Different set of writers......that is usually the problem. Days has had huge turnover in writers over the past several years, each has his own take on the characters. Basic facts may be adhered to, but traits, personality, etc. can have a drastic change.
Then again, no different with the viewers. Some like or love story/characters that others despise. Some feel bored by a storyline that others find intriguing or exciting.
There is absolutely NO reason for Hope to be commissioner, and as commissioner, there is NO reason for her to be working on cases, that is what the detectives and police staff are supposed to be doing. But Hope (and Rafe) act/talk like they are the only cops there (despite us seeing some in the background).
Just like there is absolutely NO reason for Kayla not have looked at the DNA results when she received them, and even worse, being constantly so careless about leaving information just laying on her desk, door unlocked, leaving visitors there alone because she has an emergency or something. Seems Kayla would lose her job(as should Hope) for these lax policies.
Why hasn't Abby had a blood test? She has been claiming having been drugged, and yet is not checked for that? Immediately?