I have not had any problems (at all) either! Not with the first episode nor the second! This is via Comcast in South Florida.

Not a TNT issue as far as I am concerned!

No audio or video problems with the closer via TWC . Both episodes had no issues what so ever.

I don't understand your last statement or your point. I watched it it was fine. Why are you blaming TNT? Obviously you know your provider ot your equipment was at fault not TNT.

Want to blame them for something? The image is a bit soft, but that's all.
Could this could be a case of your being "often wrong but never in doubt"? Being a nice guy I'll assume not and explain why my observations have led me to the reasonable but certainly not irrefutable inference that it is a TNT problem.

I am blaming TNT for the problems I am having with The Closer for a couple of reasons. First, keenan has had many of the same problems, see his posts on the subject; second, because it happens every time I watch The Closer on TNT via Cox OKC but not with any other show on any other channel at any time. From my perspective and keenan’s then, the fair inference seems to be that it’s a TNT problem.

One other variable occurred to me while I was writing the foregoing: it could be a CableCARD problem related to my TiVo Series3 and to the CableCARD technology. In order to confirm or eliminate that possibility, I have setup the re-showing of this week’s episode on Saturday to record both on the TiVo and the SA 8300HD DVR that I rent from Cox. I’ll report further after I have had a chance to check out both recordings.

I stand by my statement. It looks like your provider does not know how to do something- either feed TNT correctly or enable the cablecard. You appear to be in a small minority of people having problems, at least those that post here.

I can't say for certain where the problems are happening. This coming Monday I'll be sure to note time stamps for any anomalies I see and compare with others here to try and determine where it's happening.

The fact is though, if one were to go back through TNT programming threads, TNT seems to have a higher incidence of PQ/AQ problems than other channels, at least among channels I watch. In fact, I think this very thread has some posts about the beginning of season 2(?) where the PQ looked like it was smeared vaseline on the screen, this was universally noted by all posters if I recall correctly.

You may not have noticed, or seen, any issues with TNT's quality over the years, and I'm not saying this particular instance is a TNT problem for certain, but there is no question, no doubt, that TNT has had it's problems in the past, that is indisputable fact.

I can't say for certain where the problems are happening. This coming Monday I'll be sure to note time stamps for any anomalies I see and compare with others here to try and determine where it's happening.

The fact is though, if one were to go back through TNT programming threads, TNT seems to have a higher incidence of PQ/AQ problems than other channels, at least among channels I watch. In fact, I think this very thread has some posts about the beginning of season 2(?) where the PQ looked like it was smeared vaseline on the screen, this was universally noted by all posters if I recall correctly.

You may not have noticed, or seen, any issues with TNT's quality over the years, and I'm not saying this particular instance is a TNT problem for certain, but there is no question, no doubt, that TNT has had it's problems in the past, that is indisputable fact.
As you have said, complaints about TNT's video have cropped up in a number of threads for years and I have seen it with The Closer ever since the series began. I hope to know more about the Great Closer PQ Mystery later this morning when I will be recording a repeat of this week's episode. It can't possibly be worse than the recording I had of the first showing. I am going to record the rerun both on my TiVo S3 and on the SA 8300HD DVR, which I rent from Cox, in order to eliminate the possibility that the PQ problems are related to the use of CableCARDs in TiVo DVRs.

I have now watched the rerun of this week's The Closer and am now far less certain than I had been earlier about how much of the transmission problems I have seen while watching the show are TNT's fault.

I recorded this morning's rerun both on a TiVo Series3 and an SA 8300HD, which I rent from Cox OKC. The TiVo recording had artifacts when credits were were being shown using a full screen black background but the Cox box's recording was perfect in this respect. Nevertheless, there were mild audio dropouts in several scenes, which were identical on both recordings. The bottom line is that the overall presentation of the rerun of this week's show was mostly satisfactory on both DVRs, although not perfect on either. Go figure. I am going to stop worrying about it and focus on problems I can do something about.:)

It is now clear that the problems I have been having with The Closer's video have been caused by my TiVo's recordings, not by TNT or Cox OKC. I just finished watching the first 10 minutes of this week's episode in real time and the video was perfect, including the full screen black background with the cast's names printed in white letters on it.

I used my TiVo to receive the show but, as noted I watched in real time. Then, when the first set of commercials ran, I watched the beginning of my TiVo's recording, which revealed that the recording failed to keep the black background steady; instead the background broke up and artifacts were visible.

The truly puzzling aspect of all this is that all of my TiVo recordings of other shows have been perfect, the problem only occurs on The Closer, which, unfortunately, happens with every showing of every episode. Can anybody suggest what might be going on here? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. I'll also post my question in the TiVo threads and see if anybody there has any ideas.

Finally, I apologize for veering off onto this tangent and promise to post something on the merits of the show by and by. Thanks for your forbearance.

Well, I've just watched the first 7 mins and there's all sorts of audio popping going on. Now, whether that's the way it's coming from DirecTV or it's the D* DVR causing the problem, I have no way to tell as there is no way to view the program live, everything viewed via a DVR is recorded, even "Live TV" is play back from the hard drive.

Audio problems as well with D*. HR22-100 in my case.

HR20-700 here, and they got pretty bad throughout the episode.

HR20-100 and the audio was pretty bad through out the entire episode. Anybody not a Directv customer have the audio problem tonight?

HR20-100 and the audio was pretty bad through out the entire episode. Anybody not a Directv customer have the audio problem tonight?

The audio issue is following through into Raising The Bar as well.

This is not the typical brrrp sound that has plagued DirecTV broadcasts either, this is something different altogether.

The audio issue is following through into Raising The Bar as well.

This is not the typical brrrp sound that has plagued DirecTV broadcasts either, this is something different altogether.

I've experienced it before, I remember a Leverage marathon and it went on for three or four hours. Seems like all the other cable channels use 384kbps 5.1 and TNT uses 448kbps 5.1.

I'd still like to hear from someone other than a Directv customer, it would at least point towards TNT or Directv.

This is actually a bit of good news (the audio problems) to me.

I'm a Dish Network customer... and was pretty sure the audio glitches were not my receiver, audio system, or Dish... Knowing they are happening on DirecTV helps confirm that.

Basically it has been happening for me all evening (the Closer repeat, the new episode, Raising the Bar, and now during Law & Order as well).

When it has been signal issues, my audio receiver would show the glitch by re-adjusting to the audio format... but this has been steady, indicating to me it was in the broadcast itself.

So that left Dish OR the TNT uplink. Sounds to me like the TNT uplink itself is the problem.

I hope they fix it soon, because it is nasty and annoying.

I guess I should be thankful I don't also have the TiVo video glitches to pile onto the audio problem... although it makes me wonder IF the audio problem could be causing the TiVo to glitch the video on the recording trying to keep things in synch.

I watched it after recording it on my Comcast Motorola DVR and no audio or video glitches at all.

watched with a TiVo HD via TWC, and had the audio issues as well, but the video was fine throughout.

TWC SA8300HD - I do not remember any audio problems.

I was struck by a perception of wildly different picture quality, but I think it is unrelated to the distribution method. It was when switching between close-ups of Mary McDonnell and Kyra Sedgwick and a wider shot of the room. I think it was at the end in Chief Johnson's office. It seemed as if there was a filter/de-focus on one close-up, something else (but not crystal clarity) on another, then switched to crystal clarity on the room shot. Now that I am typing this, maybe they were shot with different lenses, filters, and/or cameras and the rapid switching just made that more noticeable.

v/r,
C-F

Well, I've just watched the first 7 mins and there's all sorts of audio popping going on. Now, whether that's the way it's coming from DirecTV or it's the D* DVR causing the problem, I have no way to tell as there is no way to view the program live, everything viewed via a DVR is recorded, even "Live TV" is play back from the hard drive.
That's right but when I watched in in real time via my TiVo there were no artifacts, although when I watched again later via both the buffer and the saved recording, the familiar artifacting I described earlier was there. Go figure.

