Plot
Overall, this was a good episode. It kept a tight balance between case and relationships, although that's not unusual for this show. It didn't feel like any one aspect of the episode was focused on more than another, with no particular sidelining plot. However the story was very predictable right from the start, with mentions of a significant point coming twice in the first five minutes. While I understand it's hard to find the midpoint between giving away the solution too early and frustrating the audience, or making the solution come out of nowhere and frustrating the audience, the obvious hints here made me a little annoyed. In the end, though, I felt this was a pretty good episode, and a nice break from the typical pattern of crime shows, being placed at a good time in the season. I enjoyed it.
Music
Definitely above average for the show, and in some scenes particularly excellent and significant. Not incredibly oh-so-amazing-I-need-to-find-it-right-now-for-my-iPod, but it certainly added to the atmosphere and lended another dimension to the more touching scenes.
Acting
No better than is usual - and usual for Rizzoli & Isles is pretty supreme. Certain scenes, particularly the more emotionally trying ones for all the characters, were very well done, and a lot of emotion was conveyed, through faces as much as dialogue.
Scenery
The same as always, including aerial views of Boston, the precinct, Jane's home, the precinct cafe, the morgue, and Maura's home. Interesting with the new addition of the bones room, which I thought was cool, and I'd like to see more of, although I doubt I will.
Sexism
Not a lot, on the whole. A bit of clear fanservice when Maura stripped, but not horribly overdone. No particularly rude comments towards either gender.
Bechdel Test
1. It includes at least two women, (Yes)
2. who have at least one conversation, (Yes)
3. about something other than a man or men. (Yes)
Three out of three, but that's not surprising, given that the two main characters are both women. 3/3
2. who have at least one conversation, (Yes)
3. about something other than a man or men. (Yes)
Three out of three, but that's not surprising, given that the two main characters are both women. 3/3