THR has reported that Sasha Alexander (NCIS) will play medical examiner Maura Isles in the television pilot of RIZZOLI. The series is based on the novels of Tess Gerritsen. Isles teams with Boston Homicide detective Jane Rizzoli. Alexander is best known as Agent Kate Todd on the first two seasons of NCIS. She has since appeared in a number of films in minor roles.
Also on board are Jordan Bridges as patrol officer Frankie Rizzoli Jr, Jane’s younger brother who is described as idolizing his sister and hopes to follow in her footsteps. Bruce McGill (MY COUSIN VINNY, ANIMAL HOUSE)is Jane’s former partner Vince Korsak, who is “gruff but loveable” and is a little hurt by Jane taking a new partner. McGill might be best known as D-Day from ANIMAL HOUSE. Lastly, the aforementioned new partner is newbie Barry Frost. Lee Thompson Young is playing Frost. Lee plays Agent Al Gough on ABC’s FLASHFORWARD.
Janet Tamaro is writing. Tamaro has previously worked on CSI: NY, SLEEPER CELL and BONES, among others. The pilot will be directed by Michael M. Robin. Robin’s resume includes THE CLOSER, TRUST ME and NIP/TUCK.
TNT has ordered a pilot.
Not a bad batch of additions, I am looking forward to seeing the pilot.
I was a fan of Alexander's on NCIS. Good to see her in another show I'd watch. She left NCIS because the physical demands and schedule were too much for her. She may fare better in a less physical role and with TNT's shorter season.