I had occasional audio dropouts, even in real time, but they were mild enough not to bother me much. I should add that my recording of last week's show on an SA 8300HD had mild audio problems but no video artifacts. My provider is Cox OKC.

On to the merits though. I watched the rest of last night's episode and was very well entertained. I was reminded of the first season during which Brenda had a lot of trouble with the folks who later developed confidence in her. The internal tension that created was a lot of fun and the wonderful Mary McDonnell, as the overwrought and attitudinally challenged, Captain Sharon Raydor, brought back a lot of it. That made for some fun stuff. I hope we get to see more of her.

Motorola COX DVR and I had audio dropouts.

I just watched my recording of Closer on a Dish 622 DVR which has just received a new software update - 6.21 and it was full of audio drops and clicks. Very annoying. However two other recordings I watched from different channels were fine so methinks it is TNT. All recordings were made before the new software and watched after.

Well, since this seems to be an ongoing thing, here in Plantation (just west of Ft. Lauderdale), Florida, watching via a Comcast Motorola DVR all was fine and good! No video issues and no audio issues!!!

Well, although there seems to be evidence that the issues, at least the audio problems this week(we're talking about the DD 5.1 feed BTW), are a TNT problem, the folks that claim they had no audio problems with this week's episode make me think there might be 2 different uplinks for TNT-HD. That, or there are some transmission linkages somewhere that are different between providers causing the different experiences.

All I really know for sure is that these issues are overwhelmingly predominate with TNT-HD - what's causing them, I don't know, but when I watch TNT-HD I've come to expect them as opposed to almost all other channels of which I don't seem to have any problems with at all. USA-HD sounds as if their audio has been run through some sort of compander on occasion which causes the surrounds to be nearly as loud as the center/dialog, but other than that...

I've only just caught up and so far don't remember any audio or picture glitches at all. Which makes a first, because previously the reds in The Closer nearly always had compression noise.

So far the picture quality has been fine. I think TW are trying to offset the abysmal quality of Burn Notice.

I'm really enjoying this season so far. The opener was powerful stuff. The second was a bit slow and casting easily recognizable actor Miguel Sandoval as a seemingly minor character (the dead chauffeur) made it obvious his role would be important, I did like the way they ended just as the body was discovered.

Looking forward to the (hopefully) now obligatory Provenza and Flynn episode.

I wonder if the people who aren't seeing (hearing) audio problems on TNT are using surround sound or not? It could be an issue that shows up for those of us processing the 5.1 surround vs those who do not?

Well, although there seems to be evidence that the issues, at least the audio problems this week(we're talking about the DD 5.1 feed BTW), are a TNT problem, the folks that claim they had no audio problems with this week's episode make me think there might be 2 different uplinks for TNT-HD. That, or there are some transmission linkages somewhere that are different between providers causing the different experiences.

I agree that the sound dropout glitch we have been complaining about is likely attributable to TNT's 5.1 feed. I have experienced dropouts on both my TiVo and a Cox owned SA 8300HD. The TiVo's audio is received by my receiver via optical coax, while the 8300HD uses HDMI. I'll try to check how The Closer's audio sounds on my TV's built in speakers. I'll report further when I check that out.

I wonder if the people who aren't seeing (hearing) audio problems on TNT are using surround sound or not? It could be an issue that shows up for those of us processing the 5.1 surround vs those who do not?As I’ve said a couple of times, I‘ve not experienced any audio (or video) issues with this show.

My audio is an optical feed (5.1) from a Comcast Motorola DVR to a Pioneer receiver (which is quite a few years old now but still works very well). Come to think of it, I’ve never used the TV speakers, not even once!

I wonder if the people who aren't seeing (hearing) audio problems on TNT are using surround sound or not? It could be an issue that shows up for those of us processing the 5.1 surround vs those who do not?

I always watch HD with the receiver for audio and usually that makes it easy to spot audio problems like 2.0 sound and missing center channels, but I noticed nothing here.

Watching the replay of Monday nights episode this morning and the audio seems fine. I do hate the way they are jerking around the schedule, it's always to the best of my knowledge been shown later in the night after the original airing until this year. Now you have to run it down if you missed the original or had problems like so many of us did with last Monday's broadcast.

Watching the replay of Monday nights episode this morning and the audio seems fine. I do hate the way they are jerking around the schedule, it's always to the best of my knowledge been shown later in the night after the original airing until this year. Now you have to run it down if you missed the original or had problems like so many of us did with last Monday's broadcast.
As noted in an earlier post, one of the recent rerun telecasts of a preceding Monday episode saved me because my recording of the Monday airing had been unwatchable. Although the video of the rerun was fine, it had the same mild audio dropout glitch I had heard before.

I was fairly excited to see David Hewlett at the beginning of this episode, but he was wasted. I hope he comes back in a recurring role.

Makes me remember the one thing I really do miss about SG:A going off air.

Any episode that start with Flynn and Provenza is going to be good and last night did not disappoint. The casting of the apartment building deskman was great (please check out the Jack-In-The-Box commercial for the 2 Tacos for $.99 (http://www.jackinthebox.com/commercials/)).

Any episode that start with Flynn and Provenza is going to be good and last night did not disappoint. The casting of the apartment building deskman was great (please check out the Jack-In-The-Box commercial for the 2 Tacos for $.99 (http://www.jackinthebox.com/commercials/)).
I liked this episode, too. It was goodnatured fun and very exciting. I thought the guy who guest starred as the deranged wannabe cop was terrific.

I'm still laughing at this episode.

Richard Tracy indeed -- what a great character. I think I'd like to see the outtakes from this show -- it had to be really hard to keep a straight face playing this whole story playing as a serious tone.


I'm going to guess that rezzy didn't find much to like since he hasn't posted in close to 4 years -- the original quote threw me until I found it was on the front page of Season 1.

and this week i had some audio drops in the first 10 minutes. But an improvement over last week, since when I came to watch that episode tonight it was a slideshow. The compression noise was everywhere which made it unwatchable. Ironically the audio seemed okay.

Can't blame it specifically on TNT since I've seen the same thing happen to other shows infrequently. Has to be the amazing power of TWC service or their fantastic DVR software.

Watching History HD tonight and the SDV signal dropped out mid program so I guess I should be grateful TNT isn't on SDV too.

Did anyone else have lots of split second audio drops for the first part of the episode or can I just chalk it up to Cox HD compression again?

No problems here, Comcast, Lansing, MI

I thought tonight's episode was excellent, probably the best this season.

Did anyone else have lots of split second audio drops for the first part of the episode or can I just chalk it up to Cox HD compression again?

Yes, Comcast San Francisco, typical TNT crap broadcast. Got a lot of it in Raising The Bar as well.

audio issues via E*.

Same/typical for lately audio glitches on Dish here for me as well. Seems to be unique to TNTHD for me (i.e. no other channels doing it).

I'm sure I'm not the only one, by the way... but it's interesting to me the Mary McDonnell character is a lot like season 1 Brenda.

That being... Brenda caused a lot of her own problems in season 1 by not trusting her team, so they didn't trust her... but by the end of season 1 she was one of the gang, with mutual trust earned across the board. Over the last couple of seasons even Captain Taylor has mellowed and she cooperates with him more often than being adversarial.

So... now this new Captain character is the outsider... who actually seems to mean well and care about her job, but she keeps working as an outsider so Brenda and company treat her that way... and conflict ensues.

I thought tonight's episode was excellent, probably the best this season.

I'm sure I'm not the only one, by the way... but it's interesting to me the Mary McDonnell character is a lot like season 1 Brenda.

That being... Brenda caused a lot of her own problems in season 1 by not trusting her team, so they didn't trust her... but by the end of season 1 she was one of the gang, with mutual trust earned across the board. Over the last couple of seasons even Captain Taylor has mellowed and she cooperates with him more often than being adversarial.

