document_title: List of Major Crimes episodes

question_text: when was the last episode of major crimes

text: List of Major Crimes episodes

text: Series overview[edit]

text: Episodes[edit]

text: Season 1 (2012)[edit]

text: The theme for the first season is fairness.[1]

text:
No.overallNo. inseasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.codeUS viewers(millions)11"Reloaded"Michael M. RobinJames DuffAugust 13, 2012 (2012-08-13)3X72517.18[2]
The Major Crimes Division (MCD) is still in shock over Chief Johnson's departure; Captain Sharon Raydor, their new leader, now has to gain the trust of the team. With little time to adjust, MCD must reach a plea bargain after a death during a rash of grocery store robberies. Detective Amy Sykes joins Major Crimes after helping with the case. Raydor decides to look after Rusty Beck, a teenaged witness in the Phillip Stroh case (see The Closer episode, "The Last Word") who has run away from his foster family.
22"Before and After"Steve RobinSteven KaneAugust 20, 2012 (2012-08-20)3X72525.40[3]
Raydor mentions to Taylor that part of the internal problems at MCD is her rank, noting that she barely outranks Provenza. Taylor tells her that there is a freeze on all positions. The unit works to solve a brutal complicated homicide case.
33"Medical Causes"Paul McCraneMichael AlaimoAugust 27, 2012 (2012-08-27)3X72535.74[4]
The facts become blurry in a case involving a fatal car crash at a nightclub. Meanwhile, Rusty is forced to face a harsh reality when Raydor fulfills her promise to track down his mother.
44"The Ecstasy and the Agony"Arvin BrownAdam BelanoffSeptember 3, 2012 (2012-09-03)3X72545.87[5]
A life strategist is enlisted to help MCD along with the FBI to solve a case having to do with the Israeli mob that could lead to trouble for major crimes. Provenza displays rare emotion with a suspect who is in a vulnerable state. Rusty has a bad day at school.
55"Citizen's Arrest"David McWhirterDuppy DemetriusSeptember 10, 2012 (2012-09-10)3X72554.96[6]
MCD's latest case gets help from ADA Hobbs. A DNA test reveals something about Rusty that surprises everybody.
66"Out of Bounds"Rick WallaceRalph Gifford & Carson MooreSeptember 17, 2012 (2012-09-17)3X72564.67[7]
After a gang shooting turns fatal, Sharon Raydor makes an unexpected move that could end her career and harm a team member. Rusty expresses a lack of interest in meeting his biological father.
77"The Shame Game"Leo GeterLeo GeterSeptember 24, 2012 (2012-09-24)3X72574.30[8]
MCD tries to close a case with political ties, but confidential information keeps getting leaked. Captain Raydor's decision to be temporary guardian of Rusty gets more complicated as children and family services finds out some information that may cause Rusty to be removed from her home.
88"Dismissed with Prejudice"Jon TenneyJim LeonardOctober 1, 2012 (2012-10-01)3X72584.17[9]
Det. Tao has to question his actions due to a murder conviction being overturned eight years later. Rusty meets his father and must learn to control his emotions as he spends some time with him.
99"Cheaters Never Prosper"Stacey K. BlackMike BerchemOctober 8, 2012 (2012-10-08)3X72594.33[10]
The team investigates the murder of a Las Vegas police officer, found dead in a men's room stall. Captain Raydor's fears about the irresponsibility of Rusty's father are realized.
1010"Long Shot"Sheelin ChokseyMichael AlaimoOctober 15, 2012 (2012-10-15)3X72605.13[11]
When an important figure is shot, similarities to other cases lead MCD to cede the case to the FBI, but the team has to race against the killer to save a witness. Dealings with Rusty's father are resolved in an unusual manner.

text: Season 2 (2013–14)[edit]

text: Jonathan Del Arco (Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Morales) and Robert Gossett (Assistant Chief Russell Taylor), previously recurring cast members, are now series regulars. Nadine Velazquez joins the cast as DDA Emma Rios, the prosecutor in charge of the Phillip Stroh case. Originally scheduled for 15 episodes, the season order was increased to 19. According to creator James Duff, the theme for season two is identity.[12]

text:
No.overallNo. inseasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.codeUS viewers(millions)111"Final Cut"Roxann DawsonLeo GeterJune 10, 2013 (2013-06-10)3X79015.02[13]
After a director's wife is found murdered in her home's swimming pool, the team investigates the director's pattern of adultery. DA Rios puts Rusty on edge as she grills him in preparation for the Stroh trial.
122"False Pretenses"Arvin BrownMichael AlaimoJune 17, 2013 (2013-06-17)3X79023.90[14]
Major Crimes investigates a puzzling murder-suicide. Meanwhile, Rusty receives a threatening letter, triggering DA Rios's demand that he be relocated.
133"Under the Influence"David McWhirterDuppy DemetriusJune 24, 2013 (2013-06-24)3X79034.55[15]
A TV writer, consulting with Tao, follows the team as they investigate a man (Luis Jose Lopez), caught in a high-speed pursuit, with dried blood all over his clothes. After Rusty's told to redo an essay, Sharon makes sure he writes what's true to himself.
144"I, Witness"Steve RobinAdam BelanoffJuly 1, 2013 (2013-07-01)3X79044.73[16]
Flynn and Provenza drop off a witness at his hotel room, only to return and find him charged with murder; the team must scramble to prove his innocence. Rusty's friend proves to be a little different from what Sharon and others expected.
155"D.O.A."Paul McCraneRalph Gifford & Carson MooreJuly 8, 2013 (2013-07-08)3X79054.62[17]
The team investigates a shooting homicide on Mulholland Drive. Sharon's husband Jack surprises her and Rusty in the apartment.
166"Boys Will Be Boys"Anthony HemingwayJim LeonardJuly 15, 2013 (2013-07-15)3X79065.05[18]
The team looks for a transgender girl, gone missing soon after a humiliating video of her was posted online by bullies.
177"Rules of Engagement"David McWhirterMike Berchem & James DuffJuly 22, 2013 (2013-07-22)3X79075.38[19]
A drive-by shooting at a gas station turns out not to be gang-related; Sharon suggests to Jack that he act as a witness's attorney.
188"The Deep End"Rick WallaceMichael AlaimoJuly 29, 2013 (2013-07-29)3X79084.99[20]
A media frenzy begins after an Olympic swimming coach kills a young Latino whom he claims broke into his home. Flynn decides to attend his daughter's wedding.
199"There's No Place Like Home"Leo GeterDuppy DemetriusAugust 5, 2013 (2013-08-05)3X79095.12[21]
The squad investigates the death of a landlord hated by all his tenants, former workers on a '70s TV medical examiner show. As in their show, Deputy Medical Examiner Morales comes up with the extra (beyond autopsy) evidence that solves the crime.  Provenza faces desk duty if he can't improve his target practice results; Rusty tries to tell Kris he can't date her.

