a Lab Technician "don't put me on hold I am the police." The most interesting character might be the awkward yet strangely talented detective Amy Sykes played by Kearran Giovanni. The writing on the show is still top notch. The cast may want to dial it back a notch.… Expand
  6. Needsmorenerds
    Sep 3, 2012
    4
    Major Crimes, following up The Closer, tries to inherit the cult of fans from its predecessor by keeping its entire cast (except for the main, of course). I tried to go into this show with an open mind and not as much as a sequel. Mary McDonnell, a great actress, gets stuck with the most boring character possible. She isn't allowed to show any type of emotion at any times and she actsMajor Crimes, following up The Closer, tries to inherit the cult of fans from its predecessor by keeping its entire cast (except for the main, of course). I tried to go into this show with an open mind and not as much as a sequel. Mary McDonnell, a great actress, gets stuck with the most boring character possible. She isn't allowed to show any type of emotion at any times and she acts professional 24/7. Most annoying of all, she inserts herself into situations too much. Obviously as the lead character & as Captain of the LAPD's Major Crimes, she's bound to be around a lot to make sure the suspects are locked up and convicted. However, Captain Sharon Raydor is a nuisance and constant bother where she should just let the investigation hold itself. The main characters also have no chemistry or charisma on this TNT installment whatsoever, even less than their final season on "The Closer" where they were closer than ever. Not to mention that adding two more detective is not only excessive, but confusing to the fanbase. Major Crimes forces its viewers to focus on and only on Captain Raydor, who is constantly disrespectful and ignorant to any suggestions or insertions by her Detective Lieutenants. The biggest distraction in the room is the unnecessary addition of Raydor's adoptive son, Rusty Beck. In an backdoor attempt to meet the burden of getting into Raydor's personal life in comparison to Brenda Leigh Johnson's, the showrunners add Beck to show the compassion and care Raydor can have (which fails terribly). All of this is added onto a basic, if not terrible, kindergarten-like Crime Drama script. Even with McDonnell's unfortunately getting stuck with a mediocre character, the rest of the cast is colorful, well played and intelligent.
    Unfortunately, "Major Crimes" is nothing as advertised, and has yet to prove how it is starting "a new chapter" in LAPD's Major Crimes Unit. If you look at it with enough of an open mind and without focusing on Raydor too much, It's worth watching if there's nothing better on. Just don't DARE compare it to "The Closer"    … Expand
  7. asimov67
    Feb 6, 2014
    0
    Could be a great show,but for Mary McDonnell.I find she is so wooden,and shows no facial expressions. She always seems to be reading off a cue card,and badly.
  8. 2magnolias
    Jun 11, 2015
    5
    I do enjoy program although it is no way as good as The Closer. And can someone write into script that 'Rusty' be sent to an out of state college??? His self-absorption is tiresome. Magnolia
  9. TheBride
    Aug 14, 2012
    3
    The intensity of Brenda's character coupled with the fast pace of the plot made The Closer highly successful. And since the debut of Major Crimes was intentionally billed as a hand-off, it failed. It promised something but did not deliver and the failure is due to the slow-paced, deliberate style of Major Raydor whose personality suits a support character--and fails as the pivotal lead.The intensity of Brenda's character coupled with the fast pace of the plot made The Closer highly successful. And since the debut of Major Crimes was intentionally billed as a hand-off, it failed. It promised something but did not deliver and the failure is due to the slow-paced, deliberate style of Major Raydor whose personality suits a support character--and fails as the pivotal lead. Provenza's character is groping for some strength, but it's not clear he will deliver. And if the excitement is around plea bargaining--which is what is suggested--then this series will focus on arrogant lawyers glaring across a table and not the kick-ass smarts of a great detective. It's a recipe for boring.… Expand
  10. Delaney005
    Dec 28, 2014
    10
    I watched The Closer sporadically because I felt like it was the same thing over and over again. I didn't feel like there was much insight into the cast as a team but more centered on Brenda and her alone (maybe that was the intent)... but I liked the cast so I watched when I could. I thought bringing in Captain Raydor really elevated the show and wished she was around more. Now withI watched The Closer sporadically because I felt like it was the same thing over and over again. I didn't feel like there was much insight into the cast as a team but more centered on Brenda and her alone (maybe that was the intent)... but I liked the cast so I watched when I could. I thought bringing in Captain Raydor really elevated the show and wished she was around more. Now with Major Crimes, I never miss an episode. The cast seems to shine and it doesn't focus solely on one central character but everyone as a team (and there always seems to be a time when one cast member shines and the others are the support). I like that we are seeing real people do their jobs and balance life issues. It feels like the real world.… Expand
  11. CharB
    Aug 8, 2015
    4
    To TNT and Producers: if the show is renewed you must get rid of Rusty (to keep viewership)...
    either send him off to journalism school in NY or kill him as a last resort. If it weren't for the
    boring Rusty character, I would have scored it much higher. CB
  12. Mikeylito
    Oct 18, 2012
    8
    As this review is written, this series has shown four episodes. In some respects, this first season is a rehash of its progenitor, "The Closer." We have familiarity with most of the cast, including the new protagonist, Capt. Sharon Raydor, portrayed by Mary McDonnell, who has been a recurring character for the past three seasons. The creators' job is to somewhat rehabilitate this characterAs this review is written, this series has shown four episodes. In some respects, this first season is a rehash of its progenitor, "The Closer." We have familiarity with most of the cast, including the new protagonist, Capt. Sharon Raydor, portrayed by Mary McDonnell, who has been a recurring character for the past three seasons. The creators' job is to somewhat rehabilitate this character and make her more likable. The device they use is the "adoption" of a street kid who is a material witness in a serial murder. They also have her slowly winning over the squad who was intensely loyal to former chief, Brenda Leigh Johnson, who is no longer seen. The transition has been slow and plodding. The cases pursued by the squad have been less than potent compared to the prior series.