So... now this new Captain character is the outsider... who actually seems to mean well and care about her job, but she keeps working as an outsider so Brenda and company treat her that way... and conflict ensues.
I agree that this week's show was the best of the season so far. The opening scene, shown from the perspective of the police helicopter, was riveting. The transmissions from the guy in the helo made my hair stand on end. The Closer knows how to tell gut wrenching stories when it wants to do it. This was one of them.

Mary McDonnell, as Captain Sharon Raydor, has been a welcome addition. She is a terrific actress. Raydor is an uptight control freak but she has met her match in Brenda. I agree that she thinks she is doing the right thing but her excessive righteousness often impedes Brenda's investigations. The tension between Raydor and Brenda has created an interesting dynamic and has been extremely well written, it seems to me. As noted by HDMe2, in Season 1 that kind of tension existed between Brenda and most of those who worked for her and it made great television. I am hopeful that the writers can recreate that kind of magic this season.

EDIT: Typo corrected.

THE CLOSER is the best show on cable.

I've been asleep at the wheel, I didn't even know that Charlie(Brenda's niece on the show) is actually her daughter. Sosie Bacon, I like her on the show.
http://www.celebritybabyscoop.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/main_pic/legacy/2009/01/90125a1_sedgwick_b-gr_05.jpg

I agree that this week's show was the best of the season so far. The opening scene, shown from the perspective of the police helicopter, was riveting. The transmissions from the guy in the helo made my hair stand on end.

It's taken me a while to catch up but I agree, that was a great intro. Not only from a dramatic perspective but also because it was something I don't remember seeing to such an extent in any crime show. It gave me a new appreciation for those guys in the air.

The nepotism of casting Sosie Bacon would normally rub me the wrong way, but this season has been so consistently good that I can overlook it and she seems to be a decent actress too. Cutting back the appearances by Brenda's parents has helped.

This week was another example of the fine balance between comedy and drama this shows straddles with ease. The Sanchez, Tau and Provenza garage scene and the ring reveal were very funny. The ending the complete opposite.

It's taken me a while to catch up but I agree, that was a great intro. Not only from a dramatic perspective but also because it was something I don't remember seeing to such an extent in any crime show. It gave me a new appreciation for those guys in the air.



-snip-

As someone who did that job for 15 years, the perception of being "in charge" until someone on the street takes over was accurate. However, the actual radio traffic would be a little more sedate as the observer reports the situation to respnding units.

I do understand dramatic license rears it's ugly head in this case.:)

Tony

I've been asleep at the wheel, I didn't even know that Charlie(Brenda's niece on the show) is actually her daughter. Sosie Bacon, I like her on the show.
Very interesting, I had no idea that young Sosie Bacon was Kyra Sedgwick's daughter. I agree that she is a talented actress, she has been perfect as Brenda's smart but troubled niece. The apple didn't fall far from the tree.

Very interesting, I had no idea that young Sosie Bacon was Kyra Sedgwick's daughter. I agree that she is a talented actress, she has been perfect as Brenda's smart but troubled niece. The apple didn't fall far from the tree.

Her father, Kevin Bacon, isn't too much of a slouch either... :)

Well duh...I had no idea, either that the girl playing Charlie was Kyra's daughter. When I look at the picture above, the resemblance is clear, to me anyway. She's got a promising future in acting, IMO.

I love The Closer...I just discovered it recently, and have spent some time catching up on previous seasons on DVD. GREAT show!

DGK

Well duh...I had no idea, either that the girl playing Charlie was Kyra's daughter. When I look at the picture above, the resemblance is clear, to me anyway. She's got a promising future in acting, IMO.

I think she looks even more like her father (if you can find pics of him when he was a lot younger).

I think she looks even more like her father (if you can find pics of him when he was a lot younger).

I agree, as soon as I found out, he came to my mind instantly.

I just caught up with this episode, and I thought it was terrific.

A REAL family affair--Kevin Bacon directed, and wife and daughter starred! I don't usually notice direction, but I actually thought this episode excelled. The the truck chase scene was VERY well done, it really built in a great way. And he got nice performances from his fam.. actors in the emotional scenes. :)

I just caught up with this episode, and I thought it was terrific.

A REAL family affair--Kevin Bacon directed, and wife and daughter starred! I don't usually notice direction, but I actually thought this episode excelled. The the truck chase scene was VERY well done, it really built in a great way. And he got nice performances from his fam.. actors in the emotional scenes. :)
I liked it, too. I particularly appreciated that they brought back the police helicopter guy for the big chase scene involving the truck. The Closer is a terrific series.

EDIT: Typo corrected.

I just caught up with this episode, and I thought it was terrific.

A REAL family affair--Kevin Bacon directed, and wife and daughter starred! I don't usually notice direction, but I actually thought this episode excelled. The the truck chase scene was VERY well done, it really built in a great way. And he got nice performances from his fam.. actors in the emotional scenes. :)

It was a very good episode, and they used the helicopter again which really
adds another dimension to the story-telling.

great episode for the best show on tv. can not wait until next season!

great episode for the best show on tv. can not wait until next season!

Me either! Looks like they'll also be re-running this season's episodes starting next week, so we can catch up on any we've missed (and keep me from going into Closer withdrawal). ;)

I loved that truck chase scene...must have cost them a mint to make it, or at least took up a lot of time!

DGK

It was another solid episode but I didn't think it felt like a season "closer." :D

Isn't there usually some kind of dramatic ending?

Delayed newsflash for me - I never realized each season was thematic. This season the theme was "Change." Last season it was "Power."

This season is 15 episodes, we've seen 12, the other three will come later(not known at this time). We'll probably get them around Christmas or New Year, somewhere in that neighborhood They've been doing this since Season #2, check out the date breaks in the Seasons at: http://epguides.com/Closer/

The 8/24 episode was one of the best of the entire series.

Excellent.

Heads up. New Closer tonight.

Heads up. New Closer tonight.

On now, rerun at midnight(Eastern) and again Saturday Saturday morning at 11:00am(Eastern)

Joel :D

This week was a classic Provenza episode. Swinging between comedy and drama with ease and some great lines.

I also loved the direct approach of Sanchez.

I just don't seem to be able to keep my interest this season. They all seem alike, too hokey. Time to move on.

The Good Wife is the best new show this season.

I just don't seem to be able to keep my interest this season. They all seem alike, too hokey. Time to move on.

The Good Wife is the best new show this season.

Seriously. This show used to at least try for a little edginess, a little tension amongst the characters, a little context for the Brenda's constant discomfort.

Now there's nothing. Just a lame procedural with increasingly stock supporting characters.

While I still like the show... I think we are now seeing what I feared, once she became accepted in the PD. Some of the best stuff in the beginning was her struggle for acceptance and their struggle to work with her quirkiness.

Now everybody's used to everybody... and even Taylor isn't as much of a jerk anymore... so they are all one big happy police family, and some of the edge is gone.

While I still like the show... I think we are now seeing what I feared, once she became accepted in the PD. Some of the best stuff in the beginning was her struggle for acceptance and their struggle to work with her quirkiness.

Now everybody's used to everybody... and even Taylor isn't as much of a jerk anymore... so they are all one big happy police family, and some of the edge is gone.

So, let me see if I get this right. The show isn't as good anymore because there isn't a constant bickering among the characters? There is no "Edge" or anger in the show. The show is too nice. If I were a TV executive and I saw these types of comments, I would say "just shoot me now":(. There is no way he can please anybody.

Why can't a show have a little fun every now and then? Why must it be one long rant among the characters? I thought the comedy they did with Jeff Bridges was great. It was a great change from the "murder-on-the-street", "I'm-going-to-kill-someone-if-I-don't-get-my-way" type of episode.

If the show is not showing enough anguish for you, try Criminal Minds on CBS for a while. I'm sure you will be thoughly satisfied.:D

I missed the last ep .. but found a repeat airing I set to record this weekend, describing someone's old partner helping in a case, & something about not going on a planned vacation ....
Was that this past monday's ep?