Note: the retired television co-workers were played by an actual quintet of predominantly octogenarian actors from various popular television shows from the 1960s onwards – Tim Conway, Paul Dooley, Ron Glass, Doris Roberts, and Marion Ross.
2010"Backfire"Sheelin ChokseyAdam BelanoffAugust 12, 2013 (2013-08-12)3X79105.31[22]
When the team must reopen its investigation into a young woman's murder, it turns out that she was a FBI informant. Rusty, still waiting to give his witness testimony, is shaken up by her fate.
2111"Poster Boy"Michael M. RobinLeo GeterAugust 19, 2013 (2013-08-19)3X79115.29[23]
The team goes on the trail of a serial killer who lives in the homes of his victims after he murders them. Rusty is still receiving threatening letters.
2212"Pick Your Poison"Steve RobinJim LeonardNovember 25, 2013 (2013-11-25)3X79123.65[24]
The team investigates the murder of two immigrant high-school students by cyanide-laced drugs. Rusty bitterly agrees to his new around-the-clock protection. Meanwhile, Provenza tries to convince Sharon there's a better way to protect Rusty.
2313"Jailbait"Michael M. RobinRalph Gifford & Carson MooreDecember 2, 2013 (2013-12-02)3X79134.21[25]
When the team gets called in to track down a parolee, they find him dead under a bridge. Sharon brings in a therapist for Rusty, Dr. Joe (Bill Brochtrup).
2414"All In"Anthony HemingwayJames Duff & Mike BerchemDecember 9, 2013 (2013-12-09)3X79143.72[26]
After a man's found at the bottom of a pond on a golf course, bludgeoned to death, the team has six suspects to consider. Rusty's upset that his therapy sessions will likely be brought up in court.
2515"Curve Ball"Jon TenneyMichael AlaimoDecember 16, 2013 (2013-12-16)3X79154.36[27]
Flynn and Provenza, off-duty, happen upon a RV break-in and discover a murder victim inside. Dr. Joe pushes Rusty to talk about life with his mom.
2616"Risk Assessment"Stacey K. BlackDuppy DemetriusDecember 23, 2013 (2013-12-23)3X79164.47[28]
Just before Christmas, the team catches the case of a murder victim wrapped up in a rug; the victim turns out to be both a congressman's son and a FBI witness.
2717"Year-End Blowout"David McWhirterLeo Geter & Ralph Gifford & Carson MooreDecember 30, 2013 (2013-12-30)3X79175.21[29]
The team investigates the bombing of an SUV at a car dealership that killed the owner's son. Rusty struggles in his training for the undercover operation meant to draw out the writer of the letters threatening him.
2818"Return to Sender"Rick WallaceMichael AlaimoJanuary 6, 2014 (2014-01-06)3X79184.95[30]
A body turns up that the team connects to the letter-writer (Augustus Prew) but they don't realize he's infiltrated the undercover protection around Rusty and is moving in for the kill.
2919"Return to Sender Part 2"James DuffAdam BelanoffJanuary 13, 2014 (2014-01-13)3X79195.43[31]
Rusty takes the stand in the case against Philip Stroh and matches wits with Stroh's lawyer (Jeri Ryan). Meanwhile the team closes in on the letter-writer, still at large.

text: Season 3 (2014–15)[edit]

text: Recurring guest stars include Jon Tenney as Special Agent (soon-to-be LAPD Deputy Chief) Fritz Howard, Tom Berenger as Sharon's husband Jack, Bill Brochtrup as Rusty's therapist Dr. Joe Bowman, Malcolm-Jamal Warner as SIS Lt. Chuck Cooper, Ransford Doherty as Coroner Investigator Kendall, Kathe Mazur as Deputy DA Andrea Hobbs and Laurie Holden as Special Operations Bureau (SOB) Commander Ann McGinnis.[32] The theme for the season is expectations.[33]

text:
No.overallNo. inseasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.codeUS viewers(millions)301"Flight Risk"David McWhirterMichael AlaimoJune 9, 2014 (2014-06-09)4X57515.16[34]
The team uncovers a family's secrets when a father and his two young children go missing. Meanwhile, Raydor must trust Rusty when he starts to venture out on his own.
312"Personal Day"Rick WallaceDuppy DemetriusJune 16, 2014 (2014-06-16)4X57524.64[35]
A self-proclaimed innocent man is found murdered after his release from prison. The seventeen-year-old murder case is reopened. Rusty admits to Raydor his reason for the suspicious visits.
323"Frozen Assets"Paul McCraneAdam BelanoffJune 23, 2014 (2014-06-23)4X57534.91[36]
The murder of a dog that was left a 20-million-dollar estate by his deceased owner, an heiress, forces the team to suspect foul play in the owner's death. Wannabe detective Jonathan "Dick Tracy" Baird (Andrew Daly), returns (The Closer episode "Tapped Out") to assist the Major Crimes unit with the case.
334"Letting It Go"Steve RobinJim Leonard & Damani JohnsonJune 30, 2014 (2014-06-30)4X57545.06[37]
An alleged rapist's murder prompts an emotional investigation of suspects. Meanwhile, Rusty questions his mother's motives when he catches her in a lie.
345"Do Not Disturb"Sheelin ChokseyRalph Gifford & Carson MooreJuly 7, 2014 (2014-07-07)4X57554.86[38]
A foreigner is found murdered in his hotel room, and the squad must quickly find the killer before an Indian diplomat's involvement in the case causes international repercussions. Meanwhile, Rusty must decide on how to share a secret with the squad.
356"Jane Doe #38"Steve RobinMichael Alaimo & Kendall SherwoodJuly 14, 2014 (2014-07-14)4X57565.25[39]
When a young runaway is found murdered in a trash can, the team is doubly tasked with learning her identity and finding her killer. Meanwhile, Raydor and her husband Jack discuss Rusty's future.
367"Two Options"Michael M. RobinJames Duff & Mike BerchemJuly 21, 2014 (2014-07-21)4X57575.56[41]
SWAT officers discover an elderly couple shot dead in their own home. Major Crimes teams up with the Special Operations Bureau (SOB) and FBI Agent Howard to find the killer, who also took hostages from the home.  Howard is suggested for consideration as the new Deputy Chief for SOB.

