When a well-known attorney, celebrated for her defense of oppressed women is found dead, there are no shortage of high-profile suspects, including her son, her ex-husband, a film director whose career she helped destroy and a former football player whose sports bars/restaurant chain, Tackles, features scantily clad women. Meanwhile, Rusty and Gus confront issues in their relationship.

The department is still reeling with the recent departure of Deputy Chief Brenda Lee Johnson, creating a tough transition for the newly appointed head of Major Crimes, Captain Sharon Raydor. But there is little time for adjustment as the department rushes to reach a plea bargain when a string of grocery store robberies turns fatal. After proving to be a valuable source for the case, undercover police detective and military veteran Detective Amy Sykes is transferred to Major Crimes. Meanwhile, Raydor takes a big step to protect teenager Rusty Beck after he runs away from his foster family.

The unit joins forces with the FBI when a homicide case spins around the Israeli mob and an "intuitive life strategist." Elsewhere, Provenza displays his vulnerable side, and Rusty's first school day takes an unexpected turn.

The city's tourist industry is threatened by an English journalist when a pair of British tourists are attacked on their second honeymoon in Venice Beach; Rusty's biological mother tries to make peace with him.

Lts. Andy Flynn and Mike Tao delve into the mysterious overdose of a young Hollywood star and the trail of emotional destruction he left in his wake, while Rusty finally comes to a conclusion about how to handle the pregnancy of his biological mother.

While the search for the missing boys continues, the squad faces off with an untrustworthy priest, an angry ex-husband and threats from the FBI; Rusty startles Flynn and Sharon with a surprising request.

Growing pains within Major Crimes become apparent as the division works to obtain justice in a brutal homicide that turns out to be more complicated than expected. Raydor struggles to gain the respect of her colleagues while also trying to supervise Rusty 24/7. The changes within the department may become more than Provenza can accept.

The squad investigates a brutal murder, but they soon find that dark secrets are at the root of an apparent drug bust gone wrong. Meanwhile, Raydor’s estranged husband of 25 years returns to Los Angeles to work as a court-appointed attorney. Charming and charismatic, Jack becomes fast friends with Rusty but Sharon continues to remain wary.

When a body turns up at a posh country club in a quiet neighborhood, the squad’s investigation leads them down a money trail full of surprises. Flynn is noticeably distracted on the job, and Emma’s actions have Rusty questioning her intentions, causing him to distrust her even more.

There is a miscarriage of justice when a gang banger is acquitted of murder and released from custody. Sharon’s ex-husband, Jack Raydor represents the suspect in a subsequent murder. Rusty takes a chance when the guy he has a crush on visits the station.

Sharon and the team investigate a murder during the taping of a reality competition show pitting married couples against each other. The case has a profound effect on Sanchez, bringing back memories of his late wife. Meanwhile, Rusty meets Slider's lawyer.

With Flynn on desk duty as he recovers from injuries, Sharon and the team investigate the murder of a fugitive diamond thief whose body was found by his bail bondsmen. Rusty is put in a tight spot when his relationship with Slider is discovered by Marianna's brother.

The squad investigates the disappearance of a teenage girl who vanished while volunteering at a homeless shelter; Buzz opens the cold case file on the murder of his father and uncle; Andy Flynn considers selling his house.

When Captain Sharon Raydor and the Major Crimes Division investigate the murder of a young woman found in the LA River, their case is not only impeded by a secretive PI working for a tech industry millionaire, but also by Deputy Chief Winnie Davis, who regards Sharon as competition for the promotion to Assistant Chief of the LAPD.

A murder case goes sideways at trial when defense attorney Linda Rothman is able to destroy Det. Amy Sykes' credibility on the stand. Helping Rothman as a defense investigator is Amy's old nemesis, Mark Hickman.

When three fifteen-year-old boys vanish from a Catholic school field trip, new Asst. Chief Mason orders Major Crimes to treat their disappearance as a critical missing. Meanwhile, Sharon receives more evidence that Phillip Stroh may be returning to Los Angeles.

As Major Crimes continues to search for the remaining St. Joseph's Three, Sharon finds her personal life threatening her career.

While dealing with a difficult personal matter, Raydor continues to investigate the disappearance of the St. Joseph's Three, their relationship with an overly protective priest and the possibility that two of the 15-year-old boys could be killers.

As the squad investigates the mysterious death of a second woman related to the Tackles case, and a new theory materializes, Sharon faces a health setback. Meanwhile, Gus reacts unexpectedly to Rusty's partial solution to their ongoing relationship problems.

When a well-off graduate student gets shot to death in a gang-riddled neighborhood, the Major Crimes Division must work with the FBI, including Fritz Howard, to find his killer. Throughout the investigation, it is revealed how each member of the unit became interested in joining the police force.

A year-end blowout sale becomes literal for a used-car lot after one of its owners is killed when a bomb explodes. While the squad tries to find who is responsible, Rusty dons a bullet-proof vest under the watchful eye of Lt. Chuck Cooper, an SIS (Special Investigation Section) supervisor, in an attempt to catch the person responsible for threatening his and Sharon’s life.

The Major Crimes division faces a new challenge as they work to solve the murder of a dog that was left a 20 million dollar estate by his deceased owner. With the help of wannabe detective Jonathan Baird, aka Dick Tracy, the case takes a new turn as the squad begins to suspect foul play in the death of the dog's owner, a wealthy heiress.

A Hollywood comeback is interrupted when a former child star is found dead on skid row, leaving the director of the actor’s current movie and his manager as prime suspects. Flynn’s daughter comes to visit and the true nature of Sharon and Flynn’s relationship comes to light.

When the squad comes across a pile of bones, they fall into a web of connections as they find their victim has an unnerving past. Rusty continues to pursue his investigation of the Alice case with the help of a new friend. Meanwhile, Rusty also gets roped into helping Provenza make a major move.

The murder of a Sex Crimes detective leads Major Crimes into the world of pornography; Rusty's biological mother returns with some surprising news.