I missed the last ep .. but found a repeat airing I set to record this weekend, describing someone's old partner helping in a case, & something about not going on a planned vacation ....
Was that this past monday's ep?

Yes, that's the one.

I have loved The Closer since it started but had noticed that the episodes were becoming sillier and less substantial all the time. This week's episode was so awful, though, I couldn't get through it. What a waste of the usually reliable Beau Bridges! I thought that he was grotesque, not funny in this week's show. Five minutes of that stuff was all it took for me to hit the Delete button. I hope that next week's episode is better, which, fortunately, seems a likely prospect.

So, let me see if I get this right. The show isn't as good anymore because there isn't a constant bickering among the characters? There is no "Edge" or anger in the show. The show is too nice. If I were a TV executive and I saw these types of comments, I would say "just shoot me now":(. There is no way he can please anybody.

Why can't a show have a little fun every now and then? Why must it be one long rant among the characters? I thought the comedy they did with Jeff Bridges was great. It was a great change from the "murder-on-the-street", "I'm-going-to-kill-someone-if-I-don't-get-my-way" type of episode.

If the show is not showing enough anguish for you, try Criminal Minds on CBS for a while. I'm sure you will be thoughly satisfied.:D

The point I was looking to make was... the show is still good, but it used to be much better. They've systematically eliminated most of the internal conflict on the show... so it is increasingly becoming just a procedural crime drama.

I miss some of the internal struggles that would complicate the solving of the crime.

The point I was looking to make was... the show is still good, but it used to be much better. They've systematically eliminated most of the internal conflict on the show... so it is increasingly becoming just a procedural crime drama.

I miss some of the internal struggles that would complicate the solving of the crime.

I watch a lot of crime dramas on TV. I love the solving of the case. The eventual catching of the criminal. The Closer has their own unique way of doing that while trying to keep the atmosphere a little light with their humor. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. They all have their problems. Anyone who watches them on a regular basis can spot the holes. But I give everyone in them points for trying on a weekly basis.

The closer tries it's best to show the natural progression of a group of people who work together on daily basis year after year. The chief knows how Brenda will react so he doesn't get as upset as he use to. Brenda's husband knows how she reacts so he manipulates her to get his way. Maybe they don't pull it off as well as they should or like they use to but I appreciate how they try to give the characters some growth. They can't be angry people all the time. Everyone has to grow up some time.

But if you and others (GWSAT) feel that they are becoming silly or losing their edge, why put them on a death watch for your attention? Why announce to the world they are not meeting you and others high standards and you and others are ready to escape if they produce another "silly" show. Why not just stop watching. That will put them off the air if that is your intention.

I read these blogs often. Lately it has become just a place to whine about something not meeting a person's personal standards. I was hoping to find a place where people could discuss the shows progression rather than trying to find a way to kill a show. If I sound a little angry, I guess I am. Sorry, but I had to get that off my chest. :mad:

But if you and others (GWSAT) feel that they are becoming silly or losing their edge, why put them on a death watch for your attention? Why announce to the world they are not meeting you and others high standards and you and others are ready to escape if they produce another "silly" show. Why not just stop watching. That will put them off the air if that is your intention.
Hey, it's only television and I wasn't mad -- I'm sorry you are.:) I don't intend to quit watching -- yet. My only point was that the silliness of last night's show was unworthy of an old Milton Berle skit, which, combined with the general loss of edge we have seen in the show recently, does not bode well for the future.

Hey, it's only television and I wasn't mad -- I'm sorry you are.:) I don't intend to quit watching -- yet. My only point was that the silliness of last night's show was unworthy of an old Milton Berle skit, which, combined with the general loss of edge we have seen in the show recently, does not bode well for the future.

I remember Milton Berle was the epitome of silliness. He loved to dress of in women's clothing and make people laugh. I don't know if that was the intention of these writers. But if you can remember that far back, surely you haven't forgotten how bizarre those early TV shows were.

Everyone knew Jeff bridges looked silly. I'm sure he did. But that was the point. He wanted to make you laugh. If you had stuck out the show to the end, you would have found out more about his character, why he did what he did and the wonderful way he helped the case without jeopardizing his character's principles. I though the writers and the show's producers struck a "just right balance" while given the old "Closer" type redemption in the end.

Most shows have about 100 really good episodes in them before the quality really starts to fall. I don't know how many the Closer has, but I hope to stick around until they reach 100. So far, Brenda has gotten over sleeping with her boss, having her family meet her live in boy friend and getting married while solving a case. They always manage to bring some quirkiness into the script. Having Jeff Bridges play a woman just adds to the overall chaos of the work place. Provenza certainly got a chance to shine with his old partner.

Try not to be so hard on the show. After all, "it's only television".:D

Everyone knew Jeff bridges looked silly. I'm sure he did. But that was the point. He wanted to make you laugh. If you had stuck out the show to the end, you would have found out more about his character, why he did what he did and the wonderful way he helped the case without jeopardizing his character's principles. I though the writers and the show's producers struck a "just right balance" while given the old "Closer" type redemption in the end.

I agree. The show started by playing on Provenza's old school attitudes and ended with his uncomfortable - but willing - acceptance of the situation.

I love all the Provenza/Flynn episodes. They are all funny and skirt the ridiculous for a police procedural, but the writing always gives his character enough space to show his chops as a detective and "real" character.

What kind of discussion thread would it be if everyone agreed on everything and all we posted was "that was great" over and over?

I thought the point of discussion was to discuss...

That said... As I said, I still enjoy the show... but no one can argue it is the same show now as it was in season 1-2. Personally, I enjoyed those early seasons more than I do now. That is true of a lot of shows, actually... Very few shows stay strong from start to finish.

A show that started as strong as the Closer is bound to let some of us longtime viewers down from time to time... but it doesn't mean I hate the show or want to see it canceled.

There's a lot of ground between great and horrible... Just because I don't think every new episode is the best episode ever, shouldn't mean I have to stop watching and hope it gets canceled, does it?

I'm of the opinion that a 'bad' episode of "The Closer" is still usually better than just about 90% of what else TV has to offer up lately, especially the stuff on network TV. Just my 2 cents. ;)

I'm not about to quit watching now...I still like the show too much to do that.

DGK

I'm of the opinion that a 'bad' episode of "The Closer" is still usually better than just about 90% of what else TV has to offer up lately, especially the stuff on network TV. Just my 2 cents. ;)

I'm not about to quit watching now...I still like the show too much to do that.
Although I HATED the latest episode, I agree that The Closer has been a fine series. I intend to stick with it unless it really surprises me and another episode turns me off as much as the most recent show did. I don't expect that to happen, though.

It's great that the Closer shows people making mistakes. The police say the wrong things, the crooks are dumb, Brenda gets in trouble with her parents and husband. Like real people. That's why they pull me in. It's like visiting some dysfunctional group of friends. They seem to go out of their way to show the character's flaws. That makes them more human.

After my unambiguous expression of detestation for last week's show, I thought that I was obliged to confess that I really liked this week's episode. The prickly dynamic between Brenda and Mary McDonnell, as Captain Sharon Ryder, is always a lot of fun and this week was no exception. As Ryder said to Brenda, "We just don't like each other.":) The stresses beginning to appear in Brenda and Fritz's marriage were also interesting. Anyway, I think the show has returned to form and I look forward to seeing it come back.

I agree... the introduction of a "new Brenda" of sorts who clearly has the same kind of people-lack-of-skills that Brenda does in terms of playing well with others is a good dynamic.

Also the triangle of anger between Brenda, Fritz, and Chief Pope was good as well.

Re the Beau Bridges episode: Any episode that has a line like, "When they cut off your balls, they could have at least pulled that stick out of your ass," can't be all bad.http://www.yahoofreak.com/animated%20emoticons/Cool%20Animated%20Emoticons/purple%20smile.gif

Season six begins Monday 7/12 9/8c. This season's theme is "attraction."

