“In the TNT drama’s Season 2 finale, airing Monday, Jan. 13, at 9/8c, Rusty already is facing his greatest challenge yet when he takes the stand to testify against serial rapist/murderer Phillip Stroh. But complicating the case even further, the D.A.’s office must go head-to-head with Ryan’s character Linda Rothman, a tough, powerful attorney who doesn’t let morals stand in her way of winning a case. (Gee, wonder why Stroh picked her.)”

TVLine also reveals that Jon Tenney will return for the final episode of the season as well.

TVLine is reporting that Jon Tenney will be returning to direct episode 15 of the second season of Major Crimes, and will also be returning to the show in front of the camera for episode 16.

Both episodes are set to air in December. Major Crimes returns from hiatus on November 25th.

“As on-screen threats against the teen murder witness intensify, could Rusty’s days come to an end on the TNT drama’s August 19 summer finale?

“Rusty is in a lot of jeopardy,” confirms executive producer James Duff. “There’s a major turn in his story as we kick it up a notch in terms of what this boy must suffer. And there’s a very good chance that his actions in the past will come back to bite him.” Rusty’s fate — death, or perhaps a transfer to the witness-protection program — will go unresolved until the series returns this winter, at which time Sharon will consider divorcing her absentee husband.

The finale also features an Andrew Cunanan-like killer, a sicko named Brandon North, “who comes to Los Angeles to audition for a male-model reality show called Poster Boy,” says Duff. “When that doesn’t [turn out well], something snaps.”‘

Hot off the presses from TNT, we now have episode descriptions available for the second half of the intense summer season of Major Crimes!

“Boys Will Be Boys ” – Monday, July 15, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
When a child with gender dysphoria goes missing, the Major Crimes division scrambles to solve the emotional case before it’s too late. Torn between several suspects, the squad has to be careful as it tries to connect the evidence to a dangerous bully. Meanwhile, Jack Raydor (guest star Tom Berenger) attempts to make up for years of lousy parenting.

Directed by Anthony Hemingway
Written by Jim Leonard
Created by James Duff

“Rules of Engagement ” – Monday, July 22, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
In a case that brings gang violence and social profiling to the forefront, the squad realizes that things are not always as they seem. Complicating matters further, Sharon offers Jack (guest star Tom Berenger) the opportunity to be a court-appointed attorney in the case. Meanwhile, Rusty expresses apprehension about meeting Kris’ (guest star Madison McLaughlin) parents.

Directed by David McWhirter
Written by Mike Berchem & James Duff
Created by James Duff

“The Deep End” – Monday, July 29, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
The media goes into a frenzy over race relations when the body of a young Latino man is found at the home of a white award-winning swimming coach. Flynn struggles with an emotional dilemma on the eve of his daughter’s wedding. Kris’ mother (guest star Lori Loughlin) pays Raydor a visit to discuss some concerns.

Directed by Rick Wallace
Written by Michael Alaimo
Created by James Duff

“There’s No Place Like Home” – Monday, August 5, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
Provenza faces possible permanent desk duty while the squad investigates the suspicious death of a loathsome ICE agent which brings them into contact with the residents of an ancient apartment complex nicknamed La Shangri-la. Tim Conway, Paul Dooley, Ron Glass, Doris Roberts, and Marion Ross guest star. Paul McCrane and Kathe Mazur also appear in the episode.

Directed by Leo Geter
Written by Duppy Demetrius
Created by James Duff

“Backfire” – Monday, August 12, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
In a case that hits a little too close to home for Rusty, a 19-year-old prostitute is brutally murdered. The squad rushes to reach a deal with the remorseless killer they believe is part of a larger criminal enterprise. Their efforts, however, do not sit well with the judge assigned to the case.

Directed by Sheelin Choksey
Written by Adam Belanoff
Created by James Duff

“Poster Boy” – Monday, August 19, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)
The team works strategically to capture a spree killer who has put everyone on high alert. Trying to solve the case quickly, Raydor is torn between two seemingly right decisions, each of which comes with major consequences. Meanwhile, Rusty is given some extra freedom, but more threats leave him afraid to stray far from home.

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

First up, TVGuide.com had this tidbit about episode 2.03, “Under the Influence”:

“Is it too early to ask for scoop on Major Crimes scoop? — Marc
ADAM: Never! After doing some digging, I landed some exclusive casting intel. Ben Feldman, who most recently grew a wicked mustache as copy writer Ginsberg on Mad Men, will guest-star in a Season 2 episode as Jason Andrews, a budding television writer who goes on a ride-along with Tao and Sanchez. Naturally, things go sideways when the cops make a discovery they’d rather not have Jason around to witness. (If he’s anything like Ginsberg, I hope they bring earplugs!)”

Then TVline.com had the following information:

Major Crimes | TNT’s offshoot of The Closer will introduce in Season 2 Jackson Raydor aka (yep, you guessed it) Captain Sharon’s estranged, not-quite-ex husband. Jackson is described as a “charming and devilish rascal” on hiatus from his career as a lawyer to pursue his main passion: gambling. But you can bet on major awkwardness — or sparks? – when Jackson grabs a gig as a public defender, temporarily crashes at Sharon’s place and fast becomes a buddy to ward Rusty.