Rizzoli & Isles

10 Best Episodes of Rizzoli & Isles - Season 3

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 - S3E6

#15 - Money Maker (Season 3 - Episode 6)

When a rich financier is found stuffed in a trashcan wearing a cloak and mask, Jane and Maura must figure out what happened. Meanwhile, Maura makes a deeper connection with her biological mother, Dr. Hope Martin, and half-sister, who still doesn’t know Maura is related to them.

The episode was rated 7.90 from 369 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E13

#14 - Virtual Love (Season 3 - Episode 13)

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The virtual world and the real world collide when a microbrewer is killed. Angela tries to move on from a failed romance by seeing someone new. And Jane and the team begin to mentor underprivileged teenagers, a move that ends in near disaster.

The episode was rated 7.92 from 359 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E7

#13 - Crazy for You (Season 3 - Episode 7)

The ladies probe the killing of a husband and wife who were psychiatrists. Soon, an attendee of a medical-examiners seminar offers to help Jane and Maura in the case. Elsewhere, the Rizzoli family realize they may have connections to a pregnant stranger.

The episode was rated 7.96 from 358 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E11

#12 - Class Action Satisfaction (Season 3 - Episode 11)

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When a man having breakfast in the Division 1 Café dies from poisoning, Jane and the team must quickly find the source as Angela and the irascible Stanley both come under scrutiny. Meanwhile, Tommy wants proof that he’s the biological father of Lydia’s baby as she returns to take the baby back. And Detective Korsak is reunited with one of his ex-wives.

The episode was rated 7.97 from 373 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E12

#11 - Love the Way You Lie (Season 3 - Episode 12)

A famous young writer of memoirs is found dead in an apparent suicide, but Jane and Maura soon discover there’s more to the story. Meanwhile, Frost becomes obsessed with an old case involving a young African American student as his final appeal is denied. And Jane discovers Angela is involved in a secret romance.

The episode was rated 7.97 from 362 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E8

#10 - Cuts Like a Knife (Season 3 - Episode 8)

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A bride is killed right before she walks down the aisle, and Jane and Maura must figure out if the groom’s ex-girlfriend is a suspect, or if there’s a deeper connection to the bride’s European roots. On the homefront, Jane has a new neighbor who captures the attention of Angela, Frankie and Frost.

The episode was rated 7.98 from 370 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E10

#9 - Melt My Heart to Stone (Season 3 - Episode 10)

When a statue breaks open to reveal a dead woman inside, Jane and Maura must find the killer quickly as the body count begins to rise. Back at headquarters, a new homicide detective is named to the squad. Meanwhile, Dennis Rockmond returns to Boston after disappearing on Maura and tries to woo her back. Lydia goes into labor.

The episode was rated 8.01 from 379 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E14

#8 - Over/Under (Season 3 - Episode 14)

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When a former college football player is stabbed inside a carwash during a fundraiser for his alma mater, Jane, Maura and the team must piece together clues to track down the killer. Meanwhile, Frost's mother visits Boston with some unexpected news. And Lt. Col. Casey Jones bumps into Jane and is forced to reveal some startling news of his own.

The episode was rated 8.01 from 365 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E3

#7 - This Is How a Heart Breaks (Season 3 - Episode 3)

When Maura meets a new guy named Dennis in a very unusual way, he opens up a different side of her. And Jane is filled with mixed emotions after someone from her past returns.

The episode was rated 8.02 from 384 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E9

#6 - Home Town Glory (Season 3 - Episode 9)

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A boy band star returns to his roots for a show and winds up murdered. Jane and Frankie, who grew up with the victim, work hard to solve the case. Meanwhile, Jane and Maura must decide if it’s time to tell Angela the truth about Lydia’s pregnancy just as Angela prepares to throw her a baby shower.

The episode was rated 8.04 from 365 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E5

#5 - Throwing Down the Gauntlet (Season 3 - Episode 5)

Jane looks for a way for Maura to meet her biological mother, Dr. Hope Martin. Angela gets involved in a political campaign. And a nun from Jane and Frankie Jr.’s past returns.

The episode was rated 8.07 from 382 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E4

#4 - Welcome to the Dollhouse (Season 3 - Episode 4)

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Young female professionals dressed as dolls are turning up dead on the public transit system, and Jane and Maura must piece together the clues. Angela implements new ideas for the café. And Jane learns more about how Casey was injured.

The episode was rated 8.07 from 373 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E15

#3 - No More Drama in My Life (Season 3 - Episode 15)

Dr. Hope Martin returns to ask Maura for a life-altering favor. Jane worries about the impending spinal surgery for Lt. Col. Casey Jones, and Tommy shows off baby T.J. But all gets shoved to the side when a building collapses, trapping loved ones inside.

The episode was rated 8.08 from 365 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E2

#2 - Dirty Little Secret (Season 3 - Episode 2)

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Tensions continue to mount between Jane and Maura, causing those close to them to be caught in the middle. But they must put aside their differences when they investigate the case of a college student who died in a tunnel. Meanwhile, Frankie Sr. returns with news that upsets Angela.

The episode was rated 8.10 from 413 votes.

Rizzoli & Isles - S3E1

#1 - What Doesn't Kill You (Season 3 - Episode 1)

Jane and Maura’s friendship suffers following the shooting of Maura’s biological father, gangster Paddy Doyle. Jane also finds herself in the middle of an Internal Affairs investigation. And her relationship with Agent Dean is exposed.

The episode was rated 8.12 from 404 votes.

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