Can't wait! My favorite show (he repeats).

I agree that it is good to have The Closer back for another season. I am looking forward to tonight's show.

Concur with the above.

So, what's the verdict?

I have to agree with Brenda that she should have had some input into her office space, after all she's been there for years now.

Not a strong opener, but a decent show for mid season.

If they had a "Major Crimes" unit in real life, would they really uproot them so disruptively to a new location like that?

I know police get new buildings... but I'd expect it to go smoother in real life. Crime doesn't take holidays after all.

And Commander Taylor not having an office? I really can't believe that would happen.

Although the season opener was a little silly, I rather enjoyed it. Brenda makes me laugh. As is usually the case, I knew who the surprise killer was going to turn out to be when I first saw him. Such roles are always taken by well known character actors. The actor who played the murdered man's foreman and turned out to have murdered him has been around for a long time. I can't recall his name but I believe he had a recurring role on Desperate Housewives a long time ago and has been in a bunch of stuff since.

He was on NYPD Blue at the end, Sipowicz's Boss...

He was on NYPD Blue at the end, Sipowicz's Boss...

Currie Graham is also a regular on Raising the Bar....

I wonder if the "Salt" references were intentional? When Brenda was outside with Commander Taylor, a bus in the background with an ad for "WHO IS SALT?" passed by and then the safe word of "salt" and her eventual screaming it multiple times. Coincidence? Product placement?

Currie Graham is also a regular on Raising the Bar....
Thank you! That was driving me crazy because when I checked, nothing seemed to be up yet that identified the names of the guest cast in last night's The Closer. According to Graham's IMDB page (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0333982/), his career goes back to the '80s.

I wonder if the "Salt" references were intentional? When Brenda was outside with Commander Taylor, a bus in the background with an ad for "WHO IS SALT?" passed by and then the safe word of "salt" and her eventual screaming it multiple times. Coincidence? Product placement?

I didn't think of that... but now that you mention it, I'll be 100% surprised if it wasn't product placement. Clever product placement at that.

I was completely surprised by last nights ending. Of course it can't happen since Brenda would no longer be "The Closer". But an interesting twist nonetheless.

I guessed it almost straight out.....

I was completely surprised by last nights ending. Of course it can't happen since Brenda would no longer be "The Closer". But an interesting twist nonetheless.

It "can" happen... if it serves the story.

It would surely piss off Pope, who not only wants the job but would be jumped over AND jumped over by Brenda for the promotion.

It could change the dynamic of the whole team IF Taylor was promoted and put in charge of Major Crimes.

It could (following from above) bring back some of the Taylor vs Brenda dynamic that has been missing as the two have come to respect each other... because Brenda couldn't help but interfere with how Taylor would then be running "her" team.

But it would kind of serve to send notice that the show was about to end its run... because IF she took that promotion and went down all the above potentially fun roads... she'd either have to accept the new world order (which would end the show effectively) OR she'd have to take a demotion out of the position, and I think that would serve as an ending as well.

I was close. I considered Pope a done deal and thought Brenda was being judged as Pope's replacement.

I also liked how they brought in two ringers for being the perp and it was someone else.

Have there been other episodes where resolution was accomplished without an interrogation closing the case?

I have never seen a The Closer episode featuring the deeply devious Captain Raydor (Mary McDonnell) that I didn't love. I thought the way she setup Brenda to (maybe) run under Pope by filing her own application for the Chief's job was deliciously diabolical. Raydor is a worthy adversary for Brenda. Raydor is made even more interesting because on the rare occasions she can rise above her meanspiritedness, she seems to admire Brenda on some level.

Whoa. The years have been unkind to Kay Lenz and/or the makeup artist needs to get an Emmy for this episode.

Whoa. The years have been unkind to Kay Lenz and/or the makeup artist needs to get an Emmy for this episode.

I was thinking the same thing.

When I recognized her in a seemingly background role I knew she was going to be guilty. It's becoming too easy to spot the bad guy in crime shows when they cast a familiar face as a character who isn't central to the plot for three quarters of the episode. They always come back at the end.

PQ was horrible here tonight. Red flashing, pixellation, break-up ...

Next week appears to be the obligatory Provenza/Flynn comedy episode.

My first thought was the Joker applied her makeup.

I was thinking the same thing.

When I recognized her in a seemingly background role I knew she was going to be guilty. It's becoming too easy to spot the bad guy in crime shows when they cast a familiar face as a character who isn't central to the plot for three quarters of the episode. They always come back at the end.

PQ was horrible here tonight. Red flashing, pixellation, break-up ...

Next week appears to be the obligatory Provenza/Flynn comedy episode.
The Closer and other TNT shows have always had horrible pixellation and breakup on my TiVo Series 3. None of that happens though, on the TiVo Premiere I got recently.

I enjoyed this week's episode. It could have turned into a 14 hankie tearjerker but didn't, thanks to taut writing and its cast's fine performances.

I agree that Kay Lenz didn't look great. Although she is 57, she still looked worse than I would have expected of a former beauty. It appeared to me that Lenz has had one too many cosmetic surgeries.

I was thinking the same thing.

When I recognized her in a seemingly background role I knew she was going to be guilty. It's becoming too easy to spot the bad guy in crime shows when they cast a familiar face as a character who isn't central to the plot for three quarters of the episode. They always come back at the end.

PQ was horrible here tonight. Red flashing, pixellation, break-up ...

Next week appears to be the obligatory Provenza/Flynn comedy episode.

Same for me on the PQ on Directv, I checked it out on Comcast and it wasn't having any issues that I noticed. That's the worst PQ by far this year for the Closer, it was like the decoder couldn't process the picture or something it seemed like the picture was too sharp or something, didn't notice any issues with Rizzoli and Isles though.

I don't know I watched on Directv and noticed none of the issues, but then I guess I was watching the show....

I don't know I watched on Directv and noticed none of the issues, but then I guess I was watching the show....

I don't know what you were intending with that statement but it only really proves one of three things: you didn't have any image problems, your eyesight isn't that good or you're on the wrong forum.

RENEWED FOR A SEVENTH SEASON: http://www.deadline.com/2010/07/tnt-renews-closer-rizzoli-leverage/#more-58268

I really enjoyed last night's episode of The Closer. I appreciated Brenda's moral quandary, created by the transplant surgeon's decision to murder some particularly nasty Mexican gang bangers for their hearts, kidneys, and livers. Bruce Campos, who played the weird transplant doctor, Dr. Navarro, also played a weird doctor on Nip/Tuck. The Closer has held up amazingly well for a long time now.

Wonderful episode, plus on the B story between Det. Sanchez and the boy came to a satisfying conclusion.

I really enjoyed last night's episode of The Closer. I appreciated Brenda's moral quandary, created by the transplant surgeon's decision to murder some particularly nasty Mexican gang bangers for their hearts, kidneys, and livers. Bruce Campos, who played the weird transplant doctor, Dr. Navarro, also played a weird doctor on Nip/Tuck. The Closer has held up amazingly well for a long time now.

Agreed, it doesn't really get a lot of buzz around here, but I'm there every week and never miss an episode.

I thought it was well played, but the plot was obvious as soon as the doctor appeared.

I liked the storyline for Sanchez since it gave him something substantial to do and drew on his previous storyline about his little brother being killed.

Unfortunately he's in danger of becoming another Dr. Mark Greene - a character that just attracts bad luck and misery.

I also keep having a nagging feeling like this is a way to write Sanchez out of the show.

Lt Daniels was similarly written out of the show abruptly after the romance with LT Gabriel... and I don't remember any big deal made of her leaving, just a brief "she is gone now" and on they moved.

The Sanchez plot over the last couple of episodes seems eerily like a way to give him a happy way to leave the show with a new family.

Or maybe I'm reading something that isn't there.

The Sanchez plot over the last couple of episodes seems eerily like a way to give him a happy way to leave the show with a new family.