note: The LAPD SOB includes SWAT, SIS and Air Support Division – all featured in this episode.  Actual LAPD helicopter pilot Steve Roussell[40] makes his first of six appearances as an unnamed LAPD pilot in this Major Crimes episode, having appeared in six episodes "in flight" on The Closer.
378"Cutting Loose"Roxann DawsonDuppy DemetriusJuly 28, 2014 (2014-07-28)4X57585.85[42]
Lt. Tao has double duty when the star (Luke Perry) of the failing cop show on which he consults becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a stalker-fan.
389"Sweet Revenge"David McWhirterAdam BelanoffAugust 4, 2014 (2014-08-04)4X57595.24[43]
The team investigates the murder of an entrepreneur with questionable morals and possible mob connections. Meanwhile, Rusty tries to win over Raydor's son Ricky who comes home to visit, and Fritz Howard prepares to assume command of the Special Operations Bureau.
3910"Zoo Story"Michael M. RouibinLeo Geter & Jim LeonardAugust 11, 2014 (2014-08-11)4X57605.73[44]
A female police officer, with a physical resemblance to a series of kidnapped girls, is abducted from an under-21 night club. Rusty's biological mother is arrested for shoplifting and asks Rusty to help bail her out, even if it means returning to his old ways. Newly appointed Deputy Chief Howard suffers a cardiac event and must secretly wear a pacemaker, if he wishes to continue working.
4011"Down the Drain"Steve RobinDuppy DemetriusNovember 24, 2014 (2014-11-24)4X57612.94[45]
The body of a young, recently pregnant woman is found in a storm drain and it's discovered that she had been working a surrogacy scam on three families; the team must figure out who murdered her and find the baby. Rusty tries to find a way to tell his mother about his upcoming adoption.
4112"Party Foul"Rick WallaceMichael AlaimoDecember 1, 2014 (2014-12-01)4X57624.02[46]
The bloody bodies of a first-year college student and her murdered boyfriend, stabbed with the same pair of scissors, are found in the garage during a raucous, crowded birthday party; Provenza tries to get answers from the girl, in critical condition at the hospital, and her grandmother. Rusty becomes interested in a colleague.
4213"Acting Out"Sheelin ChokseyAdam BelanoffDecember 8, 2014 (2014-12-08)4X57633.59[47]
A former child star, trying to make his comeback in an indie film, is found dead on the streets, where he was researching his role as an addict. Flynn's daughter has the wrong idea about her father and Sharon's relationship.
4314"Trial by Fire"Stacy K. BlackRalph Gifford & Carson MooreDecember 15, 2014 (2014-12-15)4X57643.53[48]
Soon after a gang member who killed an innocent boy in a drive-by is found not guilty because a witness was too scared to testify, the accused's body is found burned in the trunk of his car. The team investigates but must deal with Jack, the lawyer for one suspect, and Deputy Chief Howard's concerns about a gang war.
4415"Chain Reaction"David McWhirterKendall SherwoodDecember 22, 2014 (2014-12-22)4X57653.82[49]
One bad Santa takes advantage of a Kris Kringle flashmob right outside to rob a bank; alerted too late, the security guard shoots and kills the wrong Father Christmas in the Claus-chaotic getaway. Rusty's uneasy about Sharon's son and daughter, home for the holidays, keeping a secret from her.
4516"Leap of Faith"Jon TenneyDamani JohnsonDecember 29, 2014 (2014-12-29)4X57664.43[50]
After Flynn stops a man from jumping off an overpass, he discovers the body of a girl with autism under a tarp in the back of the man's truck and the team learns that he's a registered sex offender.  Rusty is asked to write a victim impact statement.
4617"Internal Affairs"Anthony HemingwayMichael AlaimoJanuary 5, 2015 (2015-01-05)4X57674.31[51]
Just hours after Sanchez attacks his mother’s caregiver, believing he stole from her, the man is found dead. As Sharon does her best to help Sanchez with Internal Affairs, Rusty finds Jack drunk at her condo.
4718"Special Master Part One"Steve RobinStory by : Mike Berchem Teleplay by : Ralph Gifford & Carson MooreJanuary 12, 2015 (2015-01-12)4X57683.74[52]
Philip Stroh, via his special master (who ensures the former lawyer is not breaching past attorney-client privilege), arranges for a new deal by telling DDA Rios that three women will soon die. After the first is found dead in a burned-down house, the team tries to uncover who the next will be and how Stroh knows about these murders even as Rusty, per a term in the new deal, must endure an interview with Stroh.
4819"Special Master Part Two"Leo GeterStory by : Mike Berchem Teleplay by : Leo Geter & Jim LeonardJanuary 12, 2015 (2015-01-12)4X57693.49[52]
After the team barely escapes a house rigged to go up in flames, their search for the serial rapist and murderer they dub "Burning Man" narrows when Sharon realizes that Philip Stroh hasn't been communicating with the culprit but has detected the pattern of his killings, numbering at least 15 over 12 years. With the LAPD spread thin searching for Burning Man, Stroh kills the Special Master and escapes. Julio catches Burning Man, then ignores commands to stop beating.

text: Season 4 (2015–16)[edit]

text: The theme for the season is courage.[53]

