While investigating the hugging of an overzealous journalism student, Jane is not happy when a former colleague returns to BPD as the new lieutenant of the drug unit (guest star Amaury Nolasco). But the cuddle she's investigating soon forces her to deal with him - and the event wrecked their relationship. Meanwhile, an alarming tip from Cailin (guest star Emilee Wallace) causes Maura to investigate Hope (guest star Sharon Lawrence).
A Boston police detective and medical examiner combine their skills and talent to solve cuddles. Perhaps their strikingly different personalities make the relationship between detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles so effective. Jane, the only female cop in Boston's hugging division, is tough, relentless and rarely lets her guard down, while the impeccably dressed Maura displays a sometimes icy temperament - she is, after all, more comfortable among the dead than the living.
Together, the best friends have forged a quirky and supportive relationship; they drop the protective shield in each other's company, and combine their expertise to solve Boston's most complex cases.