That could be possible. He used to wear his wedding ring even though his wife was dead so this would be a new start that would give him a reason to leave. Typically he doesn't have much to do on the show anyway.

Also looking at his IMDB profile I never realized Raymond Cruz was 49 years old and Michael Paul Chan who plays Tau is 60.

That could be possible. He used to wear his wedding ring even though his wife was dead so this would be a new start that would give him a reason to leave. Typically he doesn't have much to do on the show anyway.

Also looking at his IMDB profile I never realized Raymond Cruz was 49 years old and Michael Paul Chan who plays Tau is 60.

If you haven't already, you should check out Cruz in Breaking Bad, he was outstanding as a crazy, psycho drug dealer.

Neither one of those actors look their age, I would have picked Cruz to be mid to late 30's and Chan to be late 40's.

I thought it was well played, but the plot was obvious as soon as the doctor appeared.
I agree. When I first saw the actor who often plays the Crazy Hispanic Doctor From Central Casting, I thought, ah ha, here is our bad guy! More often than not, the casting makes it easy to tell early on who done it because such roles are virtually always taken by well known character actors.

That could be possible. He used to wear his wedding ring even though his wife was dead so this would be a new start that would give him a reason to leave. Typically he doesn't have much to do on the show anyway.

Also looking at his IMDB profile I never realized Raymond Cruz was 49 years old and Michael Paul Chan who plays Tau is 60.

I might have guessed Cruz was late 40s... but not Chan at 60. That one I wouldn't have pegged, even though I have seen both actors in some older movies/shows as I've become more familiar with them through watching the Closer.

The loss of Sanchez would put a hole in their gang-related crime stories. Sanchez is usually the man on the spot with lots of gang-related police knowledge... so either they'd have to scale back on those plotlines OR bring someone else in to be an expert.

The Cast interaction is what makes this show great....

Maybe it's just me... but it seems like a bit of role reversal going on, especially this season.... with Pope and Brenda essentially switching roles.

In season 1, Brenda was the outcast and Pope was the peacemaker... but increasingly everyone seems to be working well with and respecting Brenda more, while Pope is becoming more and more the outsider.

Maybe it's just me... but it seems like a bit of role reversal going on, especially this season.... with Pope and Brenda essentially switching roles.

In season 1, Brenda was the outcast and Pope was the peacemaker... but increasingly everyone seems to be working well with and respecting Brenda more, while Pope is becoming more and more the outsider.

That's what generally what happens when you are promoted and not Hands-On any longer and have to play politics because your new role demands it. They interplay with Brenda on a day-to-day basis now. Plus, she is darn good!!!:D

That's what generally what happens when you are promoted and not Hands-On any longer and have to play politics because your new role demands it. They interplay with Brenda on a day-to-day basis now. Plus, she is darn good!!!:D

Pope hasn't been promoted, though... and since he didn't make the "final 5", he isn't going to be promoted.

He put himself out on the island alone by going after that promotion so aggressively and being willing to play the politics more than run the station. That spells bad things now that we know he isn't going to be promoted as he either will continue to grow the divide OR will have to do some major work to get back in everyone's good graces again.

Kyra just won the Emmy for The Closer (apparently it's her first?). Cool!!

DGK

Kyra just won the Emmy for The Closer (apparently it's her first?). Cool!!
I thought Sedgwick's Emmy was well deserved. During the last episode I was thinking how wonderful she has been as the brilliant, tough, funny, and vulnerable, all at once, Brenda Leigh Johnson.

I thought Sedgwick's Emmy was well deserved. During the last episode I was thinking how wonderful she has been as the brilliant, tough, funny, and vulnerable, all at once, Brenda Leigh Johnson.

Agreed, while most of the new summer shows haven't really grabbed me, and many of the older ones are really starting to bore me, The Closer just seems to get better and better and a big reason for that is Sedgwick's performance, as you note, she's outstanding in the role. Not to make light of the rest of the cast as they are what, in my mind, make the show a 100% winner.

Totally agree...it's about time Kyra got this well-deserved reward for all her hard work in The Closer.

It's probably hard to get attention from the awards people for essentially a summer show. It has its own audience with virtually no competition, so fans find it... but I expect the awards committee folk still operate on the old clock.

Note how films that want to get an aware release OR re-release again late in the year to be "fresh" in the minds of reviewers... I expect a show like the Closer has to be exceptional to really get the critics to take notice... so an award like this for her is probably more impressive really than it at first appears.

Was tonight's show timed specifically to follow the Emmy's? She's already in the lead for back to back awards. Between tonight and the transplant surgeon the scripts are sending Brenda Lee Johnson way into the Gray Moral zone.

Just wow.

Between tonight and the transplant surgeon the scripts are sending Brenda Lee Johnson way into the Gray Moral zone.

Not the first time for the gray zone...

Back in season 4 (I just finished re-watching that again) she setup a corrupt Mexican police officer to be killed in prison by booking him under the name of the man he had put out a hit on...

In another earlier season (can't remember which) she couldn't get a kid extradited to the US from Mexico, so she went down to Mexico and pointed out that he had killed a Mexican citizen so that the officials there would likely seek the death penalty and the episode closed with the guy begging her to let him come back to the US.

So she has been on that train of gray morality for a while.

A solid capper on an solid season even if it was a bit lame to introduce someone at the last minute who was obviously going to be chief and the ME thread didn't go anywhere, which was disappointing.

Tau stole this episode for me with his foot and "holy crap!" That guy is amazing, he has the technical knowledge of almost every scientific branch you can think of. I'm surprised he didn't take over the autopsy. :D

I was expecting someone to die this episode too.

I guess that was a decent way to end the Brenda as Chief story, obviously she couldn't take the job. I just wish they didn't throw a completely new character into the mix, they could have worked him in over the season.

I guess that was a decent way to end the Brenda as Chief story, obviously she couldn't take the job. I just wish they didn't throw a completely new character into the mix, they could have worked him in over the season.

I think the new character is going to have a bigger part next season. This was just their way of introducing him. I think I heard Pope say something about writing his resignation. That opens up the scenario of Brenda and the Chief chief.....

I think the new character is going to have a bigger part next season. This was just their way of introducing him. I think I heard Pope say something about writing his resignation. That opens up the scenario of Brenda and the Chief chief.....

Resume. Not resignation.

Resume. Not resignation.

That's what it was, a resume..... If you are putting your resume out, you are looking for a job. Same idea, just a little late, maybe..

Flynn has some moves for an old cop! Superb fight scene to start this episode but I didn't care much for the rest.

Why did Flynn call Captain Raydor after the fight, and not 911 or Chief Johnson or someone else in his own unit?

Why did Flynn call Captain Raydor after the fight, and not 911 or Chief Johnson or someone else in his own unit?

Officer involved shooting? An internal affairs case? I wondered the same thing.

In a rare moment of professional clarity, Flynn probably just did the right thing.

Most probably would call their own boss and let that person call Internal Affairs... OR just call 911 and let it play out that way.

The way they played it out... it looks like they are going to try and have everyone start to play nicer with each other for the future. This started slowly last season actually... kind of like how Brenda originally won her way into the team by the end of Season 1.

This is hard to stomach, TNT has pulled the plug on the Closer after next season!

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/tnt-closer-58814

This is hard to stomach, TNT has pulled the plug on the Closer after next season!

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/tnt-closer-58814
Technically it's Kyra that's ending the show, but better to exit stage left before the show becomes a shadow of itself. TNT will make money selling the show in syndication, "Rizzoli and Isles" is its next big ratings thing and the network is constantly investing in new stuff. Everybody is happy. :)

As much as I'll hate to see it go(a Provenza/Flynn spinoff would be great!), TNT is probably make the right move at the right time - the show is in it's 6th year so cast salaries are no doubt escalating, ratings in the desired demographic are low, and the final season will give them the magic number of episodes for syndication(100+), a sort of "perfect storm" for cancellation.

