Always the fan of female heroines, Rizzoli & Isles serves as the perfect source of such phenomena. The popular cable show, showcased by TNT, is based on a series of books by a woman, Tess Gerritsen, created by a woman, Janet Tamaro, and features two, strong female leads, Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander. Harmon plays Boston policewoman, Detective Jane Rizzoli , while Alexander plays a forensic pathologist, Dr. Maura Isles.
I heard about the show through a mutual TV enthusiast who he himself was scavenging the internet for new shows to watch when he stumbled upon a site that focused up strong female leads that kick arse. Quickly he discovered Detective Rizzoli. I’m sure it was her credentials and not her stunning appearance that lead him to believe that her show may also be appealing. Shortly after this discovery he forwarded the site to me, who also did not notice Rizzoli’s strong allure , and we decided to give the program a good go.
Within the opening scenes of Rizzoli & Isles, before the opening title sequence commenced, I was hooked. The title sequence secured my pre-emptive thoughts and assured me I was going to watch Rizzoli & Isles until it would let me.
Again I write about another cop show, which I find odd myself. The genre has provided numerous programs over the years and I have failed to watch most of them, sticking to sitcoms and other dramas. But all at once I was watching a selection of cop shows including Rizzoli, Dexter, Castle, Bones and Hawaii 5.0. What I seemed to have avoided were the more serious selections like CSI, SVU, Law & Order etc. I found myself attached to particular characters and hooked upon particular relationships; I guess I am your typical ‘shipper’. But humour was also an important element in my choices.
Rizzoli & Isles is dramatic indeed, but too it is humourous, light-hearted, witty, thrilling and progressive. To me it would seem that Rizzoli & Isles could be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It too is enlightening when audiences are presented with female leads that are neither ‘desperate’ or a housewife, but rather career oriented and established in society. They can however enjoy the other moments in life such as friends, family and relationships, but yes, mostly with each other.
While Rizzoli & Isles’ strengths lie in its ability to deliver entertainment, the show’s key element is the relationship of Jane and Maura. Theirs is a relationship already established come episode one of the series, yet the difference here, as pointed out by Sasha Alexander, is that the relationship is relatively new and the audience come to learn about the relationship as the characters themselves do. Jane and Maura work together in solving crimes at the Boston Police Department with their colleagues, Detective Vince Korsak, Detective Barry Frost and Frankie Jr. But they too share a friendship, as mentioned earlier. Although the characters could not be any more dissimilar, they find a common purpose; Justice. Their indifferences only lend to the developing friendship, but in particular, the humour of the show.
Although the series is inspired by Gerritsen’s books, it takes it time to find its own storylines and development. There are of course tie ins from both mediums, but Tamaro knows that books do not read the same on screen.
Rizzoli & Isles is a rewarding source of entertainment. The show’s season two finale airs today and I await in anticipation for what should be another thrilling finale. You’ve got time to catch up before season three commences next year. It’s worth it!
