Major Crimes returns tonight to begin it's six and last season on TNT (I am so hoping that someone else picks it up...) and on a new night. We have 13 episodes this season, with the 100th episode of the series to be aired on December 19th. The double episode finale is set to air in January. After last season's loss of Captain Taylor, Sharon will have a new boss, and something tells me that they won't exactly get along. There's also word that our old "pal" Phillip Stroh will be back to cause more than mayhem for our favorite detectives. No official word on a possible return of Kyra Sedgwick, who played Brenda Leigh Johnson in The Closer, the precursor show to Major Crimes, although show creator James Duff has hinted that it might happen near the end of the show over the years. Sedgwick is currently appearing in a ten episode show called, Ten Days in the Valley, where she plays the mother of a kidnapped daughter. Fans of Major Crimes are trying to get the show revived as other shows like Chuck and most recently Timeless were saved by fans. Duff, always loyal to the shows fans, has tempered expectations in that quarter in a Facebook post. I still hope it happens. Here is some of the best of our Major Crimes coverage to tide you over until tonight:
Kearran Giovanni stars as Detective Amy Sykes on TNT's Major Crimes, but one of her favorite hobbies is cooking. She took the time out to answer a few questions about the kitchen on breaks while she was filming a guest appearance on ABC's Designated Survivor in Toronto. Her character on Designated Survivor is Senator Diana Harris, modeled somewhat like Senator Kamala Harris of California. The episodes are numbers 116 and 117, and we'll let you know when they are ready to run.
From the set of Designated Survivor
But before we get started, you may want to check out this virtual reality 360 video of Kearran's Major Crimes' character Amy Sykes in court. That's Jeri Ryan, Star Trek's Seven of Nine, asking the questions.
And now let's get cooking with Kearran:
Who inspired your cooking?
My parents. My mother was an amazing cook. My father is Cajun French so that inspired a lot of my mothers and my own cooking. I grew up in Louisiana and food is love in the south.
What are your favorite meals?
Gumbo, a good steak dinner, seafood any shape or form.
As a busy Mom, do you cook differently for your kids?
I don't make 2 separate meals for them....I try and take recipes I know and love and just "kid friendly" them a bit. They will pretty much try anything. We are lucky.
What is a favorite dish or dessert your children like?
Oh man! Anything with sugar! Seriously though, we are not the LA norm...we have dessert after pretty much every meal. Something small...but a cookie, and scoop of gelato or sorbet. They love my Louisiana Crunch Cake with toasted coconut! As far as dish, they LOVE fish! Chilean sea bass pan seared with lemon, capers, and butter...butter makes everything better:)
As a genre, mystery is famous for its loners, guys like Jack Reacher, Monk and Lucas Davenport. But mysteries are also rife with bromances, all you have to do is look. What exactly is a bromance? The term is used to describe a non-sexual relationship between two men that are unusually close. In mystery, this can take the form of a traditional sidekick, a work colleague, or even a dog.
Here is my take on the top ten ten mystery bromances, in reverse order:
Number 10: Hercule Poirot and James Japp in the PBS Mystery! Series Poirot
Technically Poirot spends more time with Captain Hastings, but it is the unlikely evolution of his relationship with Scotland Yard’s Inspector Japp that is most impressive. The Brit and the Belgian are as different as two men can be, yet they develop a mutual respect and fondness for one another. Poirot invites Japp to stay at his house, and when Japp gives lectures about his career, he gives all the credit to Poirot. It’s a friendship of international detection perfection.
Man’s best friend bromance.
Number 9: Shaggy and Scooby in the Classic Cartoon: Scooby Doo, Where Are You!
This duo cannot be separated and although one is technically a dog and both are two dimensional. Shaggy and Scooby share interests, such as their intense love of food and running away from just about anything. Shaggy even eats dog treats (the so-called “Scooby snacks”) to be close to his friend, although some attribute this to other things.
Number 8: Shawn and Gus from the USA Network series, Psych
Best friends since childhood, Shawn and Gus have now teamed up to run a psychic detective agency where fun is often prioritized over the psychic crime solving. Although they are polar opposites, their mutual passion for anything from the 80s to quatros quesos dos fritos make them fabulous to watch.