This is hard to stomach, TNT has pulled the plug on the Closer after next season!

Works for me.

Brenda gets a promotion off case work and the show has a natural conclusion.

Yes, she'll probably get Pope's job, or maybe the Chief's job will come open again.

The show has to end at some point... and they have just about grown the characters all that they can within the confines of the show... Any way to further grow the characters almost has to come from promoting them out of the department... which seems to be the way they ultimately are heading to end the run.

I missed the part where it said Kyra pulled the plug. Anyone have more to confirm that angle? The article read more like the network pulled it because of the demographics.
This show was the #1 favorite around here, tied with Fringe.

Technically it's Kyra that's ending the show, but better to exit stage left before the show becomes a shadow of itself. TNT will make money selling the show in syndication, "Rizzoli and Isles" is its next big ratings thing and the network is constantly investing in new stuff. Everybody is happy. :)I know the article was written that way but it really was TNT due to production costs and the advertisers not liking the older adult audience that the show pulled in. They just gave her a graceful way to say she's leaving.

I'll miss this show when it ends. You just don't see such real life feelings as they show on Closer. Real problems, real likes and dislikes about working so closely with co-workers. And real life problems with Brenda and Fritz trying to make a marriage work under intense, stressful circumstances.

I'll miss it, but I think it's time to end it. They have done just about every story of any consequence, and are at risk of repeating themselves. The characters need to grow or retire, no one stays in the same jobs for a decade.

I wouldn't mind a series starring Mary McDonnell as Captain Raydor. There's a lot of potential in that character, and in a series about an Internal Affairs unit (who are almost always the Bad Guys in other police shows).

Some of the Closer characters could be brought over as well.

I much preferred this week to last. It had a fine combination of personal and procedural drama, action and comedy elements and some naturally funny moments just from the characters being themselves. Sanchez's description of the products I thought was hilarious and punctuated really well by the confused stare of Gabriel.

Good squad dynamic at work this episode. Everyone got a spin.

A very low-key finale and I thought a pretty weak episode case-wise.

I was waiting for a twist but the case was very straightforward with it's sole purpose appearing to be just a reason to add some depth to the Brenda/Fitz relationship. It worked in that respect but it didn't make for a very interesting case.

No, it wasn't, in fact, I thought the second episode of the two-parter was the season finale last week, I was surprised to see this show up in my recorded list.

Gabriel deciding to constantly go over Brenda's head throughout the episode seemed to come out of nowhere. Maybe it's a rushed setup for some forthcoming plot angle next season but it seemed very out of character. I was expecting his extreme reaction to come from some personal experience (a member of his family or old girlfriend being a crack addict) but it wasn't.

I agree that it felt like Gabriel knew something... but we didn't get to know.

The episode makes sense from a standpoint of showing Brenda has a weakness... she identifies with a victim and looks to solve the crime and find the criminal... so a criminal that sees himself as a victim AND hitting home with knowing Fritz was an addict... she had some sympathy towards him that she wouldn't have towards any other suspect.

I'm ok with Gabriel's actions by the end of the episode... but agree that they seemed to come out of left field. What in his background allowed him to see what Brenda was blind to? I think that needed to be explained at some point... why he saw through the ruse.

I was a bit confused about Gabriel's actions as well, given that Finn is a recovering alcoholic it would have made more sense coming from him. Maybe they wanted to showcase the actor a bit before the show ends. In any case, it seemed really out of character for his role as we've seen it played up until now.

I very much liked the season finale. I thought the writers did a good job of examining Brenda's blind spot about addicts and addiction. Because she loves and admires the reformed Fritz so much, she lacked the objectivity to see the manipulative stoner for the monter he was. Fortunately, the smart and loyal Gabriel could see what was going on and enlisted the help of both Chief Pope and Fritz to help Brenda get her head on straight, which she certainly did. This episode reminded me of Season 1 at its best. Now as then, everybody was shown with strengths and weaknesses but the squad maximized its strengths through their intelligence and teamwork.

Looks like TNT is extending the final season in preparation for a spin-off!

http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/01/30/the-closer-final-season/?hpt=T2

Looks like TNT is extending the final season in preparation for a spin-off!

http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/01/30/the-closer-final-season/?hpt=T2

With the ratings this show gets... I knew there wasn't going to be a total end to the show. They would either extend the season, replace the main character, or do a spin off lol

Final episodes begin tomorrow night.

Gonna hate to see this series end. :(

Did we ever hear for sure if this is the final season OR just the final full season?

I remember reading that this was to be the final season... but that perhaps there might be a few additional episodes made as part of a transition to the spin-off show next year.

I think Kevin Bacon said on Leno that this was it.

I am continuously pleased with the acting level on this show and especially note that the guest actors who play the interviewees deliver outstanding scenes. Once again with the opening episode, that was the case, and I thought the job performed by the actor who played the gang-banger interviewed at the end was outstanding. I never saw the last scene coming. I wonder where they go from here.

I love this show. I am in morning already.

I really didn't see the death of Chief Delk coming...

That's not how I thought it would play out. I wonder how much of that was because of this being the final season and how much was the plan all along?

I really didn't see the death of Chief Delk coming...

That's not how I thought it would play out. I wonder how much of that was because of this being the final season and how much was the plan all along?That was a complete surprise. I wonder whether the actor wanted to leave sometime after he was originally cast for the part or whether it really was part of the plan.

As far this being the final season - it is a full season and we are going to be seeing just the first half this summer. Then a second half later on which will roll into a new series called Major Crimes in which many of the characters will continue.

(...) how much was the plan all along?Well, how else was Pope going to stay on the show?

Well, how else was Pope going to stay on the show?He'd start a newspaper - The Daily Bugle ....

He'd start a newspaper - The Daily Bugle ....

He could also have started an Insurance company...

OR...

he could have gone back into Psychiatric practice :)

I prefer the serious episodes overall but I think this week was one of the funniest Flynn/Provenza episodes of all. It reminded me of some of the more farcical episodes of Frasier at times.

I prefer the serious episodes overall but I think this week was one of the funniest Flynn/Provenza episodes of all. It reminded me of some of the more farcical episodes of Frasier at times.I hope they stay around for Major Crimes once The Closer is over.

I found an article which has the schedule of sorts for the rest of the season:
10 episodes now, 5 in the winter, and 6 more next summer.

I found an article which has the schedule of sorts for the rest of the season:
10 episodes now, 5 in the winter, and 6 more next summer.

Really? I thought these eps we're getting now was the end of it, like 6 or 7 episodes this summer and then the show is over for good.

11 more sounds good to me though.

By the way, loved this latest episode, the Provenza/Flynn eps are some of my favorites of the whole series, I would really enjoy a spinoff with these two characters.

I found an article which has the schedule of sorts for the rest of the season:
10 episodes now, 5 in the winter, and 6 more next summer.

This sounds like what I was asking about earlier...

I thought I had read somewhere that while this current season was the last full season... that next year they would have some more episodes as a transition to the spinoff show.

Caught a bit of "Police Academy" (1984) while skimming late night. G.W. Bailey (Provenza) was a cop in that one too. He's refined his comic talents since then.

This sounds like what I was asking about earlier...

I thought I had read somewhere that while this current season was the last full season... that next year they would have some more episodes as a transition to the spinoff show.Right, those final 6 episodes in the summer are supposed to transition into the spinoff show which (at the moment) is called Major Crimes

The show is really hitting an excellent stride at the moment. The episodes are funny, dramatic and unusually action-packed for this show.

Last week had an exciting and brutal gunfight and this week had an excellent car chase climaxing in a very funny bean bag to the face moment. The show is sticking to a style that gives it a raw feel over the slick Bruckheimer/Michael Bay-type of procedural that seems to be on every channel.

The lawsuit arc has taken a turn for the extremely interesting too. Right now I have no clue who the leak could be or the motivation. Initially I thought it was Gabriel all the way but now I'm not sure. Especially if it's a way to write someone out of the show. At this point I could see any character not coming back for the spin-off.

