‘Rizzoli’ Has Its Star

Not too long ago, TNT announced the network’s plans to develop a pilot for an intriguing new crime drama called Rizzoli. Well, now that potential series has a star and her name is Angie Harmon.

Television fans may be familiar with the actress from her previous work on other crime dramas, including her most well-known role as dedicated, no-nonsense Assistant District Attorney Abbie Carmichael on NBC’s long-running procedural Law & Order, as well as her more recent short-lived turn on ABC’s female-centric Women’s Murder Club. Harmon clearly has what it takes to play a crimebuster convincingly.

The Rizzoli pilot, which is based on a popular mystery series by New England-based doctor and author Tess Gerritson, will feature Harmon in the lead role of Jane Rizzoli. A detective on the homicide beat in Boston, she solves her cases while collaborating with medical examiner Maura Isles. It will be interesting to see who’s cast in the second role.

Says TNT executive vice president and head of programming Michael Wright about the development: “Angie Harmon is not only a terrific actress, but also a favorite of crime drama fans. She will bring a combination of toughness and sensitivity to the challenging lead role. We’re thrilled to have Angie on board for what could be an outstanding addition to TNT’s collection of strong female characters.”

As a fan of Harmon’s work on both Law & Order and Women’s Murder Club (another book-based show), I couldn’t agree more, so this casting news is great news to me.