RIZZOLI & ISLES: An Explosive Return for TNT’s New Hit Series

The girls are back in town! TNT’s hit Rizzoli & Isles returns for season two with an even stronger bond between the Jane and Maura following last season’s traumatic events.

When we last saw Jane and little brother Frankie, they’d both been shot during a hostage situation at the police station. Obviously both survived, but as we learn in the opening moments of season 2, the road to recovery has been a long one. Jane is finally up and on her feet, facing a dreaded task: accepting a heroism medal at a public event. Torture! Fortunately Maura is there to make her get up there and remind her to make a good speech. Jane does, nearly breaking down in tears as she does so. At the event, she meets a young soldier, Abby, who is also receiving a medal and bonds with the younger woman. Also present are a former high school classmate, Sgt. Major Casey Jones (Chris Vance), who strikes up a flirtation with Jane and her mother.

Ah, Mama Rizzoli. Drama follows her wherever she goes and tonight is no exception. In the midst of Jane’s reluctantly accepted gratitude, Mrs. Rizzoli reveals that she and Papa Rizzoli are getting a divorce. She doesn’t reveal exactly what transpired to cause the split, but she alludes to a possible affair in addition to money problems. The house is being foreclosed on, much to Jane’s dismay. She offers to let her Ma live with her, but Maura has already offered her guest house. I get the feeling a murder-suicide has just been prevented by this arrangement.

As if this personal family drama isn’t enough, as they’re leaving the event, Abby gets into a car to leave, and it explodes. Stunned and still in pain from her own injury, Jane nevertheless insists on working the case. Side note: Maura is sure that the lingering pain is psychological and recommends sex with the Sgt. Major. Maura is correct, as usual.

The explosion is the case of the week and leads the intrepid team of detectives, police officers, medical examiner, and military personnel from terrorists to friendly fire to a love triangle. In the end, what initially looked like a politically motivated attack was in fact a lover spurned. Tragic.

Abby’s story isn’t the focus here, though. The real story is that of BFF’s Jane and Maura, Rizzoli and Isles. As much as Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander gelled during the breakout first season of Rizzoli & Isles, they’re even more in the groove this season. The banter comes thick and fast, the affection is palpable, and the sense that these two have a long, shared history is undeniable. I’m not sure I like the marketing angle that they’re close enough to be lovers, but somehow I think these two would find it hilarious.

Rizzoli & Isles airs Mondays at 10/9c on TNT.