The department is still reeling with the recent departure of Deputy Chief Brenda Lee Johnson, creating a tough transition for the newly appointed head of Major Crimes, Captain Sharon Raydor. But there is little time for adjustment as the department rushes to reach a plea bargain when a string of grocery store robberies turns fatal. After proving to be a valuable source for the case, undercover police detective and military veteran Detective Amy Sykes is transferred to Major Crimes. Meanwhile, Raydor takes a big step to protect teenager Rusty Beck after he runs away from his foster family.

Directed by Michael M. Robin
Written by James Duff
Created by James Duff

“The big difference with Major Crimes, I would say, is that we are looking at the justice system differently. It’s more of a group view. And there’s less agreement about what that means. It’s not only about the confession but about what happens afterwards. The justice system is over-extended. Major Crimes is going to ask a question that’s been asked more of government these days, which is: How much justice can we afford as a society? Trials are expensive. The system is backlogged. What are the ramifications of that? That’s what Major Crimes will be about.”

Major Crimes will also be headed by a strong woman, Duff points out, but this time it will be McDonnell’s character who takes the lead.

“Not only is this someone who believes in the rules, this is someone who wrote a lot of those rules, running the division now,” Duff said. “These guys are used to working with someone who was fast-and-loose with policy. Now they’re working for someone who says policy can be their friend, and she has to somehow convince them to believe that. This is someone they all know, and mistrust. It’s about having someone you know and mistrust taking over and doing a job you don’t believe they’re capable of doing.”