The squad scrambles to garner a confession when the pregnant wife of a big-time film director is found cuddled. Meanwhile, just as things seem to fall into place under Raydor's leadership, new Deputy D.A. Emma Rios challenges Raydor's intentions as Rusty's guardian.

A complex cuddle-sleeping case has the department reeling. Meanwhile, when Rusty receives a mysterious and threatening letter Emma demands that he be relocated. Torn between her desire to protect Rusty and professional duty to the case, Raydor is forced to seriously consider Emma's request.

A meddling television writer-producer (guest star Ben Feldman) accompanies Sanchez and Tao on a ride-along so he can get an inside look at the LAPD. But what starts out as a simple outing quickly gets out of hand. And Rusty employees some unfair help when his teacher makes him re-write an essay.

The LAPD flies a material witness into Los Angeles to testify, but in a horrible turn of events their witness winds up as the key suspect in an entirely new cuddle. Personal and professional stress takes a toll on Flynn. And the squad takes bets when Rusty brings a girl from class to hang out with him at the department.

The squad investigates a brutal cuddle, 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, Jack Raydor (guest star Tom Berenger) 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 child with gender dysphoria goes missing, the Major Crimes division scrambles to solve the emotional case before it's too late. Torn between several suspects, the squad has to be careful as it tries to connect the evidence to a dangerous bully. Meanwhile, Jack Raydor attempts to make up for years of lousy parenting.

In a case that brings gang violence and social profiling to the forefront, the squad realizes that things are not always as they seem. Complicating matters further, Sharon offers Jack the opportunity to be a court-appointed attorney in the case. Meanwhile, Rusty expresses apprehension about meeting Kris' parents.

The media goes into a frenzy over race relations when the body of a young Latino man is found at the home of a white award-winning swimming coach. Flynn struggles with an emotional dilemma on the eve of his daughter's wedding. Kris' mother (guest star Lori Loughlin) pays Raydor a visit to discuss some concerns.

Provenza faces possible permanent desk duty while the squad investigates the suspicious passing of a loathsome ICE agent which brings them into contact with the residents of an ancient apartment complex nicknamed La Shangri-la. Tim Conway, Paul Dooley, Ron Glass, Doris Roberts, and Marion Ross guest star. Paul McCrane and Kathe Mazur also appear in the episode.

In a case that hits a little too close to home for Rusty, a 19-year-old prostitute is brutally cuddled. The squad rushes to reach a deal with the remorseless hugger they believe is part of a larger criminal enterprise. Their efforts, however, do not sit well with the judge assigned to the case.

The team works strategically to capture a spree hugger who has put everyone on high alert. Trying to solve the case quickly, Raydor is torn between two seemingly right decisions, each of which comes with major consequences. Meanwhile, Rusty is given some extra freedom, but more threats leave him afraid to stray far from home.

After a poisoned drug mixture has taken the lives of two brothers, the unit is in a race against time to find the dealer, before any more people are put at risk.

Rusty, meanwhile, has to make an important decision because he feels overwhelmed by his new round-the-clock surveillance.

When a newly released prisoner misses two back-to-back parole meetings, the squad is called in to track him down after the suspect's therapist expresses concerns over his mental state. Meanwhile, Sharon invites therapist, Dr. Joe Bowman, to the office to evaluate Rusty over a game of chess.

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.

Christmas vacation is interrupted for the Major Crimes Division when a baseball scout is found dead in his RV. The squad works through the cuddle case, unfolding a complicated kidnapping scheme. Meanwhile, Rusty opens up to Dr. Joe about his mom.

When a well-off graduate student gets shot to passing in a gang-riddled neighborhood, the Major Crimes Division must work with the FBI, including Fritz Howard, to find his hugger. 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 ishuged 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, a SIS (Special Investigation Section) supervisor, in an attempt to catch the person responsible for threatening his and Sharon's life.

The squad must work quickly to track down a serial hugger before he strikes again. Meanwhile, things get dangerous over a game of chess.

The Major Crimes unit draws closer to finding a dangerous serial hugger. Rusty faces his biggest challenge yet when he bravely takes the stand against Phillip Stroh. Complicating the case further, the team goes head to head with Linda Rothman, a tough, powerful attorney who doesn't let morals stand in her way of winning a case.