As Season Four of Rizzoli & Isles unfolded, a real-life tragedy rocked cast members and viewers alike, as Lee Thompson Young, who played Detective Barry Frost, died as a result of suicide. The fourth season finale made it clear that the writers, likely still in shock themselves, hadn’t yet decided how to deal with the character of Barry Frost, and his sudden departure from the series. Coming into the fifth season, it was obvious Frost’s death would have to be dealt with somehow. Frost ends up killed in a car accident, and smartly, his loss continues to resonate throughout the season.

Unlike so many characters throughout television history that die never to be spoken of again, it’s the rare episode that doesn’t acknowledge Frost’s absence in some way. The younger man’s death causes Korsak (Bruce McGill) to consider his goals as retirement nears. To fill the void Frost left, Frankie (Jordan Bridges) decides he needs more training and starts night classes. Even Angela (Lorraine Bracco) makes some major life changes, dumping Cavanaugh (Brian Goodman) and quitting her job at the café. These changes don’t extend to her housing, as Angela is still living with Maura (Sasha Alexander) rent free.

Maura decides to take a shot at a new relationship, and Rizzoli (Angie Harmon) has her own dramatic side story involving a pregnancy. Aside from all the personal drama, Rizzoli, Isles, and crew handle a series of crimes ranging from the murder of a wealthy woman dying of cancer, a teenage girl being hunted by a contract killer, to clearing an innocent man serving time in prison.

While the writing is solid, and they deserve lots of credit for the way Barry Frost’s death was handled, the thing that really makes Rizzoli & Isles special is the chemistry between Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander. I have no idea how they get along personally, but they really seem like best friends on screen.

The eighteen episodes below are spread across four discs:

A New Day … / Goodbye Too Good to Be True / Doomsday / The Best Laid Plans / Knockout Boston Keltic / Lost & Found / It Takes a Village / Phoenix Rising / If You Can’t Stand the Heat / Burden of Proof / Bridge to Tomorrow / Foot Loose Gumshoe In Plain View / Bite Out of Crime / Family Matters

Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio Warner’s standard DVD transfer offers a bright and vibrant viewing experience throughout. I noticed a couple of instances of interlacing, but nothing severe.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track works well for the show, offering clear and concise dialogue throughout. Action scenes are provided some depth, and while it doesn’t rise to the level of high-def, it works.

English and French subtitles are included.

The following extras are included:

  • Stepping Through the Stunt: ‘The Burden of Proof’ Bridge Sequence (18:08) A look at how the bridge jump was filmed.
  • Unaired Scenes are available on ‘Knockout’ and ‘Burden of Proof’.
  • Gag Reel (3:23) Typical stuff.