‘Major Crimes’ season 4, episode 12 review: Jack Raydor returns, stirs up trouble

We have bemoaned at times the strictly procedural nature of “Major Crimes,” largely because this is a show that feels like it can do more than that. It does at times, but most with the Rusty character. Why can’t more of the adults have stories that carry over from one week to the next?

Luckily, we are feeling rather grateful now that Monday night’s installment did. This was a story that did make a concentrated effort to tell stories that matter, and also bring back characters you know very well already. Hence, seeing Jack Raydor on the show again. We would say that it was a worthy return … or about as worthy a return as it can be when you are such a tool. Jack did himself no favors in this return. His presence was tied to the case of the week; heck, it needed him. It was very discussion-heavy this time, and since this show is not “Law & Order,” some of the confessions and testimonies may have been somewhat stale without his presence.

Now, let’s talk characters you find a little more likable. The good news tonight for Sharon / Andy ‘shippers out there is clear: They’re living together! Well, they at least are for a limited amount of time while Andy recovers. While we know that it is for medical reasons more so than romantic ones, we at this point will take anything we can get so long as it keeps these two in each other’s orbit and moving forward. With that said, boo at Jack for blowing up Andy’s spot on the force.

Finally, Rusty continued to his part when it comes to interviewing Slider … but the problem was that Slider’s attorney was hardly doing what they promised. Slider wasn’t getting the questions and felt broken-down by the system. Eventually, he decided to write down the questions himself to take matters into his own hands. It’s progress, but not a giant leap forward just yet. The big revelation is mostly that Andy’s suspicions about Slider’s reading comprehension skills may be correct.

Thanks to Jack’s presence and the show giving us as a whole a memorable story, we’d say that this may be our favorite “Major Crimes” since early in season 4. Hats off to the cast and crew. Grade: B+.

Interested in further news right away when it comes to “Major Crimes”? Then be sure to head over here, where you can see our review of last week’s episode! Also, sign up here to gather together some further TV updates and exclusive teasers on everything we cover, sent right over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: TNT.)