Saving Grace: 'We're Already Here' Season Premiere

One thing I’ve always said about TNT’s Saving Grace is that the show is very much an acquired taste. That’s the trait that kept me from liking the cop drama for more than a season, and once I forced myself to give it a second chance and sit through an entire episode, that’s the trait that also made it grow on me. Fortunately, Holly Hunter’s Grace Hanadarko and her familiar Oklahoma City Police Department colleagues are still chugging along on the fine line between irritating and gripping during tonight’s (June 16) Season Three premiere “We’re Already Here.”

The central case involves a murdered OCPD police officer whose death is eventually associated with one of those fringe anti-government groups and a weird yet dangerous criminal scheme. There’s the expected tenacity and diligent detective work as Grace and her fellow officers investigate, in addition to the familiar pranks and camaraderie when they’re off duty.

One of the best scenes in the episode comes near the end, while the cops are at their favorite bar and Butch (Bailey Chase) reveals a big surprise. The rapid change of expression on both Grace and Ham’s (Kenny Johnson) faces in reaction perfectly captures Saving Grace’s skill switching between the spirited segments and the more serious ones. It’s good to see the team functioning in harmony again following the strife between partners Butch and Bobby (Gregory Cruz) last season after Bobby finished his undercover assignment.

Also at the end of last season, Grace endured the execution of Leon Cooley (Bokeem Woodbine), the man who shared her last-chance angel Earl (Leon Rippy). So, it’s no surprise that much of the detective’s attention is now devoted to another person who seems to have Earl in common, a young drug addict named Neely Lloyd (Yaani King).

This plotline takes precedence during the season premiere, as Grace’s familiar struggle with Earl’s existence and his place in her life continues to color most of her experiences. To the show’s credit, the situation with Grace’s latest spiritual connection plays out in an entirely unexpected way. It will be interesting to see what happens next.

Continue below for a sneak peek at the season premiere, featuring two scenes from the beginning of the episode.

Saving Grace airs Tuesdays on TNT at 10pm ET.