The only problem I've ever had with The Closer is the whole concept of a Priority Homicide Squad. Just what constitutes a priority homicide, as distinct from your garden variety one? The answer as the LAPD brutally admits is one that has or is guaranteed to give them bad publicity if it don't get solved.
So on that basis Chief J.K. Simmons formerly Doctor Emil Skoda on Law and Order forms a Priority Homicide Squad with some of the best detectives the LAPD has. But in heading it, Simmons reaches out of the department all the way to Atlanta for Deputy Chief Brenda Lee Johnson as beautifully played by Kyra Sedgwick.
The fact the two of them were once romantically involved is of secondary importance. Simmons is not a guy to mix pleasure and business. Her big asset on the job is an incredibly disarming manner and innate ability to read people that makes them fess up. That whole southern mush mouth drawl also grates on the sophisticated ears of some of LAPD's finest. But Brenda gets results.
We also see her as a fully developed character with a home life and a romantic life, that revolves around a current relationship with an FBI agent played by Jon Tenney. But there are days she goes home to nothing more than her cat which makes her good people in my book.
And the staff has its conflicts. Right now Gina Ravera and Corey Reynolds are going through a breakup that's not good for staff morale. But there is an old adage about not performing bodily functions where you consume edibles. Anthony John Dennison once her biggest detractor has now come around. Michael Paul Chan and Raymond Cruz have always been loyal to her. But my favorite is G.W. Bailey who used to be Sergeant Rizzo on MASH who always has something interesting to say.
The Closer ends almost as frequently as Perry Mason with Brenda Lee breaking down her suspect. The writing in these scenes is some of the best currently on series television. In fact The Closer is the TNT network's best show second to none.
So on that basis Chief J.K. Simmons formerly Doctor Emil Skoda on Law and Order forms a Priority Homicide Squad with some of the best detectives the LAPD has. But in heading it, Simmons reaches out of the department all the way to Atlanta for Deputy Chief Brenda Lee Johnson as beautifully played by Kyra Sedgwick.
The fact the two of them were once romantically involved is of secondary importance. Simmons is not a guy to mix pleasure and business. Her big asset on the job is an incredibly disarming manner and innate ability to read people that makes them fess up. That whole southern mush mouth drawl also grates on the sophisticated ears of some of LAPD's finest. But Brenda gets results.
We also see her as a fully developed character with a home life and a romantic life, that revolves around a current relationship with an FBI agent played by Jon Tenney. But there are days she goes home to nothing more than her cat which makes her good people in my book.
And the staff has its conflicts. Right now Gina Ravera and Corey Reynolds are going through a breakup that's not good for staff morale. But there is an old adage about not performing bodily functions where you consume edibles. Anthony John Dennison once her biggest detractor has now come around. Michael Paul Chan and Raymond Cruz have always been loyal to her. But my favorite is G.W. Bailey who used to be Sergeant Rizzo on MASH who always has something interesting to say.
The Closer ends almost as frequently as Perry Mason with Brenda Lee breaking down her suspect. The writing in these scenes is some of the best currently on series television. In fact The Closer is the TNT network's best show second to none.