This marks the fifth film in the Jesse Stone series, adapted from characters created by Robert B. Parker. Notably, this installment isn't based on a specific book; it’s an original screenplay—a first for the franchise. The return of the director is a positive aspect, as someone familiar with the entire series seems essential to maintaining its direction. However, there are weaknesses, and I wasn’t particularly impressed by the writing. This film represents the midpoint of the series, and while it isn't among the strongest entries when considered individually, it’s better than some previous ones. I had lowered my expectations after the prior film didn’t quite live up to its predecessors, but I still felt somewhat let down. It was enjoyable enough as a made-for-television movie—the production quality was certainly good—but I think my anticipation prevented me from fully appreciating it. The issue wasn't with the story itself, but rather with scenes that lacked impact. A definite plus is the unpredictability of events, which is vital in a detective story. The film begins with a shootout where Jesse sustains an injury; thankfully, it doesn’t appear serious. He then takes on a case, though unofficially, and his chief cautions him against pursuing a particular person. An Internal Affairs investigation also arises due to his involvement in the recent shootings—an unusual occurrence. Simultaneously, a mother seeks his help in investigating her child's disappearance seven years prior. The narrative splits between these cases, maintaining suspense until the final act. There’s no major plot twist, but both cases are resolved through Jesse’s characteristic methods. > "The information's out there. All you've to do is let it in." As the story nears its conclusion, a significant event threatens Jesse and his future, creating what might be a turning point for the series—similar to how season one ended and season two began. If this were a television show, this would be where the seasons divide. Jesse’s departure from the station at the end provides a fresh perspective and is somewhat emotional for fans of the character. The previous couple of films felt average compared to the earlier ones, so this change could potentially revitalize the series. It really needs to; otherwise, I might lose interest. This film isn't bad, but the initial hype surrounding the developments in the middle section didn’t quite match up to the eventual reveal. The cast remained largely unchanged, and as usual, some of the newcomers who appeared only in this film made worthwhile contributions. Jessica Hecht was the most recognizable name I noticed among them, while the rest of the cast, including Selleck, were excellent as always. Jesse remains a central figure, but he seems to be losing some of his edge, while other characters are gaining prominence within their roles. His character hasn't evolved significantly since the first film—though some updates would be welcome—he’s still relying on his established strengths. He is presented as both a tough and daring individual, but lately his moments haven’t been as compelling as they once were. At the same time, he’s just a small-town police officer; his scope of work has limitations, and that's an explanation we don’t really want to accept. I hope this isn’t the case for the next installment. I considered myself a Jesse Stone fan after the first two films, but now I’m not so sure—the next few films will determine that. I am looking forward to the sequel. Regarding this particular film, I consider it above average, and you can't entirely fault it given its nature as a television movie and series. As I mentioned in previous reviews, ups and downs are inherent to a film franchise, sometimes intentionally used to balance the good and bad aspects of the story and characters—like a wheel turning. Therefore, the next installment is crucial. It’s not about the cast or crew; it's about the quality of the story itself. I hope things return to normal then. 7/10

Source on TMDB