Bromance under the sun
Number 7: Magnum and Higgins (and TC and Rick) from Magnum P.I.
Thomas Magnum and Jonathan Quail Higgins are yet another unlikely pair. One refined and formal focused on garden shows and club dinners, and the other into drinking beer with his buddies. (A bit like The Odd Couple, in fact!) But as many times as they argue, and as many times as Magnum gets on Higgins’ last nerve, their deep sense of right and wrong binds this friendship together.
Number 6: Detectives Ryan and Esposito from ABC’s Castle
The romantic tension between Beckett and Castle might be the star of the show, but Kevin Ryan and Javier Esposito super sidekick bromance often steals it. This bromance even has its own fan fiction website. The friendship between this comedic duo will be seriously tested this season.
Baseball and bromance.
Number 5:DetectivesFlynn and Provenza from The Closer
Flynn and Provenza were already late for the Dodger game when an unexpected dead body showed up in Provenza’s garage. The two decided to head to Dodger Stadium, and call in the murder after the game. Why waste skybox seats when the poor slob was already dead? This episode alone would land them in the top ten, but there’s so much more.
Number 4: Starsky and Hutch from the 70s TV series.
Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchenson, the well-read, deep thinker, and David Michael Starsky, the brash former Brooklynite, are tough guy opposites, but through car chases and crime fighting, they weren’t afraid to show their affection for one another. And then there was Huggy Bear.
Literary tough guy bromance.
Number 3: Elvis Cole and Joe Pike from the books by Robert Crais
Elvis Cole has Disney figurines on his desk and wears Hawaiian shirts, while Joe wears his sunglasses—all the time. If you haven’t read this series, you’d be well-advised to start at the beginning with The Monkey’s Raincoat. Elvis is the protagonist in most of these books, but, trust me, if you ever get in trouble you want Joe Pike to back you up. The next book in this series is due out in January 2012 and Joe will get his second run as the star of the show when Elvis gets Taken.
Number 2: Spenser and Hawk from the TV show Spenser for Hire and the books by Robert B. Parker
Both the books by Robert B. Parker, and the old TV series Spenser for Hirestarring Robert Urich and Avery Brooks feature Spenser and Hawk as good friends who often draw the line between good and evil in different places. It’s a complicated friendship that often makes the thoughtful Spenser question his own behavior.
Number 1: Sherlock and Watson Sherlock and Watson portrayal is different, but this relationship is always a bromance, otherwise why would Watson spend so much chronicling their adventures and why would Sherlock allow him to tag along? They live, fight and detect together. Occasionally, they even allow their affection for one another to show through. It’s the fact that this bromance can last through so many different imaginings—the books, multiple TV series and multiple movies—that make it number one.
So there you have it, my take on the top ten mystery bromances of all time. Who did I miss? What’s your favorite mystery bromance?
Tonight's episode of Major Crimes, called 'Clear History,' is a little on the dark side, according to Adam Belanoff who wrote the story. Adam serves as executive producer for Major Crimes, is here today answering questions. Adam has written for TV shows like Star Trek, Murphy Brown, Cosby and Wings. He was also a writer and co-producer on The Closer. He also wrote my favorite episode of The Closer, but you'll just have to read on to see which one that is.
Q: You’ve written and produced so many wonderful comedies, Murphy Brown, Cosby, Wings and many of the comedic episodes of The Closer and Major Crimes, including my all time favorite episode when Flynn and Provenza find a body in Provenza’s garage but don’t call it in right away because they have Dodger sky box seats. How does your approach to comedic writing differ than your approach to drama? Which do you prefer?
First, Deborah - thank you so much for that incredibly generous compliment. I've been very fortunate over the course of my career to work with exceptionally talented people and I don't think there's a successful episode with my name on it that wasn't greatly improved through the contributions of my colleagues.