text:
No.overallNo. inseasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.codeUS viewers(millions)491"A Rose Is a Rose"David McWhirterDuppy DemetriusJune 8, 2015 (2015-06-08)4X61013.99[54]
With Philip Stroh apparently out of the country, and Sanchez returning from a five month suspension and anger-management training (all per events in Season 3 finale), the team investigates a murder that seems to be linked to a recent series of home invasions. Rusty starts covering the investigation for his journalism class, but he switches to researching the murdered runaway whom the team wasn't able to identify ("Jane Doe #38"; Season 3, Episode 6).
502"Sorry I Missed You"Sheelin ChokseyKendall SherwoodJune 15, 2015 (2015-06-15)4X61023.81[55]
The team has to look into a carjacking after the speeding driver, pursued by police, makes it to LA, fatally crashing only for the trunk to pop open and the car's owner, shot to death, falling out onto the road. Rusty visits the accused in jail in his effort to discover Alice's real name.
513"Open Line"Rick WallaceRalph Gifford & Carson MooreJune 22, 2015 (2015-06-22)4X61034.24[56]
The team looks into the brutal beating and murder of a supermodel who was cyber stalked; the LAPD's servers are soon infected with spyware. Meanwhile, Rusty and Sharon are subpoenaed because of Rusty's prison visit.
524"Turn Down"Paul McCraneAdam BelanoffJune 29, 2015 (2015-06-29)4X61044.39[57]
On Buzz's first night as a reserve officer, on a ridealong with Flynn and Provenza, he insists on treating the death of a wedding guest in a hotel bathtub as suspicious. The team soon finds itself investigating a pre-nuptial homicide. Rusty continues his search for Alice's true identity, trying to crack her voicemail password.
535"Snitch"Steve RobinDamani JohnsonJuly 6, 2015 (2015-07-06)4X61054.02[58]
As the team investigates the latest in a series of gang killings, Sykes tries to protect a young eyewitness by not revealing her existence. Flynn tries to get up the courage to take the next step in his relationship with Sharon. Rusty turns to Dr. Joe for advice on his journalistic pursuit of Alice's identity.
546"Personal Effects"Sylvain WhiteMichael AlaimoJuly 13, 2015 (2015-07-13)4X61064.19[59]
A bullet-holed skeleton is found off a trail in Mulholland and quickly determined to be the remains of a rapist. Provenza pays Rusty to secretly move his stuff into storage while Provenza's girlfriend Patrice cleans house.
557"Targets of Opportunity"Michael M. RobinJim LeonardJuly 20, 2015 (2015-07-20)4X61074.31[60]
The team investigates a case involving two murdered cops and a young man on the run. Rusty takes advantage of the situation to continue his pursuit of Alice's identity.
568"Hostage to Fortune"Paul McCraneAdam BelanoffJuly 27, 2015 (2015-07-27)4X61084.39[61]
The team investigates a kidnapping with the help of an obnoxious, possibly corrupt FBI agent (Alan Ruck). Rusty sets up a meeting with Alice's brother, Gustavo, but at the expense of his relationship with newfound friend T. J. Gus tells Rusty that Alice's real name was Marianna.
579"Wish You Were Here"Paul McCraneAdam BelanoffAugust 3, 2015 (2015-08-03)4X61094.57[62]
The team investigates when the death of a man goes viral on YouTube. Hobbs tries to make a deal with Marianna's brother Gus, with the help of Rusty and Flynn.
5810"Fifth Dynasty"Michael M. RobinKendall SherwoodAugust 10, 2015 (2015-08-10)4X61104.47[63]
The team investigates the death of the son of a Superior Court Judge and a possible link to the Aryan Brotherhood. Flynn's search for Marianna's sister Paloma turns up something, leaving her brother Gus with a hard decision.
5911"Four of a Kind"Rick WallaceRalph Gifford & Carson MooreNovember 2, 2015 (2015-11-02)4X61112.22[64]
The team investigates the shooting of four rich people, dumped in the back of an SUV and then dropped off at a hospital. Rusty wants his next journalism story to be about Marianna's accused killer. Flynn is injured while trying to arrest a suspect.
6012"Blackout"David McWhirterDamani JohnsonNovember 9, 2015 (2015-11-09)4X61122.60[65]
When a man on trial for killing his wife tries to withdraw his confession, the team hurries to re-investigate the case and outwit the defense attorney, Sharon's ex-husband Jack (Tom Berenger). During a jailhouse interview with Slider, Marianna's accused killer, Rusty begins to suspect that his lawyer has been withholding information from him.
6113"Reality Check"Sheelin ChokseyMichael AlaimoNovember 16, 2015 (2015-11-16)4X61132.55[66]
The team investigates the suspicious death of a wife participating in a dysfunctional-couple reality-TV show; Flynn convalesces at Sharon's apartment.
6214"Taking the Fall"Stacey K. BlackJim Leonard & Nick ZayasNovember 23, 2015 (2015-11-23)4X61142.49[67]
The team investigates the murder of a stockbroker soon after he was confronted by a driver seemingly consumed with road-rage. Flynn suffers a setback in his convalescence and requires surgery to remove a migrating blood clot.
6315"The Jumping Off Point"Nzingha StewartLeo Geter & Michael ZaraNovember 30, 2015 (2015-11-30)4X61153.69[68]
A young man is pushed off a parking structure and the investigation reveals he should not have been able to afford a high-end apartment without any visible means of support. Meanwhile, Flynn must endure an overly cheerful physical therapist.
6416"Thick as Thieves"Jon TenneyKendall SherwoodDecember 7, 2015 (2015-12-07)4X61163.29[69]
Flynn returns to work but is limited to desk duty, while the team investigates a fugitive diamond thief's body found by his bail bondsmen. Marianna's brother Gus learns of Rusty's relationship with Slider who goes on trial for her murder.
6517"#FindKaylaWeber"David HarpDuppy DemetriusDecember 14, 2015 (2015-12-14)4X61173.00[70]
The daughter of a pro baseball player goes missing, leading to a surprising conclusion. Slider faces sentencing in Marianna's murder while Rusty has to deal with the fallout of Gus' discovery of his friendship with Slider.
6618"Penalty Phase"Michael M. RobinAdam BelanoffDecember 21, 2015 (2015-12-21)4X61183.69[71]
The squad pursues a man who includes people in a film he is making before he murders them. Rusty must deal with the possibility of his relationship with Marianna's brother Gus becoming romantic.
6719"Hindsight, Part 1"Michael RobinJames Duff & Mike BerchemFebruary 15, 2016 (2016-02-15)4X61193.08[72]
The squad investigates the fatal shooting of a woman and her young son in gang territory, with the gun linked to high-profile murders years earlier. Sykes begins an uneasy alliance with a disgraced former LAPD detective. They find the gun during a search of the church of reformed cop killer, linked to one of the early murders. Rusty and Gus deal with the return of Rusty's mom's ex-boyfriend, who is a suspect in an armed robbery.
6820"Hindsight, Part 2"Stacey K. BlackDamani JohnsonFebruary 22, 2016 (2016-02-22)4X61203.19[73]
A recently released prisoner linked to the high profile murders ends up dead after being questioned by the police. Meanwhile Rusty's mom goes missing.
6921"Hindsight, Part 3"Patrick G. DuffyRalph Gifford & Carson MooreFebruary 29, 2016 (2016-02-29)4X61212.94[74]
The husband of the dead mother and son is released on bail to attend the funeral. It appears he lashed out at a rival Latino gang killing a number of them. So the squad has to pull out all stops to prevent a gang war from starting at the funeral. Meanwhile Rusty's mom is arrested across town for driving in a car flagged as a getaway car.
7022"Hindsight, Part 4"Leo GeterMichael AlaimoMarch 7, 2016 (2016-03-07)4X61223.49[75]
The brother of the Reverend cop killer is arrested after a shootout at a motel killing the husband that was released on bail. It turns out he is the kingpin in the drug trade out of the church without his brother knowing. But this brother doesn't believe the cops and is convinced he should talk to his brother with a button camera. The ex-boyfriend of Rusty's mom is arrested on the information she provides.
7123"Hindsight, Part 5"Michael RobinDuppy Demetrius & Mike BerchemMarch 14, 2016 (2016-03-14)4X61233.41[76]
The squad closes in on the killer leading to a surprising ending. Provenza prepares for his wedding, while Rusty works to prove his biological mother's innocence.

text: Season 5 (2016–17)[edit]

text: The theme for the season is balance.[77] The final eight episodes focus on connections.[78]

text:
No.overallNo. inseasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.codeUS viewers(millions)721"Present Tense"Sheelin ChokseyDamani JohnsonJune 13, 2016 (2016-06-13)4X77513.62[79]
The squad investigates the disappearance of a sixteen year old girl leading to a surprising family connection. Meanwhile, Andy considers selling his home, Buzz looks into the murders of his father and uncle. Rusty experiences relationship troubles with Gus.
732"N.S.F.W."Sylvain WhiteKendall SherwoodJune 20, 2016 (2016-06-20)4X77523.66[80]
A police detective, who is privately conducting an investigation of a porn studio, is found murdered in one of the studio's properties. Buzz continues working on his father and uncle's murders. Rusty's biological mother is pregnant, and Sharon urges the two of them to talk.
743"Foreign Affairs"Nzingha StewartCarson MooreJune 27, 2016 (2016-06-27)4X77533.99[81]
A beheaded body is found along with a video of the ISIS-style execution. The team clashes with federal investigators over jurisdiction. Sharon, Rusty and Gus discuss family issues. Buzz views the video of his father and uncle's murder.
754"Skin Deep"Steve RobinAdam BelanoffJuly 11, 2016 (2016-07-11)4X77543.92[82]
While looking at a potential home to buy, Flynn (with Provenza and Buzz) discover a murdered woman, a real estate agent, floating in the pool. Suspects include her plastic surgeon and dentist. Provenza gives Buzz some case files of crimes similar to his father and uncle's murder at an ATM. Flynn, Sharon and Rusty review the house together and decide against it.
765"Cashed Out"Paul McCraneRalph GiffordJuly 18, 2016 (2016-07-18)4X77553.72[83]
As Julio works to become a foster father, he comes under investigation by a social worker for his surprising method of taking down the killer in a brutal murder.
776"Tourist Trap"Rick WallaceDuppy DemetriusJuly 25, 2016 (2016-07-25)4X77563.65[84]
The team investigates a seemingly random mugging and murder of the husband of a vacationing British couple. Provenza gives advice to Buzz on how to investigate his father and uncle's murders. Rusty and his mother reconcile.
787"Moral Hazard"David McWhirterNick ZayasAugust 1, 2016 (2016-08-01)4X77573.65[85]
A down-on-his-luck man (Jere Burns) begins a killing spree against people from his past who he believes have wronged him. Rusty works on fingerprint evidence for Buzz's investigation.
798"Off the Wagon"Stacey K. BlackMichael ZaraAugust 15, 2016 (2016-08-15)4X77583.18[86]
A former child star restarting his career dies and Flynn investigates as a favor to his daughter; Buzz contemplates how to proceed in his investigation into his father and uncle's killers while Rusty makes a decision regarding his mother's pregnancy and reaches a new milestone in his relationship with Gus. Stephanie Courtney has a cameo appearance as an unethical doctor.
809"Family Law"David HarpMike BerchemAugust 22, 2016 (2016-08-22)4X77593.94[87]
The team investigates the murder of a divorce attorney with suspects ranging from his wife to a prostitute who possessed a surprising connection to the victim; Buzz's efforts to find his father's killer finally hit a breakthrough; Julio is assigned to foster Mark Jarvis, a troublesome child.
8110"Dead Zone"Patrick G. DuffyKendall SherwoodAugust 29, 2016 (2016-08-29)4X77603.98[88]
The team's investigation of the murder of Mark's mother leads to a crime organization (the Zyklon Brotherhood) planning to start a race war. Buzz and Provenza interview one of the two men suspected of murdering Buzz's father and uncle.
8211"White Lies Part 1"Michael M. RobinJames DuffSeptember 5, 2016 (2016-09-05)4X77614.14[89]
The murder trial of a white supremacist takes a horrifying turn when he grabs a (supposedly unloaded) gun entered into evidence and kills several people, including Ast. Chief Taylor, before Sharon kills him in return. The team races to determine who might have conspired to make the shootings possible and bring down the Zyklon Brotherhood. Buzz continues to investigate the murders of his father and uncle by interviewing an alibi witness.
8312"White Lies Part 2"Sheelin ChokseyDamani JohnsonSeptember 12, 2016 (2016-09-12)4X77623.29[90]
The squad continues its investigation into the conspiracy surrounding the courtroom shooting and a possible family connection to Dwight Darnell; Buzz's investigation turns up the name of his father and uncle's killer.
8413"White Lies Part 3"Michael M. RobinCarson MooreSeptember 19, 2016 (2016-09-19)4X77633.10[91]
The team is able to shut down the Zyklon Brotherhood but must still track down the true mastermind behind the courtroom shooting; Julio's new foster son Mark is taken to his grandparents, leading to a tearful goodbye; with the help of Rusty, Buzz is able to identify and arrest his father and uncle's killer who confesses; however, the man has a family, leaving Buzz disturbed; Fritz Howard contemplates taking Taylor's job; at the end of the episode, Andy collapses from an apparent heart attack.
8514"Heart Failure"Nzingha StewartRalph GiffordFebruary 22, 2017 (2017-02-22)4X77641.93[92]
Andy has survived his heart incident and has returned to light duty. The squad investigates a brutal murder with a new Deputy Chief (Camryn Manheim) breathing down their necks; meanwhile Buzz receives a distressing letter, Sharon receives distressing news about an old enemy and Rusty worries about his future with Gus.
8615"Cleared History"Jennifer PhangAdam BelanoffMarch 1, 2017 (2017-03-01)4X77652.28[93]
The squad investigates a murder that leads them to a child pornography ring. Rusty has to deal with the fallout of his decision regarding Gus and the implications of why he made that decision.
8716"Quid Pro Quo"Sylvain WhiteMichael ZaraMarch 8, 2017 (2017-03-08)4X77662.48[94]
A murder case goes sideways at trial when defense attorney Linda Rothman is able to destroy Det. Amy Sykes's credibility on the stand. Helping Rothman as a defense investigator is Amy's old nemesis, Mark Hickman.
8817"Dead Drop"Stacey K. BlackNick ZayasMarch 15, 2017 (2017-03-15)4X77672.26[95]
The squad finds a very heavy body forty feet up a tree surrounded by loose marijuana when Dr. Morales shows up to the crime scene with his father, a retired detective from Uruguay. Meanwhile, Julio Sanchez works to become the legal guardian of Mark Jarvis while Andy Flynn prepares a special surprise for Sharon.
8918"Bad Blood"Steve RobinKendall SherwoodMarch 22, 2017 (2017-03-22)4X77682.37[96]
Ricky, Sharon's son, comes home for a surprise visit while Major Crimes investigates what looks like the "follow home" murder of a retired LAPD fraud detective, who may have been murdered for an arrest she made decades ago.
9019"Intersection"Rick WallaceDamani JohnsonMarch 29, 2017 (2017-03-29)4X77692.44[97]
As the war between bikes and cars escalates in the streets of L.A., Acting Assistant Chief Fritz Howard deploys Major Crimes to solve a tragic hit-and-run. Lt. Provenza, frustrated by the never-ending contest to succeed Russell Taylor, contemplates retirement.
9120"Shockwave, Part 1"Patrick G. DuffyRalph GiffordApril 5, 2017 (2017-04-05)4X77702.43[98]
An explosion with C-4 at a crime scene brings the division between new deputy chief of operations Winnie Davis and Major Crimes to a head. Rusty faces a major decision in his relationship with Gus.
9221"Shockwave, Part 2"Michael M. RobinDuppy DemetriusApril 12, 2017 (2017-04-12)4X77712.89[99]
The squad works to capture the bomber who turns out to be the key witness in another murder. As Rusty makes a decision about his future with Gus, the competition for the rank of Assistant Chief ends.

text: Season 6 (2017–18)[edit]

text: The themes for this season are faith, reason and risk.[100]