    However, it's early yet. There are six more episodes to this season to be played out over the fall, and presumably, around the holidays. Will "Major Crimes" attain the popularity of its predecessor? The jury is still out.

    UPDATE:

    The first season has now concluded and the good news is that the series has gotten much better. The emphasis on making deals in order to close cases has been de-emphasized and the cases have more of the twist and turns that "The Closer" had in its cases.

    The device of incorporating the street kid, Rusty Beck, into Sharon Raydor's life has been effective. It shows us another side of a character who, until exposed, has been an anathema to fans of "The Closer." In fact, by season's end, young Mr. Beck has been "adopted" not just by many of the fans and Capt. Raydor, but by the Major Crimes squad itself.

    The other new character introduced, Det. Amy Skyes, was also distasteful in introductory episodes. However, by season's end, she also gained her footing and became an integral part of the squad.

    There are still problems. It's incongruous when the FBI's Fritz Howard is around that no mention of Chief Johnson is made. Johnson, Gabriel and Pope are unseen and, with the exception of Pope, seldom mentioned.

    However, the play's the thing and the quality of the stories have been much more compelling. The characters are even more "familiar" with one another with a simple device of addressing one another by first names.

    All in all, "Major Crimes" has developed into a solid series. I'm looking forward to next summer's 13 episodes.    … Expand
  13. erom1943
    Sep 26, 2012
    8
    Extremely well done. This is "The Closer" part two, with the same high quality acting, writing and directing. Mary McDonnell does not have Kyra's personality, quirkiness or appeal, but she still pulls off her sterner, stiffer approach to crime solving. The segue from "closing" to "conviction without trials", was a major coup for the writers.
  14. JHG
    Oct 14, 2012
    9
    Great show better than the closer after 5 year run. It was time for Brenda to go. Too predictable and Mary McDonald is an excellent replacement. I was a loyal fan of the closer but Branda's character just became to predicatable and irritating. All the lying and excuses every show to her family just became boring instead of cute and funny
  15. Cwsongbird
    Oct 15, 2012
    10
    Major Crimes is a well written show. We look forward to watching it every week. Thought we would miss the Closer but this show is so good we have not. Look forward to next summer when it returns.
  16. toliverjohn
    Jul 26, 2013
    8
    Well written, familiar characters (from the closer) makes this a much watch. The same writers must be working on this show. While this is not my favorite show, it is in the top 5. I grew to love the characters on the closer so I am glad they got a second life on this show.
  17. lar97gforce
    Aug 6, 2013
    9
    Really love this show I was terribly sad to lose the "Closer" but "Major Crimes" had pleasantly filled the gap. Sharon Raydor took a while to grow on me, but over time she has shown more compassion and a "human" side. The cast is amazing together, just as they were on the the Closer. The only thing that could make it better is to bring back Brenda Lee Johnson, Fritzy and Will Pope!
  18. nblackburn01
    Dec 5, 2016
    10
    Love, Love, Love this freakin' show. After 5 seasons (and 12 in the franchise), it still doesn't get old. Best writing on TV that is just not appreciated by the critics (partly the reason I think they are legends in their own minds), but TNT execs as well. This show is the ONLY reason I still pay for cable. Once it is gone, I am done paying for crappy shows that network execs keep tryingLove, Love, Love this freakin' show. After 5 seasons (and 12 in the franchise), it still doesn't get old. Best writing on TV that is just not appreciated by the critics (partly the reason I think they are legends in their own minds), but TNT execs as well. This show is the ONLY reason I still pay for cable. Once it is gone, I am done paying for crappy shows that network execs keep trying to cram down our throats.… Expand
  19. TVW
    Sep 6, 2016
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show could never replace the Closer. Brenda's replacement is a poor character and on top of that you have that boy in the police station EVERY day! What child would be at the police station everyday. Is his relative someone famous? We can't stand his whinny voice. I encouraged folks to watch it and now telling them not to watch it. Are your writers parents of bad kids. I could do better myself. Good cast without children.… Expand
  20. Ultronprimus575
    Jun 10, 2017
    10
    Great show,you'll love the crew more and more especially Lieutenant Provenza.They hande cases very well.And overall a very great cast and a very great plot.
  21. puzzler70
    Jul 25, 2017
    10
    Major Crimes is one of a handful of shows I watch. Looking forward to the next season. Mary McConnell is a wonderful actress who's character has always been the opposite of Brenda on the Closer. I like her calmness in sticky situations. It's more realistic that she keeps her emotions in check. It's stabilizing in a crisis.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Best TV Season of 2012
40
#40 Most Discussed TV Season of 2012
9
#9 Most Shared TV Season of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Aug 27, 2012
    75
    If you were a "Closer" fan, I'd like to make a case for giving her a chance, because otherwise, Major Crimes is a winner.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Aug 13, 2012
    70
    Will the writing of the crimes continue to be as strong as it was on "The Closer"? I'm cautiously optimistic.
    Read full review
  3. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Aug 13, 2012
    50
    The first two cases, involving a gang of murderous thieves and the death of a personal trainer, are ho-hum. McDonnell, a fine actress, finally has a chance to inject some dry wit into her stoic investigator.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »