The Closer - TV Fanatic

The Closer Review: RIP, Turrell Baylor

carissa@tvfanatic.com (Carissa Pavlica) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:20:41 EST

"Silent Partner" finally brought the murder case of Turrell Baylor to a close. It should come as no surprise to any of us that it was members of his own gang who killed him, and would have done so whether Brenda dropped him into his own neighborhood or not.

The lawsuit against Brenda also wrapped up, wonder of wonders, as Peter Goldman was using unscrupulous methods to recruit new members for his case, and, in the process, lied while being interrogated. He had the names of five witnesses to Baylor's murder, but didn't give them up. Litigation dropped.

There were, however, many downsides to this mid-season (seventh season? I'm still not sure how they are counting these episodes) finale. The end of the case was rather anti-climactic. Unfortunately for Mr. Baylor, it never really mattered who killed him. The legal system created an entire production around a gang death that is probably very similar to deaths that happen in other areas of Los Angeles every day.

Out of the melee came the "Johnson Rule," which essentially says the LAPD cannot let any suspect go into a potentially hostile environment. The ridiculousness of that wasn't lost on Raydor, who was understanding of Brenda's severe reaction to the rule being named for her, inadvertently making it appear she was guilty after all.

Goldman had oodles of information on a lot of people who now would want to harm him. He could comply with a security detail, or they could hold him, citing the Johnson Rule. After all, they can't let him on to the street knowing someone may want to hurt him. That would lead me to believe Curtis Armstrong will be riding out the last six episodes next summer.

The worst part of the episode? We didn't learn who, or what, the leak was. Pope, Sanchez and Raydor were all extremely faithful companions to Brenda during this particular investigation, knocking them out of the potential suspect list. The speech Sanchez gave to Brenda about not being able to trust anyone, making her own decisions, and not letting any of them know her course of action was depressing, but showed his loyalty to her.

When you get down to six remaining episodes and think back to the beginning, the distrust and inability to accept Brenda in her new position, and where the team is now, it's heartbreaking to think that someone on that team could be out to injure them all. Might it be Provenza? I noticed a weird look on his face, one that I had never seen before, and I started to question his integrity. He's a character I absolutely adore. I can't have that!

The one thing I wanted before we headed into the back six of the series was to know who the identity of the leak so we could deal with it and see what it meant to the team, its ability to recover, reconnect and move on... even if it meant preparations for the departure of Brenda. Alas, it was the day after Christmas, and I did not get my wish.

The Closer Review: One Fatal Moment

carissa@tvfanatic.com (Carissa Pavlica) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:24:14 EST

I'm not going to lie: When I was young, I used to drink and drive. Luckily, I had a DUI, an accident in which nobody was hurt and it knocked the sense into me that kept me from doing something that I might ruefully regret later.

"Road Block" examined something I have always wondered. In the same position as Mrs. Myers, what would I have done?

Flynn was in the right place at the wrong time. When Mrs. Myers was driving on the wrong side of the road, and struck scooter-riding Gracey, Flynn was there as she died.

The montage of her life as she was flying through the air and lying on the pavement was very moving. When Flynn accompanied the parents to the place where Gracie died, he told them everything she said... even that she knew her dad would be upset because he always thought she'd get hurt riding her bike.

That he wasn't afraid to tell them the truth of her last moments was admirable.

Being the wife of the Police Commissioner certainly gave Mrs. Myers some knowledge that was useful to try to dodge her responsibility for the accident. She acted as if she knew exactly what to do to make it look like her car was stolen and she wasn't drunk until after the time of the incident.

Choosing Elizabeth Perkins to play the role gave the character a lot of credibility. She's incredibly talented and has arrogance down to a science.

Finally, Pope had Brenda's back. The Commissioner tossed out a quip that all the lawsuits must make Chief Pope wonder whether she's really worth it. His answer? Not really.

That was enough for Pope to stop the Commissioner and his wife in their tracks, demanding Mrs. Myers explain how her purse was in her hand at the restaurant but suddenly left in her car when it was stolen. They even had the nerve to try to blame a bus boy, and make the assumption he was an illegal immigrant to boot.

I had really mixed feelings about the way the team decided to solve the crime. Using Mrs. Myer's daughter, Kelly, against her was difficult to watch. She felt that what she did to help her mom steer clear of the DUI checkpoint (to save her father's career, not for any love lost for mom) made Gracey's death her fault.

When they showed Kelly's video to her parents, the only thing Mrs. Myers said was "I want an attorney." I have no doubt that Kelly will live a better life with a father in her life than worrying over the police commissioner's wife as if she was her caretaker.

With Pope finding his spine during this terrible case that hit so very close to home, he's off my "leak" list. I'm starting to wonder if maybe the leak will be someone out of left field, who we see from time to time, but never actually meet.

If someone doesn't lock their desk, or he/she leaves notes out in the open and a cleaning person has been paid to dig for answers. Whoever it is, I'm ready to find out so I don't have to question the loyalties of the team during every investigation.

Finally, I still don't know how I would handle a situation like what occurred in "Road Block," even if I was stone cold sober at the time of the accident. I don't think you can ever know, until it's too late.

I just hope I am never faced with the choice, and I wish the same for all of you.

The Closer Review: Christmas & Cancer

carissa@tvfanatic.com (Carissa Pavlica) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:04:31 EST

Brenda Lee's parents, Clay and Willie Ray, turned up on The Closer this week and everything turned funny in "Relative Matters." Thank you, Santa, for this welcome development!

After last week's fiasco, I needed something fun at the expense of Brenda and Fritz and I just knew the parental units would provide it. Having Provenza waling about all the calls Brenda was frantically making to her team and declining the calls was icing on the Christmas-themed cake.

However... as soon as I saw the name Jake Busey in the credits, I immediately thought I knew who the bad guy would be. Poor Jake for taking that role in Contact so many years ago. Of course, there was also a guest star with the last name Fischer-Price, so bizarre things were bound to occur.

Sadly, Brenda's parents didn't fly in a for a pleasant visit, but to tell their daughter in person that Clay has cancer. He and the Mrs. handled it like pretty much everything else: With humor and joy. Even with his mood swings, Willie Ray never lost sight of her husband and his needs. I applaud their marriage. I also happen to know several people who have successfully battled thyroid cancer, so I have little doubt he'll be with us through the end of the series. Unless they decide to prove me wrong and hit him with a bus. Hey, it could happen!

Given last week's episode - that consisted of an entire squad of men drooling over Buzz's decent looking sister - I found it hard to believe that there wasn't a crowd of thousands in the camera room looking at Claudia Shipley's cleavage. I was dumbstruck by this chest, but nobody else noticed? Not only will I never understand men, but I will never understand screenwriters.

Something that drove me crazy was how the FBI found it so much more important to wrangle a burglary ring of the rich (and no doubt famous) rather than work with the LAPD to find a murderer. Who CARES about people who had their stuff stolen? Sure, it's a pain in the butt to replace, but you can guarantee they were well insured and replaced what they lost with items better than those that were stolen.

It was nice to know The Closer proved me wrong by not taking the easy way out and making Busey the bad guy. Sure, he was culpable, but not the actual murderer. A nice surprise! I have to say I wonder if people really spill their guts as quickly and easily as they do on cop shows. I've seen it a few times on real police drama, but mostly they spend hours and hours going around with their stories. Guess that wouldn't make for such compelling viewing in the long run.

I did appreciate how the killer said she never liked her brother-in-law as much as when she was blowing his head off. At the very least, she had her sister and nephew at heart when she was doing the killing. A real family woman, she was.

It didn't have everything I would have hoped for in a final Christmas Closer, but it did make up for last week. An absolute perfect ending to the episode? Fritz taking Clay's advice and bopping him over the head when he got a little out of touch with reality. Merry Christmas indeed!

The Closer Review: Nothing Jolly To See Here

carissa@tvfanatic.com (Carissa Pavlica) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:00:00 EST

"You Have the Right to Remain Jolly" is the first time since I've been writing for TV Fanatic that the rating of 2 out of 5 stars didn't even phase me. This was unlike any episode of The Closer in all seven seasons, and a terrible waste of great talent.

Jolly possessed all of the pieces a truly comedic classic. Buzz had his sister in town and they visited The North Pole winter village for the arrival of Santa, just as they had done since they were kids. Buss was decked out in a holiday a sweater, embarrassing his sibling, who brought on the sarcasm at his excitement of the regression back to their childhood.

This year, Santa's big arrival was via zip line. Yep, Santa stood on top of the "north pole" and zipped his way into the crowd. Except the brakes failed and he ended up under a pile of chimney rubble, looking more like the Wicked Witch of the West with his boots sticking out than he did Saint Nick The good news? That was Santa RANDY killed by zip line. Santa JACK, guest star Fred Willard, was the real deal in his own wonderland, but decided not to make the zip trip himself.

The laughter really began when a drunk, chain smoking Santa Jack was taken in for questioning. After he threw up in a trash can and wiped his mouth with his beard, he blew his nose in it and tossed in the trash. Ho ho ho! Isn't that funny? Buzz's sister, Casey, was apparently wearing the scent of Christmas Goofballs because the entire squad was left drooling on their chins and standing, googly eyed, waving at her with one hand through the office windows.

We've seen Flynn and Provenza work their magic with the ladies before, and when they're on, it's hard to wipe the smile off your face. But not only were they transfixed, but Tao, Sanchez, Pope and more were agape at the lovely weather girl, Casey. Except not one second of it was funny.

Santa was disgusting, Casey was cute but the men's reaction to her was childlike and not in a "gee it's Christmas" kind of way. It was rather offensive. If The Closer wanted to make the most of this situation, I have no doubt we could have been on the edge of our seats with laughter. Instead, I was cringing.

Like many a Christmas movie before it, some big money hungry capitalist wanted to close down The North Pole to install a shopping mall. In the end, the pathetic loser of a Santa came into $2 million for the sale of his land. He got a happy ending and we got coal in our Christmas stocking.

Even the reappearance of Brenda's attorney, Gavin, wasn't enough to save The Closer from making the naughty list. Festively decorated throughout with broaches resembling wreathes and reindeer, he told Brenda he needed an additional $25,000 to keep him on retainer. He requested this after laying out evidence against her that made even Fritz cringe. When your own attorney points out that sending a suspect a bouquet of flowers every year on the anniversary of a death he may have been responsible for really won't look that great in a court of law, you know your have your work cut out for you.

Brenda batted her eyes at Pope and asked for help with the retainer. Acting like he was saving the day, he told Gavin that this would prove to be the biggest case of his career and make him THE go-to attorney for all other cases if he won. He should do it pro-bono. In the spirit of the season and because he likes Brenda, he acquiesced. But not before telling Brenda that Pope had nothing to do with the original retainer money, which came from Fritz from a family inheritance. She had no idea.

I expect there will be more Christmas theme ahead this month as the midseason run continues on The Closer, so I won't worry that this was our last chance at a series Christmas episode. When I think of how wonderful it was last year, "You Have the Right to be Jolly" is just insulting.

Here's hoping that next week brings us some holiday cheer that doesn't insult our intelligence, and a good memory to match them all stupendous Closer holiday episodes that came before this lump of coal.

The Closer Review: For the Greater Good

carissa@tvfanatic.com (Carissa Pavlica) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:00:00 EST

This federal lawsuit on The Closer is a pain in the neck. It requires the "Necessary Evil" of Captain Raydor documenting, ensuring and logging every blasted minute of the crimes Brenda's team is investigating. We have Raydor walking behind the unit, wasting time and taking members' minds off their jobs to jot down their movements and then lambasting them with questions that seem irrelevant.

At the very least, Raydor hates the position she's in, feeling like a hall monitor and not thinking she;s adding anything to the federal investigation. We are officially on the path of Raydor's redemption.

Raydor Drops a Bomb
After she let Pope and Taylor know what she thought of the constant pursuit of Chief Johnson's investigations, she let loose the bombshell: She's been made an offer she cannot refuse. Even after Pope promised her a promotion to commander if she stayed and helped with the lawsuit, she resisted. It was at that moment that I determined either Pope or Taylor is the leak. They are both incredibly shady and have never had the full trust of the viewers.

Mary McDonnell has had some extraordinary performances in her career, but her job in The Closer is very nuanced. She walks a tight line between being loved and loathed, and she pulls it off very well. Even when you want to dislike her, something draws you near.

Raydor had an ace up her sleeve. With no intention of retiring or taking a new job, she was leading the lamb to slaughter. By the end of the episode, opposing counsel Peter Goldman knew all about her little talk with Pope and Taylor. Most likely even before Brenda. This should get very interesting.

Particularly enjoyable was the scene when Brenda took the long way around to thanking Raydor for having her back, and for how hard she is working to make things right. It's very important that their relationship continue to look hostile in order for Raydor to catch her prey.

The Convoluted Case
I had no idea what was going on with the case of the week. So many suspects, some right out of the woodwork. It was all about a bunch of athletic students, a coach and principal. That schools focus so much more on sports rather than education has always been an enigma to me, and this case didn't shed any light on my ability to understand.

It did make me think about how many kids get the shaft from their parents, and how messed up our society has become that helping someone without government "permission" immediately makes you suspect of horrific acts like pedophilia. Where does that leave us and the children who have no one else to protect them? Very sad.

The first of the last 11 episodes didn't have the regular tension or humor found in many of The Closer airings, but it took us one step closer toward the reveal of the leak, what will most likely be the ultimate implosion of Major Crimes as it stands now and Brenda's eventual leave. Call me silly, but that makes me a bit melancholy.

Jason George to Guest Star on The Closer Finale

matt@tvfanatic.com (TV Fanatic Staff) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:07:47 EST

Jason George is a busy man.

The actor will reprise his role as a love interest for Bailey on this Thursday's Grey's Anatomy, and then will head over to TNT in December for a guest-starring gig on The Closer.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the former Off the Map actor will appear in that drama's winter finale as Marvin Evans, a businessman with a connection to the neighborhood where Turell Baylor was killed last season. On the December 26 installment, “Silent Partner,” look for Kyra Sedgwick's Brenda to seek assistance from Evans this character.

The Closer will then wrap up its run in the summer of 2012 before making way for its spinoff, Major Crimes.

Elizabeth Perkins to Guest Star on The Closer

matt@tvfanatic.com (TV Fanatic Staff) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:41:58 EST

Elizabeth Perkins is headed back to the small screen.

The veteran actress, who left her role as Celia Hodes on Weeds in 2009, will appear on the December 19 episode of The Closer.

Perkins will come on board as Gail Meyers, a woman who runs into trouble when she tries to cover up a potential scandal.

The episode will also feature Mark Moses (Mad Men, Desperate Housewives) as Gail's husband and Maggie Wheeler (Curb Your Enthusiasm) as her BFF.

The Closer kicks off its winter run on November 28.

The Closer Summer Finale Review: Who's the Mole?

carissa@tvfanatic.com (Carissa Pavlica) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:36:46 EST

What are the odds that Brenda would be on trial for the death of one suspect, while another took his own life in her interrogation room? "Fresh Pursuit" examined just that scenario.

With the slow motion camera action, I was certain the suspect would get Brenda instead, and I was quite pleased when she came out unharmed.

My first thought was that the mole we've all been expecting to be unearthed was going to great lengths to make sure he or she was not found out. Certainly someone could not want Brenda gone so much that they would risk the lives of everyone in the department... right?

As it turned out, I watched the entire episode not looking for clues in the case itself, but on the lookout for something in the overarching subplot of the leak in Major Crimes. Was someone going to get shot, would the mole be revealed? It was beyond frustrating.

Along those lines, when Gabriel let the "big fish" suspect leave his sight, I thought I would scream. I knew Brenda would be waiting outside at another exit, but when you suspect everyone it gets unnerving. Seeing Brenda pointing a gun at the suspect in her bare feet was a real kick.

And then, the hammer to the head: The opposing attorney, Mr. Goldman, lost the case against her in the state of California... but took it one step further and filed a federal one. Who in the Hell was the mole?!? As Brenda stood there, shaking like a leaf, I realized the case was at a much higher level than I had dared to believe. When Brenda asked if he had a personal vendetta, I had to accept that if not him, then someone surely did.

And that was it. The end. The summer finale. It concluded with a look of sheer terror on Brenda's face, as she, and we, tried to process what Goldman was doing. With a sense of disbelief and despair, we're left to wonder if it's their intent to try to ruin every good thing that Brenda spent five years creating. Her reputation, that of the Major Crimes division, and our relationship with them as viewers are all in jeopardy.

I felt like I was standing on a ladder and someone kicked it out from under me. I now have months of waiting to find out what, or who, is really behind this ultra-aggressive lawsuit. My only coherent guess is Pope, and the thought of him being behind such pain is too grievous to imagine.

What are your thoughts? Who is doing this to Brenda and why? Was there a particular case during the run of The Closer that would lead someone to have such an enormous grudge? Meet us back here this winter to find out.

The Closer Review: "Star Turn"

carissa@tvfanatic.com (Carissa Pavlica) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 22:43:36 EST

It was cool looking at major crimes through the eyes of the media. I've never even given a second thought to public perception, but considering their usual antics, it was nice to see they didn't come off as a bunch of buffoons.

Although Commander Taylor's suit was a bit bright.

Ken Howard appeared in an amusing turn as the victim of the week's son in law. Some of his lines were so colorful they couldn't even be used as quotes, and he played them brilliantly. It's high time to see him in another role as someone's father so he has the opportunity to bring his entertaining line delivery to us on a weekly basis.

I can't say the same for the appearance of Rick Gonzalez, who I loved on Reaper. He played an exploitative Hollywood manager in "Star Turn" and did such a good job I would have been happy to reach through the screen and wipe the smirk off of his face. Brenda was right there with me. Shaking his hand even made her grimace.

His role and the case highlighted some of the many reasons I steer clear of talent shows and teen sensations. I just don't believe the motivations for making a tween into a superstar are ever as innocent as giving into a little girl's or boy's desire for happiness.

I was so happy that someone finally told Pope she didn't trust him. That it came from the lips of Captain Raydor, and it was actually in support of Brenda, which made it even better. Pope hasn't been trustworthy since Brenda was up for a promotion and it's been sickening to watch him bask in the ill fate of Chief Delk.

If there was one reason for Brenda not to sign the agreement to get rid of the lawsuit against major crimes, it would be to keep Mark Pellegrino around as her attorney, Gavin. He fits so well with the cast and some of the most enjoyable moments in recent history have come due to his involvement. His childlike excitement at the chance to watch Brenda in action with the suspect was a perfect example.

As luck would have it, and to Pope's great dismay, Gavin and Raydor talked Brenda out of agreeing to the settlement. I hope the midseason finale will showcase some more extraordinary scenes between the three of them, and that Pope will finally realize the error of his ways in his treatment of Brenda and the whole situation.

The Closer Review: Deposition Day

carissa@tvfanatic.com (Carissa Pavlica) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:36:53 EST

"Death Warrant" featured one of the most annoying snitches I've had to suffer through. Seriously, Ray Diamond?!? The guy wanted a deal to prevent a murder that hadn't even happened yet.

The good news? We got to see Raydor and Brenda conspiring together. It's about time the animosity between these two lessened because they really proved to be an entertaining duo.

Elsewhere, Brenda's attorney, Gavin, started the depositions of major crimes. Mark Pelligrino is like a master of disguise in the way he can insert himself into so many roles and never seem like the same man. His facial expressions alone made his interrogations enjoyable to watch. He summed up his experience with two words, too: "Have mercy."

The way they filmed the scene when "The Kiss of Death" Flores was casing the joint where Fritz was talking with the DA set the scene up so well, I was cringing with worry about Fritz. Sure enough, bullets flew. At this point, as the series draws to a close, I figured nobody was safe. I cannot even imagine what would happen to Brenda if Fritz were killed or injured.

How bad ass was Raydor as she took aim and shot that guy in front of a crowd of people? The green band on the gun gave away that it wasn't a true shotgun, but still. Her stance and attitude had me screaming "frak yeah" as she shot him right between the eyes. The Major Crimes spin-off looks better after this episode, doesn't it?

One of the best moments for Brenda in recent history was watching Gavin see her in action. Until that point, he really had no first hand knowledge of her capabilities. Wasn't it just perfect that she mentioned Baylor while he was listening? That Taylor stuck up for her was icing on the cake. It was really all about how good Brenda was at her job and how cohesive the team has been during these trying days.

It's about time. Watching Brenda get pummeled week after week was getting old. We needed to see them rally around her and prop her up, as she has done for each of them so many times in the past.

The final scene was a stunner. Provenza threw the gauntlet about there being a leak in the division, and pretty much everyone agreed with him. Even better? Gavin's wink to Brenda after he told everyone in the room to pass on a message to Team Baylor. They lose. I have no idea what he learned through the process of depositions, but I can't wait to find out!