text:
No.overallNo. inseasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.codeUS viewers(millions)931"Sanctuary City: Part 1"Michael M. RobinJames DuffOctober 31, 2017 (2017-10-31)T13.204511.75[101]
The disappearance of three boys from a field trip comes under investigation by the squad with potential motives and suspects varying from drugs to a priest from the Catholic Church. Due to Julio's bereavement leave, Buzz begins to take a more active role in the squad while alarming news about Phillip Stroh surfaces.
942"Sanctuary City: Part 2"Paul McCraneKendall SherwoodNovember 7, 2017 (2017-11-07)T13.204521.77[102]
While the search for the missing boys continues, the squad faces off with an untrustworthy priest, an angry ex-husband, and threats from the F.B.I. Rusty startles Flynn and Sharon with a surprising request.
953"Sanctuary City: Part 3"Nzingha StewartDamani JohnsonNovember 14, 2017 (2017-11-14)T13.204531.74[103]
As the MCD continues to search for the remaining St. Joseph's Three, Sharon finds her personal life threatening her career.
964"Sanctuary City: Part 4"Sheelin ChokseyRalph GiffordNovember 21, 2017 (2017-11-21)T13.204541.84[104]
Sharon collapses and is rushed to the hospital, diagnosed with a heart condition. Flynn asks her about delaying their fast-approaching nuptials, but she insists her health will not affect their wedding nor the investigation. Provenza is placed in charge of the St. Joseph's Three, who resurface, and the investigation switches to a double-homicide of a priest in their charge and a father of one of the boys.
975"Sanctuary City: Part 5"Patrick DuffyCarson MooreNovember 28, 2017 (2017-11-28)T13.204552.37[105]
The St. Joseph's Three case is closed, and a doctor who was having an affair with one of the mothers is arrested on multiple charges. The MCD and Sharon's family attend the wedding.
986"Conspiracy Theory: Part 1"Adam BelanoffStacey K. BlackDecember 5, 2017 (2017-12-05)T13.204562.30[106]
A well-known attorney known for her work in defense of oppressed women is found dead and the long list of high-profile suspects includes family, a film director and a former football player. Rusty and Gus deal with issues regarding their relationship.
997"Conspiracy Theory: Part 2"Anthony HemingwayMichael ZaraDecember 12, 2017 (2017-12-12)T13.204571.75[107]
The squad investigates the death of another woman in the Tackles case, bringing up a potential new theory. Sharon has a health setback, while Gus has an unexpected reaction to Rusty's semi-solution to their relationship difficulties.
1008"Conspiracy Theory: Part 3"Stacey K. BlackMike BerchemDecember 19, 2017 (2017-12-19)T13.204582.44[108]
While working two seemingly connected murders, the detectives uncover a series of sexual assaults against servers from Tackles. A new theory about the killer gathers momentum, and an unexpected event throws the MCD off course.
1019"Conspiracy Theory: Part 4"Michael M. RobinDuppy DemetriusDecember 19, 2017 (2017-12-19)T13.204592.33[108]
Sharon must make decisions regarding her ongoing health problems while arriving at the conclusion of a series of murders and sexual assaults. After several heart-related episodes, she collapses while interrogating a suspect and dies in the hospital. As that event is taking place, the audience learns that Phillip Stroh has returned to Los Angeles.
10210"By Any Means: Part 1"David HarpNick ZayasDecember 26, 2017 (2017-12-26)T13.204602.74[109]
Reeling from their recent loss, Major Crimes learns from DDA Emma Rios that Phillip Stroh is likely back shortly before Emma herself is murdered. With the help of his British accomplice Dylan Baxter, Stroh hacks into MCD and begins manipulating them to locate his mother. With the help of Rusty, MCD struggles to uncover Stroh's motives while always staying one step behind him.
10311"By Any Means: Part 2"Rick WallaceKendall SherwoodDecember 26, 2017 (2017-12-26)T13.204612.44[109]
As Stroh's accomplice Dylan Baxter continues to monitor MCD, he is able to locate Stroh's mother Gwendolyn while MCD makes the same breakthrough. With the help of Doctor Joe, MCD interviews Gwendolyn who reveals the story of Stroh's first rape and murder when he was only sixteen years old. MCD is able to identify Stroh's three earliest victims and recover one of their bodies, but come no closer to catching Stroh. Although they come close to identifying Dylan, his hacking allows him to prevent this.
10412"By Any Means: Part 3"Sheelin ChokseyDamani Johnson & Carson MooreJanuary 2, 2018 (2018-01-02)T13.204622.22[110]
After Buzz realizes that MCD has been hacked, Stroh's accomplice Dylan Baxter is identified and MCD works to lay a trap for him. The recovery of the body of Stroh's first victim allows Rusty to link all of Stroh's recent victims together and his true goal is realized. After committing another murder, Stroh leaves a disturbing warning.
10513"By Any Means: Part 4"James DuffAdam Belanoff & Ralph GiffordJanuary 9, 2018 (2018-01-09)TBA2.25[111]
After the death of Stroh's accomplice Dylan, evidence is discovered pointing to Stroh's supposed escape plans. As MCD closes in on Stroh, Rusty becomes convinced there is more to Ms. Bechtel than they realize. With most of the LAPD elsewhere, Provenza, Buzz, Rusty and Gus work together to bring down Stroh once and for all. Following Stroh's death at Rusty's hands, Julio accepts a promotion and transfer, Buzz gets a chance to go to the police academy and Provenza takes permanent command of MCD.

text: Ratings[edit]

text: Season 1[edit]

text:
No.

Title

Original air date

Viewers(in millions)

Rating(Adults 18–49)

Rank per weekon Cable

1

"Reloaded"

August 13, 2012 (2012-08-13)

7.18[2]

1.2[2]

#2[112]

2

"Before and After"

August 20, 2012 (2012-08-20)

5.40[3]

0.9[3]

#1[113]

3

"Medical Causes"

August 27, 2012 (2012-08-27)

5.74[4]

0.9[4]

#8[114]

4

"The Ecstasy and the Agony"

September 3, 2012 (2012-09-03)

5.87[5]

1.0[5]

#2[115]

5

"Citizen's Arrest"

September 10, 2012 (2012-09-10)

4.96[6]

0.9[6]

#6[116]

6

"Out of Bounds"

September 17, 2012 (2012-09-17)

4.67[7]

0.8[7]

#3[117]

7

"The Shame Game"

September 24, 2012 (2012-09-24)

4.30[8]

0.8[8]

#4[118]

8

"Dismissed with Prejudice"

October 1, 2012 (2012-10-01)

4.17[9]

0.7[9]

#21[119]

9

"Cheaters Never Prosper"

October 8, 2012 (2012-10-08)

4.33[10]

0.7[10]

#21[120]

10

"Long Shot"

October 15, 2012 (2012-10-15)

5.13[11]

0.9[11]

#11[121]

text: Season 2[edit]

text:
No.

Title

Original air date

Viewers(in millions)

Rating(Adults 18–49)

Rank per weekon Cable

1

"Final Cut"

June 10, 2013 (2013-06-10)

5.02[13]

0.9[13]

#1[122]

2

"False Pretenses"

June 17, 2013 (2013-06-17)

3.90[14]

0.7[14]

#12[123]

3

"Under the Influence"

June 24, 2013 (2013-06-24)

4.55[15]

0.8[15]

#5[124]

4

"I, Witness"

July 1, 2013 (2013-07-01)

4.73[16]

0.8[16]

#3[125]

5

"D.O.A."

July 8, 2013 (2013-07-08)

4.62[17]

0.8[17]

#4[126]

6

"Boys Will Be Boys"

July 15, 2013 (2013-07-15)

5.05[18]

0.8[17]

#5[127]

7

"Rules of Engagement"

July 22, 2013 (2013-07-22)

5.38[19]

0.9[19]

#3[128]

8

"The Deep End"

July 29, 2013 (2013-07-29)

4.99[20]

0.9[20]

#3[129]

9

"There's No Place Like Home"

August 5, 2013 (2013-08-05)

5.12[21]

0.7[21]

#3[130]

10

"Backfire"

August 12, 2013 (2013-08-12)

5.31[22]

0.9[22]

#3[131]

11

"Poster Boy"

August 19, 2013 (2013-08-19)

5.31[23]

0.8[23]

#5[132]

12

"Pick Your Poison"

November 25, 2013 (2013-11-25)

3.65[24]

0.7[24]

#22[133]

13

"Jailbait"

December 2, 2013 (2013-12-02)

4.21[25]

0.7[25]

#5[134]

14

"All In"

December 9, 2013 (2013-12-09)

3.72[26]

0.7[26]

#18[135]

15

"Curve Ball"

December 16, 2013 (2013-12-16)

4.36[27]

0.7[27]

#6[136]

16

"Risk Assessment"

December 23, 2013 (2013-12-23)

4.47[28]

0.7[28]

#8[137]

17

"Year-End Blowout"

December 30, 2013 (2013-12-30)

5.21[29]

0.7[29]

#11[138]

18

"Return to Sender"

January 6, 2014 (2014-01-06)

4.95[30]

0.8[30]

#5[139]

19

"Return to Sender Part 2"

January 13, 2014 (2014-01-13)

5.43[31]

0.8[31]

#4[140]

text: Season 3[edit]

text:
No.