The show you reference - "To Protect And Serve" - is particularly special to me because it was not only the first episode I wrote for "The Closer" but our initial attempt to create a largely comedic episode within the usual framework of our show. I often think that one of the reasons that people responded as positively as they did was because it was so 'out of the box' - though of course, the fact that G.W. Bailey, Tony Denison and the entire cast fully committed to this different style of story - and gave superb performances deftly straddling the line between comedy and drama - was key.
You may be surprised when I say that my approach to writing episodes of varying tones - from broader comedy to dark drama - is less different than you might imagine. In either (or all) cases, it's truly about constructing a solid story that doesn't stray too far from the established voices, behaviors and motivations of our characters. (I would add that when episodes that I've worked on of any stripe have been less successful, it's quite likely it's because we've strayed too far from that foundation.)
In terms of preference, it's a toss-up. I genuinely enjoy the extended process that begins with conceiving a comedic bit or piece of dialogue, later hearing it received well at our table read, watching it being realized on the set and finally seeing it landing well in the final cut. (As enjoyable as it is when things go as hoped, it's equally dispiriting when material in which one had great confidence just doesn't play - but that's the risk one takes when one steps out on a comedic limb.) On the dramatic side, it's hugely satisfying to watch a scene play out with more emotional impact than one might have ever imagined. While I can't say which positive scenario I prefer, I'm always grateful to be working on a show that allows us to cover that wide gamut.
Here's a clip from "Protect and Serve':
Q: I loved Murphy Brown when it was on. What was it like working with Candice Bergen?
During the two years that I worked on "Murphy Brown," I found Candice to be generous and thoughtful; she also possesses a very sharp sense of humor along with a fondness for playing practical jokes. As went the work process, she was highly dedicated and while taking the job seriously, took herself much less so.
What was your favorite part of co-producing and writing for that show? What was the most challenging?
"Murphy Brown" was unique in how topical it was; as a writing staff we were often challenged to respond very quickly to current events. As a result, by necessity my colleagues and I had to keep closely keep track of developments in politics and the larger culture - though I'd say we all relished the opportunity to weigh in on serious subjects with a comedic take on a regular basis.
On the up side, we were doing a series very much of its time, highly relevant to that moment. On the down side - and as goes, I'm afraid, series syndication - we were doing a show very much of its time that was highly relevant only to that moment.
Adam and Kyra Sedgwick (Brenda Leigh Johnson on The Closer)
Q: You have served as a co-producer and an executive co-producer for many TV shows. What does the co-producer do on a show? Which do you prefer, producing or writing?
The term 'producer' with various delineations ('consulting producer,' 'co-executive producer' etc.) is used freely throughout the entertainment industry and unless one is closely involved with a particular project, it's very difficult to know exactly what an individual's responsibilities as a producer entail. As a television writer, one is given a producing credit after some number of years on staff largely as a sign of ascending seniority but one's job might essentially remain the same - which is to say, writing scripts and assisting others as they write theirs.
Although I began "The Closer" with the title of supervising producer and am currently an executive producer of 'Major Crimes,' the lion's share of my time is still spent either in the writers room or by myself working on a specific assignment. When its "my" episode - and I add quotes as every episode with my name on it as the sole writer still contains a significant contribution from the rest of the staff - I will be spending time in pre-production in conference with our production designer, our costume designer, our casting people and so on. While the episode is being shot, I will be on set to consult with the director and cast as needed. In addition, I may have limited input later in the post-production process as the final edit and mix are coming together. Still, I'd stress that most of my time is spent as a writer - and that is my preference.
Adam Arkin with GW Bailey (Provenza) and Tony Denison (Flynn)
Q: Which episodes of Major Crimes did you write this season? Which one is your favorite?
I wrote two episodes in the currently airing fifth season - "Skin Deep," a lighter episode featuring Provenza, Flynn and Buzz that aired last July - and "Cleared History," a much darker story which will be airing (or will have aired) on March 1st. Hard to say which is my favorite - especially as they're so different - but I was very pleased to learn that some fans compared "Skin Deep" favorably to our stronger light episodes of the past decade.
