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 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. The seasons have 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 have read elsewhere that the real LAPD served as consultants on the show. If that is the case, how on earth did this whiny Rusty character make it to the screen? What department on the planet would allow some kid free access to squad rooms, computers, interviews, etc. I don't care that he was the Commander's adopted kid or that he had a miserable biological mother -- if anything, Raydor should have been extra cautious about him being around because it could have also meant the end of her career.His presence reminds me of a continual "bring your kid to work day," except he can do whatever he wants. Interview a prisoner who's involved in an active investigation? Sure, no problem! Want to sit in on viewing interviews or hang out in the murder room? No sweat! Want to have access to privileged information? Sounds good to me. NOT!!!I know this sounds really mean of me -- and fasten your seatbelts Rusty lovers -- but when I saw Stroh's message on the wall that Rusty was next, I actually cheered.

I used to like this show when it ran the first couple of seasons, but recently it's more about Rusty's homosexuality and other romance than police shows. If pushing this homosexuality garbage in our faces doesn't stop VERY soon, I'm bugging out. I don't watch this to see 2 men kiss who are too immature to know how to act or solve conflict. I'm watching it for entertainment about police crime solving.

While I enjoyed The Closer and Kyra, her character at times was incredibly annoying, whiney, controlling and selfish. I find I am enjoying Major Crimes more as it is more a true ensemble cast, the characters have been developed more, given interesting background stories. Thank you for continuing their story in this spin off. Love the side story of Rusty Beck and seeing him character grow and change over time.