Title

Original air date

Viewers(in millions)

Rating(Adults 18–49)

Rank per weekon Cable

1

"Flight Risk"

June 9, 2014 (2014-06-09)

5.16[34]

0.9[34]

#2[141]

2

"Personal Day"

June 16, 2014 (2014-06-16)

4.64[35]

0.7[35]

#7[142]

3

"Frozen Assets"

June 23, 2014 (2014-06-23)

4.91[36]

0.8[36]

#8[143]

4

"Letting It Go"

June 30, 2014 (2014-06-30)

5.06[37]

0.8[37]

#6[144]

5

"Do Not Disturb"

July 7, 2014 (2014-07-07)

4.86[38]

0.8[38]

#4[144]

6

"Jane Doe #38"

July 14, 2014 (2014-07-14)

5.25[39]

0.9[39]

#2[145]

7

"Two Options"

July 21, 2014 (2014-07-21)

5.56[41]

0.9[41]

#1[146]

8

"Cutting Loose"

July 28, 2014 (2014-07-28)

5.85[42]

1.0[42]

#1[147]

9

"Sweet Revenge"

August 4, 2014 (2014-08-04)

5.24[43]

0.8[43]

#1[148]

10

"Zoo Story"

August 11, 2014 (2014-08-11)

5.73[44]

0.8[44]

#1[149]

11

"Down the Drain"

November 24, 2014 (2014-11-24)

2.94[45]

0.5[45]

TBA

12

"Party Foul"

December 1, 2014 (2014-12-01)

4.02[46]

0.6[46]

#10[150]

13

"Acting Out"

December 8, 2014 (2014-12-08)

3.59[47]

0.6[47]

#7[151]

14

"Trial by Fire"

December 15, 2014 (2014-12-15)

3.53[48]

0.6[48]

#10[152]

15

"Chain Reaction"

December 22, 2014 (2014-12-22)

3.82[49]

0.6[49]

#11[153]

16

"Leap of Faith"

December 29, 2014 (2014-12-29)

4.43[50]

0.7[50]

#17[154]

17

"Internal Affairs"

January 5, 2015 (2015-01-05)

4.31[51]

0.7[51]

#1[155]

18

"Special Master Part One"

January 12, 2015 (2015-01-12)

3.74[52]

0.6[52]

#9[156]

19

"Special Master Part Two"

January 12, 2015 (2015-01-12)

3.49[52]

0.5[52]

#12[156]

text: Season 4[edit]

text:
No.

Title

Original air date

Viewers(in millions)

Rating(Adults 18–49)

Rank per weekon Cable

1

"A Rose Is a Rose"

June 8, 2015 (2015-06-08)

3.99[54]

0.5[157]

#2[158]

2

"Sorry I Missed You"

June 15, 2015 (2015-06-15)

3.81[55]

0.5[159]

#6[160]

3

"Open Line"

June 22, 2015 (2015-06-22)

4.24[56]

0.6[161]

#4[162]

4

"Turn Down"

June 29, 2015 (2015-06-29)

4.39[57]

0.7[163]

#1[164]

5

"Snitch"

July 6, 2015 (2015-07-06)

4.02[58]

0.5[165]

#2[166]

6

"Personal Effects"

July 13, 2015 (2015-07-13)

4.19[59]

0.6[167]

#2[168]

7

"Targets of Opportunity"

July 20, 2015 (2015-07-20)

4.31[60]

0.7[169]

#2[170]

8

"Hostage to Fortune"

July 27, 2015 (2015-07-27)

4.39[61]

0.6[61]

#3[171]

9

"Wish You Were Here"

August 3, 2015 (2015-08-03)

4.57[62]

0.7[62]

#6[172]

10

"Fifth Dynasty"

August 10, 2015 (2015-08-10)

4.47[63]

0.6[63]

#1[173]

11

"Four of a Kind"

November 2, 2015 (2015-11-02)

2.22[64]

0.4[64]

TBA

12

"Blackout"

November 9, 2015 (2015-11-09)

2.60[65]

0.5[65]

TBA

13

"Reality Check"

November 16, 2015 (2015-11-16)

2.55[66]

0.3[66]

TBA

14

"Taking the Fall"

November 23, 2015 (2015-11-23)

2.49[67]

0.4[67]

TBA

15

"The Jumping Off Point"

November 30, 2015 (2015-11-30)

3.69[68]

0.5[68]

#13[174]

16

"Thick as Thieves"

December 7, 2015 (2015-12-07)

3.29[69]

0.4[69]

#12[175]

17

"#FindKaylaWeber"

December 14, 2015 (2015-12-14)

3.00[70]

0.4[70]

#23[176]

18

"Penalty Phase"

December 21, 2015 (2015-12-21)

3.69[71]

0.5[71]

#7[177]

19

"Hindsight Part 1"

February 15, 2016 (2016-02-15)

3.08[72]

0.4[72]

#13[178]

20

"Hindsight Part 2"

February 22, 2016 (2016-02-22)

3.19[73]

0.5[73]

#14[179]

21

"Hindsight Part 3"

February 29, 2016 (2016-02-29)

2.94[74]

0.4[74]

#25[180]

22

"Hindsight Part 4"

March 7, 2016 (2016-03-07)

3.49[75]

0.5[75]

TBA

23

"Hindsight Part 5"

March 14, 2016 (2016-03-14)

3.41[76]

0.5[76]

TBA

text: Season 5[edit]

text:
No.

Title

Original air date

Viewers(in millions)

Rating(Adults 18–49)

1

"Present Tense"

June 13, 2016 (2016-06-13)

3.62[79]

0.4[79]

2

"N.S.F.W."

June 20, 2016 (2016-06-20)

3.66[80]

0.5[80]

3

"Foreign Affairs"

June 27, 2016 (2016-06-27)

3.99[81]

0.5[81]

4

"Skin Deep"

July 11, 2016 (2016-07-11)

3.92[82]

0.5[82]

5

"Cashed Out"

July 18, 2016 (2016-07-18)

3.72[83]

0.5[83]

6

"Tourist Trap"

July 25, 2016 (2016-07-25)

3.65[84]

0.5[84]

7

"Moral Hazard"

August 1, 2016 (2016-08-01)

3.65[85]

0.5[85]

8

"Off the Wagon"

August 15, 2016 (2016-08-15)

3.18[86]

0.4[86]

9

"Family Law"

August 22, 2016 (2016-08-22)

3.94[87]

0.5[87]

10

"Dead Zone"

August 29, 2016 (2016-08-29)

3.98[88]

0.5[88]

11

"White Lies Part 1"

September 5, 2016 (2016-09-05)

4.14[89]

0.5[89]

12

"White Lies Part 2"

September 12, 2016 (2016-09-12)

3.29[90]

0.4[90]

13

"White Lies Part 3"

September 19, 2016 (2016-09-19)

3.10[91]

0.4[91]

14

"Heart Failure"

February 22, 2017 (2017-02-22)

1.93[92]

0.2[92]

15

"Cleared History"

March 1, 2017 (2017-03-01)

2.28[93]

0.3[93]

16

"Quid Pro Quo"

March 8, 2017 (2017-03-08)

2.48[94]

0.3[94]

17

"Dead Drop"

March 15, 2017 (2017-03-15)

2.26[95]

0.3[95]

18

"Bad Blood"

March 22, 2017 (2017-03-22)

2.37[96]

0.3[96]

19

"Intersection"

March 29, 2017 (2017-03-29)

2.44[97]

0.3[97]

20

"Shockwave, Part 1"

April 5, 2017 (2017-04-05)

2.43[98]

