The 100th episode of Rizzoli & Isles airs this Monday, July 25, on TNT, and recently, cast and crew members celebrated the milestone at a special event in Los Angeles.
We spoke with many members of the cast on the red carpet, and the first one we have to share today is Angie Harmon who plays “Jane Rizzoli” on the highly-rated series. Harmon is the director for Episode 100 which also features a guest appearance from Sharon Gless (Cagney and Lacey).
You can see video below; transcription follows underneath it. More interviews (including Harmon’s co-star Sasha Alexander) are coming, so be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for the first updates of when they go up.
KSITETV’s CRAIG BYRNE: The 100th episode is extra special for you because you directed it. Can you talk about that?
ANGIE HARMON: It is extra special! It was slightly nerve-wracking, and I thought “how am I gonna do this,” because I wanted it to be precious. I wanted it to be special. I wanted it to look like a 100th episode — to look like what it actually is. That’s an accomplishment. It’s a milestone, and I know how much we as a cast has put into it and we as a crew have put into it.
When they offered it to me, I was so blown away, and so humbled. Understandably so, there’s a formula that I did what I did and we’ll see what happens, but we’ve gotten some really good response, so hopefully they’ll like it.
What has it been like to have Jane evolve over seven years now?
She’s helped me a lot, that’s for sure! I mean, God knows I’ve certainly needed Jane in many, many times, and to have her be “in here” and be able to step out in front and protect me when I needed her throughout — one of those rescuing moments from life was when the red light goes on.
Do you think Jane will stay with you for years after the show is over?
Absolutely. This will be the hardest character to lose or to shed, just because… you know, I grew up on this show, so she’s an integral part of me at this point.
Sharon Gless guest stars in your episode. Can you talk about that?
I had actually met her at a really fantastic restaurant, Craig’s here in Los Angeles, and she came up to me and we talked, and literally, within ten minutes I was just like “it’s you!” When you think about it, Sharon basically paved the road for all of us women who are now in these strong, law-enforcement, empowered women kind of roles. That’s what Cagney and Lacey did. And so, to have her in that 100th episode, and then to be able to act with her and then be able to direct, and for her to respond positively and be like “you’re amazing” — I can’t. I may never have that moment again in my career, and that’ll be fine, because that one was just beautiful.
Episode 102 is directed by Sasha Alexander. What was that like?
It was great. The story is very, very much about Maura, and very Maura-driven, and I think that was very, very fulfilling for her. It was great.
What last words do you have to say to your fans who have given the show so much love and support over the years?
Thank you. Thank you so much, from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you so much.
Episode 100 of Rizzoli & Isles airs Monday, July 25 on TNT.