Q: You’re credited with writing one episode of Star Trek the Next Generation with Michael Piller. How did that come about? Where did you get the idea for the story?
In 1990, I graduated from USC Film School and was offered the Paramount Writing Fellowship which provided me with a small annual stipend and an office on the Paramount lot in exchange for the studio having first look at any material I created during that year. In addition, I was told I'd have the opportunity to sit in with any writing staff on the lot that might have me. Michael Piller and Jeri Taylor - who were then leading the 'Next Generation' room - graciously offered me a place at their table.
Although I'd been hoping to land with one of several situation comedies that were being shot on the lot that year, the group - which included Ron Moore and Noren Shankar who both went on to huge successes beyond the 'Star Trek' franchise - were exceedingly welcoming and watching their process shaped a good deal of my understanding of how television is made.
As it happened, a writer named James Kahn had sold the show a story a few months before my arrival and I witnessed some of the difficulty the staff was having bringing Kahn's particular notion to fruition. Michael Piller, who was prepared to let it go, agreed to listen to a pitch I had that would retain a few essential elements while taking the story in a very different direction. Included in that pitch was a new title - "The Masterpiece Society," a reference to a community living within a biosphere whose existence is threatened by outside forces - and Michael signed on.
Ultimately, the episode was produced several months after my fellowship had ended - and not long before a spec 'Seinfeld' episode I'd written led to my first staff job as a writer on 'Wings.' Regardless, it was still an extremely positive experience and when I encounter the episode in re-run - as I have over the years flipping through channels - it brings back many positive memories.
Q: Besides Major Crimes, what do you think is the best show on television today?
It's hard to know where to begin as I believe there have never been so many quality programs produced and airing on so many different platforms at the same time.
Without judging what I consider best, just a handful of the shows which I've thoroughly enjoyed over the past year include "Game Of Thrones," "Better Call Saul," "Black Mirror," "Fargo," and most recently, "The Crown" (which was superlative on many levels - acting, writing and production-wise).
Major Crimes airs tonight at 9pm/8pm on TNT. Head on over to the Major Crimes Facebook page for details on tonight's live chat with Co-Creator, James Duff. You can check out our interview with Kathe Mazur who plays DDA Hobbs here.
Big thanks to Adam for taking the time to answer my questions.
We have a special treat today to celebrate the return of Major Crimes tonight at 9pmET/8pmST on TNT. Kathe Mazur, who plays DDA Hobbs on the show, took time away from filming to answer our questions about playing Hobbs, recording audio books and her guest role on Castle. Q: What has been the best thing that has happened to you as a result of playing DDA Hobbs on TNT's Major Crimes? That's easy. It has been incredible to play the same character for eight years now. I know her so well, and yet there's always new things popping up, new ways she handles situations and relationships. I have also learned so much about the law. And we have a great consulting producer, former Los Angeles DA, Gil Garcetti. To get to talk with him about the nuances of the law, and of the DA's role in it has been very exciting. Now as for what has happened TO me? I think having a character you're known for is a very very sweet thing for an actor. The fans are incredible, and I love meeting people that watch the show. There's just been nothing NOT great about it.
Q: What is the hardest part about playing a recurring character? How do you prepare for the role? I don't think it's hard if you love the character and the company, and the writing. So I'm lucky. If you don't, oh boy that can be really hard. To work in a bad atmosphere...I've seen that on sets I've guested on. But if I had to say what's the hardest...the regulars know that they are there every week. I never know what they have in store for Hobbs. I prepare by reading the script, and knowing the situation, knowing how Hobbs feels about the case and the characters. Her point of view in any situation is key. And then I try to be as present as I can be on set, and see what happens. I do not plan out how it's going to look or be, but I want to know everything I can about how Hobbs feels about it. Q: Last year you guest starred on Castle. How was the Castle set different than the Major Crimes set? How did your role as DDA Hobbs prepare you for you role as Anya Mishkin? Well, the lot was the same -- so that was very funny and strange. My trailer was a few yards from my Major Crimes trailer. Phillip Keene and our producer, Andy Sacks, came and visited me since it was about 30 seconds away. But the set was very different for me because I didn't know anyone. So it was very much about the scene, and working with the lead actress, Stana Katic, who was just a dream to work with. Playing Hobbs for such a long time made it a blast to rip out that Russian accent and sit on the other side of the interview table.
