This episode was a good introduction to the Stroh storyline, if you needed a reminder. It also brought new characters and facts into this last arc. As always, Billy Burke was the standout. He has that charming menace down pat.

As I was never really a fan of Mary's, her death was not particularly meaningful to me, but the actors all did a good job. They all conveyed their grief in their own particular way. That's a sign of skillful writing...when it's an individual response.

As always, Rusty was annoying. No matter how long I am away from the show, whenever I might come back Rusty is still the same. Except now he's old enough not to be such a brat. Really, Gus is a sweet guy and deserves better.

Good eulogy for Sharon by Provenza.

"I ask that, with Sharon as our example, that we leave her today re-committed to the rule of law and dedicated to the cause of justice for which she sacrificed her life."

Soon after saying that, Stroh killed DDA Rios and Provenza set out on a war path with him, stating that they'll take him down "by any means necessary". So much for following the rule of law, although the reaction is understandable.

The funeral gave us most likely the final chance of seeing the MCD in uniform.

Julio has been promoted at some point to Det. III as he was a Det. II last time we saw him in uniform during The Closer. He's also gained another service stripes since then, although that was expected (considering the time difference). He had three, now he has four, meaning 20-24 years of service.

Amy is a Detective II! Not really known when she has been promoted to that rank, she could have held it this entire time. She had three service stripes on her sleeve, meaning 15-19 years of service.

Wes and Cami were both understandably Detective I's, with two service stripes each, meaning 10-14 years of service.

Provenza for some reason still had seven stripes even though it has been stated multiple times that he has served for forty years, so he should have had eight stripes.

Andy wasn't in uniform and Mike's arm couldn't be seen, so no news on their part.

Disappointing that Fritz wasn't present (again) but at least he's supposed to be in the last two episodes.

As for Stroh and his accomplice, I'm wondering how long it takes for MCD to realize they've been hacked, at least the sudden data "corruption" on the big screen should start to ring some bells.

So, Provenza sent Wes out on a "special mission", with his phoned turned off (as was seen on the hacker's screen), I'm excited and optimistic about the reason for that. Considering what Provenza said to him, it definitely has something to do with Stroh and the end game Provenza has planned for him. Guess we'll see how that plays out.

Couldn't help but notice the "rule of law" comment myself, and how that fit into "by any means". Provenza can be annoying with his attitudes.