‘Major Crimes’ season 5, episode 11 review: Did Dr. Joe survive courthouse attack?

Monday night’s new episode of “Major Crimes” proved itself to be many things as it kicked off the “White Lies” arc. It was intense, dramatic, dangerous, and above all, fantastic television. Granted, we feel incredibly weird for saying that given how terrible some of the events were tonight for some of the characters following a shooting at a courthouse.

What was the reasoning behind this? Through most of the investigation, we learned that it may have been information exchanged between serial killer Dwight Darnell and Dr. Joe that was the cause of it. Rusty was terrified that Joe was going to die over the course of the episode, but the good news was that he survived. Darnell, meanwhile, did not meet the same fate. He died, and with him went a source of information, dark and evil as he may be. (It is still so jarring to see “Awkward” alum Brett Davern in this role.)

While Dwight may have been terrible, Captain Raydor still struggled with having to shoot him, and then also speak with her mother after the fact. She made it clear that she had heard enough about Jordan Graff, a man who Dwight idolized on some level.

One other important piece of evidence right now is the other person in the room during Dwight’s meetings with Dr. Joe. Think of that as your teaser for what lies ahead. Here’s one other question: Was that really Darnell’s mom?

Buzz pushes forward – While there may not have been an enormous update when it comes to his investigation over the course of the hour, he at least met another person involved with what happened 30 years ago. We don’t consider her presence to be an answer, but just a sign that he is still working on this despite limited screen time.

In the end, this conspiracy plot at the center of “White Lies” may be the strongest case “Major Crimes” has come up with in some time. There are key players who are easily identifiable, and at the same time the characters all have important roles to play. Episode Grade: A-.

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