Q: What do you wish the fans knew about your character DDA Hobbs? I'm sure we would all get a kick from knowing more of Hobbs' story...but let's see...I think the fans know her pretty well!
Q: You've narrated 83 (Is this the right number) audio books, including The Murderer's Daughter by Jonathan Kellerman, The Mephisto Club by Tess Garritsen, and The Last Witness by Juliane Hoffman. How do you prepare for an audio book reading? Do you ever meet the authors? It's more than that, but at that point, who's counting! Preparing for an audio book is about understanding the point of view of the book, the author, and then it's about figuring out voices for the characters ahead of time so that when they arrive in the story you can just slip right into their characters. It's about telling the whole story, playing it out. It's an incredible experience. And also labor intensive.
Q: What is the biggest challenge about recording audio books? How many times do you read the book? I read it once. The biggest challenge for me...that's easy -- It's physical. When we have deadlines we just have to finish the book, and if that means recording for 8 hours a day, that's what we have to do. It's tiring, on the voice, for me. Some narrators say that their voice doesn't give out but their brain does. For me, it's physical. And you don't want to get sick. You have a deadline. No one can finish the book but you, and if you get sick your voice changes and you can't record. I mean, there are books that are more challenging than others, there are books that are a dream to do, but all of that is part of the world of narration, and I really love it. But the eight hours a day ain't my favorite. I like to enjoy the process as much as possible, and I'm happiest with six hours. I have rarely met the authors, but we do communication and it's one of the perks of the job.
A big thank you to Kathe for taking the time to answer our questions. Don't forget to watch Major Crimes tonight!
Major Crimes returns one week from tonight Wednesday, February 22) for the second half of season five on a new day and new time - 9PM/8PM, moving from its traditional Monday night 10PM/9PM slot. It's a big change since the show has been in that Monday time slot for years. A lot happened last season. We saw Buzz Watson embark on a journey to find out who murdered his father and uncle when he was a boy, we saw a horrible shootout in the courtroom where we lost at least one cast member and ended with another cast member in serious danger. The last three episodes of last season were perhaps the best of the entire run of the show. If you haven't seen them - go back and watch them now. We already know that Major Crimes will be back this summer for 13 episodes in season six.
Here's the trailer for the second half of the winter season.
Come back next week, when we'll have a Q&A with Kathe Mazur, who plays the fabulous DDA Hobbs.
Instead of our usual Drinks with Reads, today we are having Drinks with TV - Once of my favorite TV shows, TNT's Major Crimes to be exact. We asked members of the cast and crew to tell us what beverage they suggest drinking while watching the show. This Monday's episode starts a three-part story arc - involving and investigation into white supremacists, a serial killer and Rusty's psychologist "has a confrontation that jeopardizes his life" Now here are the drink recommendations from cast and crew (if you click on the names below you'll be taken to interviews with each):
Stacey K. Black, Director (photo above) "Okay, die hard fans may remember that Provenza used to keep his gun in his desk drawer, in a purple Crown Royal bag. So, raise a Crown on the Rocks with a wedge of lime, every time Louie exclaims 'ye gods!'"
Tony Denison, Lt Andy Flynn My character Andy is a recovering alcoholic, and so I am I. So I would pick cranberry juice and seltzer water.
"I had the good fortune to watch my friend Kearran Giovanni work on a special project she is doing and she made an amazing drink called a Hurricane. I am not normally a fan of Rum but this concoction is delicious. You will have to ask her what’s in it."
"I am addicted to Coca-Cola! So that is what I drink when watching Major Crimes...boring but true!"
Major Crimes is on TNT on Monday nights at 10:00 pm. We have three more episodes left of the summer season. You can join Co-Creator and Executive Producer, James Duff on Monday night on the Major Crimes' Facebook page where he does a live chat with one or more of the show's stars.
