Rizzoli & Isles

10 Best Episodes of Rizzoli & Isles - Season 1

Perhaps their strikingly different personalities make the relationship between detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles so effective. Jane, the only female cop in Boston's homicide division, is tough, relentless and rarely lets her guard down, while the impeccably dressed Maura displays a sometimes icy temperament — she is, after all, more comfortable among the dead than the living. Together, the best friends have forged a quirky and supportive relationship; they drop the protective shield in each other's company, and combine their expertise to solve Boston's most complex cases.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 04, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Rizzoli & Isles - S1E3

#10 - Sympathy for the Devil (Season 1 - Episode 3)

Jane and Maura investigate the mysterious death of a young boy whose family is from Cape Verde. It appears at first that he may have died during an attempted exorcism, and it may take a message from beyond the grave for Jane to pinpoint exactly what happened. Jane is distracted from the case when her mother sets her up on a surprise date.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 454 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S1E1

#9 - See One, Do One, Teach One (Season 1 - Episode 1)

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Detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles investigate the grisly murder of a wealthy couple. The M.O. matches the work of a serial killer known as the Surgeon, who once nearly murdered Jane. Now that the Surgeon is behind bars, it seems one of his proteges is picking up where he left off.

The episode was rated 7.72 from 649 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S1E2

#8 - Boston Strangler Redux (Season 1 - Episode 2)

Tensions are high as the squad investigates a possible copycat of the legendary Boston Strangler… or could it be the Boston Strangler himself? Meanwhile, Jane butts heads with her new boss, Lt. Grant, who just happens to be from the same neighborhood where Jane grew up. And Maura gets into trouble with her habit of diagnosing everyone – including her date.

The episode was rated 7.74 from 509 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S1E5

#7 - Money for Nothing (Season 1 - Episode 5)

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The eldest brother in a Boston “Brahmin” family (direct descendents of passengers on the Mayflower) is found in the harbor dead after an apparent sailing accident. But Maura’s close connection with the family and Jane’s resentment over the wealth they display threaten to derail their investigation. Angela, meanwhile, tries her hand at selling a Polynesian health drink.

The episode was rated 7.82 from 402 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S1E4

#6 - She Works Hard for the Money (Season 1 - Episode 4)

After a student is gunned down in broad daylight, the investigation reveals she had more than a few secrets. Meanwhile, Jane’s mother Angela gets into a spat with her father over the car.

The episode was rated 7.84 from 437 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S1E7

#5 - Born to Run (Season 1 - Episode 7)

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The Boston Marathon turns into a crime scene when a shooter begins targeting runners. Racing to catch the killer before another shooting, Jane and Maura must conduct their investigation in secret so as not to cause a mass panic.

The episode was rated 7.90 from 387 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S1E8

#4 - I'm Your Boogie Man (Season 1 - Episode 8)

Jane was once abducted and neared killed by imprisoned serial killer Charles Hoyt. Now a body found in a park has all the indications of being his work. Jane must do her best to keep her fear of this man in check while Maura attempts to get inside the mind of the killer.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 362 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S1E6

#3 - I Kissed a Girl (Season 1 - Episode 6)

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Jane and Maura investigate what appears to be a hate crime, the brutal assault and murder of a woman leaving a lesbian bar. With Jane going undercover, they hope to lure the killer out in the open. Off the job, Maura hooks Jane up with a handsome yoga instructor.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 417 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S1E9

#2 - The Beast in Me (Season 1 - Episode 9)

Jane's investigation of a murdered identity thief leads her to Boston's Irish-mob past. After startling new information, the victim leads Maura on a personal quest. On the home front, Frankie Jr. attempts to help his father find some new clients for his plumbing business.

The episode was rated 8.00 from 367 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S1E10

#1 - When the Gun Goes Bang, Bang, Bang (Season 1 - Episode 10)

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After an undercover cop working a narcotics-smuggling sting is shot dead, the killers next turn their sights on Boston homicide headquarters, leaving Jane, Maura and Frankie Jr. trapped in a fight for survival on their home turf. It's a situation that will force Maura to challenge herself like never before. On the home front, Jane's parents are excited that their oldest child, Tommy, is being released after serving time in prison.

The episode was rated 8.23 from 388 votes.

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