Review of episode 1.06 “Out of Bounds” by TVFanatic.com:

Here again we have the incredible character growth bestowed upon our former secondary characters from The Closer. We’ve seen, in extremely short order, Provenza go from being angry, to annoyed with Sykes, to taking on a kidding sort of relationship with her to being the first one to go to the hospital when she was injured. Not once have I doubted the journey of Provenza and Sykes. 

Sanchez was partnered with Sykes when she was injured, and the man who hurt her did not get off easy after taking her down. The new Julio Sanchez kicked the crap out of the guy who hurt his partner, and nobody batted an eyelid. 

We’ve battled over who is the heart and soul of major crimes, but I think we’ve got a very close tie between Sanchez and Provenza at this point. They are, quite frankly, blowing me away; as written and as portrayed by Raymond Cruz and G.W. Bailey.