Director Stacey K. Black is visiting Mystery Playground today. She's here to tell us why she loves being a director, how she prepares for each episode and how directing Major Crimes is different than directing The Closer. Stacey directed the episode of Major Crimes that airs tonight, and she has another great project about to launch. You can find Stacey on twitter @StaceyKBlack and you can see her director reel on her website.
Shooting Send My Mail to Nashville
What drove you to become a director?
Actually, I was trying to become a screenwriter, while working as a hairstylist on films and tv. No one would take me seriously as a writer because I hadn't had anything produced. So finally, I decided to shoot a short film I had written, "Blue Moon," so I would have something to show people, "here, I wrote THIS!" And I figured, I'd just direct it myself. Thinking, "how hard could it really be?" WELLLLL! As it turns out, pretty damn hard! But too late! I was immediately bitten by the directing bug. So, I wrote and directed another short a couple years later, "The Truth is Underrated" (starring “Major Crimes” star Phillip P. Keene), then, while doing hair on "The Closer," I approached Michael Robin, Executive Producer, and asked for a shot at directing. And, he and the other Ep’s actually made it happen.
Since then, I've directed 6 episodes of "Major Crimes," 2 episodes of "The Closer," and will be directing an episode of "NCIS New Orleans" this fall.
How do you go about preparing to direct an episode?
It's ALL about the prep. Breaking down the script for story, story, story! Staging the actors, blocking the shots, creating the shot list, and most importantly, making sure the audience has the same emotional reaction while watching the episode, as I did when I first read it. The director is the surrogate for the audience.
Do you watch the episodes you don't direct?
Of “Major Crimes?” Absolutely! I am a huge fan of the show, and they are my family! What is your favorite part about directing in general? Storytelling. And solving the gigantic jigsaw puzzle that each script is.
On Major Crimes specifically? Working with people I love so much, who are still helping me learn and grow. When I direct that show, the crew makes sure the net they hold under me has no holes. At all. You also directed episodes of The Closer. What differences do you see in directing the two shows?
I directed 2 episodes of "The Closer." "Major Crimes" is more of an ensemble show. James Duff and his writers have been delving more into the personal lives of the squad and letting us know them better. Which is lovely.
Stacey directs Major Crimes episode 414
What is the most challenging aspect of directing a Major Crimes episode? I think it's the same challenge as directing ANY tv show. The schedule. The schedule is always a bear. There's a joke, that when you show up in the morning to start shooting an episode of tv, you're already an hour behind. Funny, not funny! This goes back to prep. You better show up to set, every day, prepped to the sky, with about 3 plans for each scene. Aaaaaand GO! How do the actors respond to you when they have multiple directors throughout the season? The actors want directors to show up prepared and in tune with the show and their characters. Every director. Because I started as their Hairstylist, one might expect the actors to treat me differently, but I don't think they do. They treat me like any other director. But these are all seasoned pros, so I would advise any director to show up VERY prepared, with a great knowledge of the characters. All actors respond favorably to directors who pay attention. What advice would you give to anyone who aspires to direct? You better have that fire in your belly. You better love it, because directing is not for the faint of heart. From the schedule to the stress, it can beat you down, but it you love it - like I actually do - the sense of fulfillment is so worth it! Also, take acting classes! You want to know the actor's process. What do you wish people knew about your job? Working in film and tv is not glamorous. The glamour is the awards shows. The actual work is arduous, it takes up all of your time. So, being in this business solely for fame and money, and not to feed your personal fire, well… I can’t imagine that. It’s too hard to be in if you don’t absolutely love it. What other projects have you been working on?
I'm currently in pre-production on a web series based on a pilot script I wrote, called "Trouble Creek." I'm producing and directing it with Shea E. Butler, who is a wildly talented writer and director, and whose day job is Script Supervisor, currently working on "Major Crimes." "Trouble Creek" is about a small pretty town, with big ugly secrets... Check out our channel for fun behind-the-scenes content, before we launch! www.youtube.com/TroubleCreek. But when you visit, beware... There's Something in the Water...