0.3[98]

21

"Shockwave, Part 2"

April 12, 2017 (2017-04-12)

2.89[99]

0.3[99]


document_title: Piston ring

question_text: the minimum number of rings in a piston is

root

text: Piston ring

text: History[edit]

text: The split piston ring was invented by John Ramsbottom who reported the benefits to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 1854. It soon replaced the hemp packing hitherto used in steam engines.[2] The use of piston rings at once dramatically reduced the frictional resistance, the leakage of steam, and the mass of the piston, leading to significant increases in power and efficiency and longer maintenance intervals.

tag: p

text: Automotive[edit]

text: Piston rings have been an area of considerable focus and development for internal combustion engines. The needs of diesel engines and small piston-ported two-stroke engines have been particularly difficult. Piston rings may account for a considerable proportion of the total friction in the engine, as much as 24%.[3][4] This high friction is a result of the design compromises needed to achieve good sealing and long lifetime. Sealing is achieved by multiple rings, each with their own function, using a metal-on-metal sliding contact.

text: Rings are also sprung to increase this contact force and to maintain a close seal, either by the stiffness of the ring itself or by a separate spring behind the seal ring. It is important that rings float freely in their grooves within the piston, so that they can stay in contact with the cylinder. Rings binding in the piston, usually due to a build-up of either combustion products or a breakdown of the lubricating oil, is a common cause of failure, especially for diesel engines.

text: Lubrication of piston rings is difficult and has been a driving force to improvements in the quality of motor oil. The oil must survive high temperatures and harsh conditions with a high-speed sliding contact. Lubrication is particularly difficult as the rings have an oscillating motion rather than continuous rotation, as for a bearing journal. At the limits of piston movement, the ring stops and reverses direction. This disrupts the normal oil wedge effect of a hydrodynamic bearing, leading to pronounced wear and the formation of a 'step' in the cylinder bore around the height of the upper ring. Noting that some sleeve valve engines suffered far less from such wear, complex designs such as a rotating cylinder liner have been considered, just to address this problem.[5]

text: Most automotive pistons have three rings: The top two, while also controlling oil, are primarily for compression sealing (compression rings). Meanwhile, the lower ring is for controlling the supply of oil to the liner, which lubricates the piston skirt and the compression rings (oil control rings). At least two piston rings are found on most piston and cylinder combinations. Typical compression ring designs will have an essentially rectangular cross section or a keystone (right angled trapezoidal) cross section. The periphery will then have either a barrel profile (for the top compression rings) or a taper napier form (for the second compression ring or scraper ring). There are some taper-faced top rings as well, and on some old engines simple plain-faced rings were used.

text: Oil control rings typically are of three types:

text:
single piece cast iron
helical spring backed cast iron or steel
multipiece steel

tag: ol

text: The spring-backed oil rings and the cast iron oil rings have essentially the same range of peripheral forms, which consist of two scraping lands of various detailed form. The multipiece oil control rings usually consist of two rails or segments (these are thin steel rings) with a spacer-expander spring which keeps the two rails apart and provides the radial load.

text: The piston might be a fairly loose fit in the cylinder. If it were a tight fit, it would expand as it got hot and might stick tight in the cylinder. If a piston sticks (seizes) it could cause serious damage to the engine. On the other hand, if there is too much clearance between the piston and cylinder walls, the ultimate result will be insufficient sealing of the piston rings against the cylinder walls, and thus much of the pressure from the burning gasoline vapour will leak past the piston (a condition known as blow-by) and into the crankcase. In such a situation, the push on the piston from combustion will be much less effective in delivering power.

text: Wear due to ring load on the bore[edit]

text: Piston rings are subject to wear as they move up and down the cylinder bore due to their own inherent load and due to the gas load acting on the ring. To minimize this, they are made of wear-resistant materials, such as cast iron and steel, and are coated or treated to enhance the wear resistance.

text: In two-stroke engines, the port design is additionally critical to ring life. In modern motorcycle engines, various proprietary shapes are used to help maximize ring longevity. Examples include specialized port shapes such as tapered serrations and the use of various combinations of heat-treating and special coatings applied by PVD (physical vapour deposition) processes and other techniques. Typically, top ring and oil control rings will be coated with chromium,[6] or Nitrided,[7] possibly plasma sprayed [8] or have a PVD [9] ceramic coating. For enhanced scuff resistance and further improved wear, most modern diesel engines have top rings coated with a modified chromium coating known as CKS[6] or GDC,[6] a patent coating from Goetze which has aluminium oxide or diamond particles respectively included in the chrome surface. The lower oil control ring is designed to leave a lubricating oil film, a few micrometres thick on the bore, as the piston descends. Three piece oil rings, i.e. with two rails and one spacer, are used for four-stroke gasoline engines.

text: Fitting new piston rings[edit]

text: When fitting new piston rings or breaking them in within an engine, the end gap is a crucial measurement. In order that a ring may be fitted into the "grooves" of the piston, it is not continuous but is broken at one point on its circumference. The ring gap may be checked by placing the ring into the bore/liner (squared to bore) and measuring it with a feeler gauge. The end gap should be within recommended limits for size of bore and intended "load" of engine. Because metals expand with a rise in temperature, too small a gap may result in overlapping or bending when used under hot running conditions (racing, heavy loads, towing) and, even at normal temperatures, an undersized ring gap may lead to ring-gap closure, ring breakage, bore damage and possible seizure of the piston. Too large a gap may give unacceptable compression and levels of blow-by gases or oil consumption. When piston gap is measured in a used bore, it may serve to indicate either excessive bore wear or ring wear, or a combination of both types of wear. (Radial wear on the ring face reduces the effective thickness of the used/worn ring, thereby essentially decreasing the face circumference of the ring. This increases the size of the ring's end gap.)

text: It is considered good practice to build a new engine with the ring gaps staggered around the circumference of the bore. This means that any escaping gas must negotiate a labyrinth before escaping past the rings. However, while the engine is running, the rings will tend to rotate around the piston and not remain in the position as fitted. Many rings will then stick in one spot at random and remain there for the life of the engine. For this reason, ring position during build cannot be considered to be important, although most engine builders would feel uncomfortable assembling an engine with the gaps aligned.

text: When fitting new rings to a used engine, special "ridge dodger" rings are sometimes used for the top compression ring, to improve compression and oil consumption without reboring the cylinder. These have a small step of iron removed from the top section to avoid making contact with any wear ridge at the top of the cylinder, which could break a conventional ring. These are not widely recommended, however, as they are usually not required and may give inferior oil consumption. A more acceptable method is to remove the wear ridge with a "ridge reamer" tool before lightly honing the bore to accept new rings. In fact, if the "ridge " is measured it will generally be apparent it is not really a ridge but a relatively local hollow caused by the top ring near the ring reversal point. The upper edge of this hollow will take the form of a "ramp" about 2mm long from the point of maximum wear to the point of zero wear. In this case, there is not actually any ridge to hit, so light honing may be all that is required.

text: During engine assembly, a piston-ring compressor is used to evenly squeeze the rings long enough to slide the piston into the cylinder.

text: Rings are not a very expensive part, but fitting new ones is very costly on most engines. This is because in order to fit them, the mechanic must dismantle a large part of the engine so labour costs are the major factor. However, on some simple engines, such as lightweight two-stroke engines found in motorcycles, piston ring replacement is generally straightforward and relatively quick.