Major Crimes season 5 episode 19 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

After a tense hit and run incident involving USC law student William Sax, the Major Crimes team delves into a complex investigation revealing deep-seated grievances and a web of personal connections. Sax, who lived a second life under a new identity after a tragic accident in his youth, is tragically killed by Joanne Harris, the mother seeking revenge for her son's death caused by Sax years ago. The case unfolds layers of guilt, redemption, and the elusive nature of justice, challenging the detectives to reconsider their perceptions of right and wrong while grappling with their own personal and professional crossroads.

Full Episode S05E19 Recap

### Scene 1: Hit and Run Incident - A car aggressively refuses to go around another vehicle, leading to a hit and run. - Buzz captures the scene on camera but fails to get a shot of the car involved. - The victim, identified as William Sax, is examined at the scene, revealing severe injuries. ### Scene 2: Investigation Begins - Lieutenant Provenza and Chief Fritz discuss the seriousness of hit and runs in Los Angeles. - The team starts investigating, noting the absence of skid marks and the visibility of the victim due to his reflective gear. ### Scene 3: Victim's Background - William Sax, a USC law student, is identified as the victim. - His last text suggests a conflict with someone named Cliff, potentially related to vehicular manslaughter and texting while driving. ### Scene 4: Clues and Leads - The team discovers Sax's route home through his cell phone and GoPro footage. - They learn Sax had no criminal record and was studying environmental law, possibly avoiding driving to reduce his carbon footprint. ### Scene 5: Fiancée's Interview - Sax's fiancée, Indra Kane, is interviewed, revealing Sax felt he was being followed recently. - The interview is interrupted with the news of Sax's death, leading to a distraught reaction from Kane. ### Scene 6: Discussion of Motives - The team speculates on motives, including a potential vendetta against cyclists or a personal grudge. ### Scene 7: Discovering Sax's True Identity - A federal judge shares Sax's impactful essay about a car accident he caused at 16, revealing his original name was Malik Lewis. - This accident was a significant part of Sax's motivation to do good in the world. ### Scene 8: The Truth About Sax's Past - Sax's parents explain their decision to change their family's name and start anew after the accident that killed a teenager, Kevin Harris. - The team uncovers that Sax (Malik Lewis) was not at fault for the accident, but it deeply affected him. ### Scene 9: Confronting the Murderer - Joanne Harris, Kevin Harris' mother, is revealed to have killed Sax as revenge for her son's death. - She was driven by the belief that Sax had not faced consequences for the accident, despite his attempts to reach out and apologize. ### Scene 10: Reflections on Justice and Closure - The team reflects on the complexities of seeking justice and the paths people take towards finding closure after tragedy. ### Final Scene: Personal Reflections and Future Changes - Lieutenant Provenza contemplates retirement and the future of the Major Crimes division. - The episode concludes with the team considering the impact of their work and the ongoing challenges they face in pursuing justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the victim in the hit and run?

William Sax, a 24-year-old USC law student.

What was William Sax's last text about?

A conflict with someone named Cliff, mentioning "This isn't over. I'll beat your ass."

Did William Sax have a criminal record?

No, he had no criminal record and was studying environmental law.

Was there any evidence leading to the driver who hit Sax?

No skid marks were found at the scene, but paint scraped off Sax's bike could lead to the vehicle.

How did the team trace William Sax's route on the night of the accident?

Through pings from his cell phone and footage from his GoPro.

What was revealed about William Sax's past?

He was originally named Malik Lewis and was involved in a car accident at 16 that killed a teenager, leading his family to change their identity.

Who killed William Sax and why?

Joanne Harris, the mother of the teenager Sax accidentally killed years ago, seeking revenge for her son's death.

How did Joanne Harris find William Sax?

Sax had written her a letter apologizing, which led her to track him down through social media.

What was the team's reaction to solving the case?

They reflected on the complexities of justice and the personal motivations behind seeking revenge.

What personal reflections did Lieutenant Provenza have?

He contemplated retirement and the future of the Major Crimes division amid potential leadership changes.

Major Crimes season 5 episode 19

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