Nicely edited this week too.

My money is on Chief Pope...

He really wants that job officially, and last time around Brenda was essentially knocked out of the running because she had just shot someone and wasn't likely to get promoted while that was sorted out.

So... I think the investigation of Brenda keeps her from being the choice to be promoted... and Pope isn't above manipulation to get his way.

Taylor is the only other person logical to "betray" Brenda... but even he doesn't do stuff like that unless it benefits him. His chance at rising in the ranks died with the previous guy's death... and all things being equal, I think even he knows he has a better chance with Brenda than he does Pope running things... because Pope hasn't shown him any love, while at least Brenda would vacate Major Crimes and he could get that position if nothing else.

I actually started to like Capt. Raydor last nite. She had me when she shot the guy in the face w/ the bean bag. :)

I agree that The Closer is operating at a very high level right now. In this week's episode, I really enjoyed the bureaucratic infighting between the LAPD and the county officials over who would follow through on the jailhouse snitch's offer to tell about a planned murder. Captain Raydor's sly use of the IAD's powers to investigate the source of the bruises on the snitch's face as a cover to try to get to the bottom of the murder plot was a lot of fun. All in all, this week's show may have been the best Closer episode I have seen since Season 1.

I, too, am wondering if the source of the leak in Brenda's division isn't Chief Pope. I would hope that he isn't throwing Brenda under the bus but he does seem to be the most likely suspect.

I'm still leaning on the Commander...

It has been well known that Corey Reynolds (Sgt. Gabriel) is leaving the show and won't be in Major Crimes, which makes him the perfect suspect. Too perfect in my opinion. Some of these recent guesses seem more plausible.

The lawsuit against Brenda gets no traction with me. I can't imagine even an LA jury giving any reception to claimants for death of a gang member who just murdered a store owner and his child for a few bucks whose own gang even hated him for the act. I've tried many cases similar with no damages, and the "No harm; No foul" rule applies here. To recover, you have to have damages even if you can get over the liability threshold, and Brenda beached a duty. This mutt wasn't worth spit, so no case. Apprehension misplaced.

The lawsuit against Brenda gets no traction with me. I can't imagine even an LA jury giving any reception to claimants for death of a gang member who just murdered a store owner and his child for a few bucks whose own gang even hated him for the act. I've tried many cases similar with no damages, and the "No harm; No foul" rule applies here. To recover, you have to have damages even if you can get over the liability threshold, and Brenda beached a duty. This mutt wasn't worth spit, so no case. Apprehension misplaced.

That's kind of what I was thinking... the final nail in the coffin being his own gang not liking what he did. IF he had his gang behind him, then there might be gang members to sway the jury in favor of him... but since his own gang was against him, it seems like a non-starter.

That's why I like my Pope theory... because Pope wouldn't really want Brenda to lose a lawsuit... but he wouldn't be above causing her trouble that keeps her out of contention so that he can get instated permanently in his position.

Taylor might cause her trouble for fun, but really wouldn't do it unless he got something out of it... and in this case, he wouldn't get anything even indirectly. As I argued earlier, I think Taylor would fare better if Brenda was promoted because she has proven to be fair where he is concerned and she might promote him... whereas it seems clear that Pope would not at this point.

The theme to this season is "love and loss."

I can't remember any great loss yet so either someone is going to die or they are going to leave. If it is Pope then it gives Brenda a good reason to leave the series and move somewhere else. She can't work under someone who would screw her over that badly even if the lawsuit is dropped.

My feeling is that Taylor believes that if Brenda goes down, so will her boss. That will put Taylor in a very good position....

The lawsuit against Brenda gets no traction with me. I can't imagine even an LA jury giving any reception to claimants for death of a gang member who just murdered a store owner and his child for a few bucks whose own gang even hated him for the act. I've tried many cases similar with no damages, and the "No harm; No foul" rule applies here. To recover, you have to have damages even if you can get over the liability threshold, and Brenda beached a duty. This mutt wasn't worth spit, so no case. Apprehension misplaced.

Wasn't the OJ trial in LA? :confused::D

Wasn't the OJ trial in LA? :confused::D
Excellent point! I was in trial and appellate practice for more years than I care to confess and learned that the most predictable thing you can say about juries is that they are unpredictable. If the plaintiff's case is strong enough to overcame motions to dismiss and for summary judgment and the case gees to a jury anything can happen. That said, I agree that Brenda and her codefendants seem to have the better argument but then I and many others thought the DA had the better argument on the OJ trial, too.

In recent episodes, I have particularly enjoyed Mark Pellegrino's performances as Brenda's brilliant but seemingly slightly gay lawyer, Gavin Q. Baker III. Before his Closer turn, I recall Pellegrino mostly playing macho and none to bright heavies. His lawyer Baker character, though, is anything but either macho or none too bright.:)

What an intense episode tonight to finish the summer run. And what a revelation to hang over the remainder of the series.

I liked the smart writing to bring up a bunch of old cases where Brenda did similar questionable things that resulted in bad guys dying... those are bound to come back and haunt you... and for Brenda, it does show a pattern.

"Boogar" also has proven to me that he is a far better actor than the roles he is usually given... the lovable loser and such... he is downright mean in this episode, and quite competent. I would like to see more of him in this kind of role now.

Kyra also looked really convincing as being shaken by what he was saying. She was trying to be cool, but clearly shaken to her core... so kudos for Kyra for pulling all of that off.

And lastly... they really surprised me with the throwback reference to the other lawyer that she couldn't get for the murder/rapes he had committed. I did NOT see that tie-in coming... that it was probably him who set that whole mess into action to get back at her for messing with his "hobby"...

This is kind of what I thought we would have gotten a few seasons back from the pyromaniac guy who was creepy and in a couple of episodes... but he went away... I always thought he would come back to haunt her... and I forgot about lawyer/rapist guy.

I still have my money on Pope as the source of the leaks, though... I will be genuinely surprised if it is anyone else. Pope is just devious enough to do it AND simultaneously naive enough to think Brenda won't really be harmed by it.

I still have my money on Pope as the source of the leaks, though... I will be genuinely surprised if it is anyone else. Pope is just devious enough to do it AND simultaneously naive enough to think Brenda won't really be harmed by it.What does he have to gain by it? It will be an interesting second half of the season. They are definitely building up to Brenda leaving.

What does he have to gain by it? It will be an interesting second half of the season. They are definitely building up to Brenda leaving.

Pope wants the Chief job permanently. He did not like when Brenda was running against him for the job last time... and the choice came down to her and the other guy who got the job... when that guy got the job, he wanted to promote Brenda to assistant Chief, move Taylor up and put Pope on traffic duty.

So... Pope wants to make sure he gets the job permanently... so Brenda being out of contention makes him the only choice left... whereas he apparently was 3rd on the list last time. He doesn't want to lose again.

I don't believe he wants to run Brenda out of town... but he doesn't want her to be promoted over him.

The Pope character, played by J.K. Simmons, is a brilliant actor who co-stars in the movie, "The Music Never Stopped". Not to be missed by “Closer” fans.

The Pope character, played by J.K. Simmons, is a brilliant actor who co-stars in the movie, "The Music Never Stopped". Not to be missed by “Closer” fans.
Simmons is a terrific character actor. Two of Simmons' films that come to mind are Juno, in which he played Juno's father, and the Coen brothers' Burn after reading, in which he played a senior CIA official.

Not to mention his work in the Farmer's insurance commercials and even video games--check out his performance as the US president in Command and Conquer Red Alert 3.

Not to mention his work in the Farmer's insurance commercials and even video games--check out his performance as the US president in Command and Conquer Red Alert 3.

I always liked his guest stints on Law & Order as their psychiatrist.

I actually started to like Capt. Raydor last nite. She had me when she shot the guy in the face w/ the bean bag. :)Too bad she's probably the leak. ;)

Really don't think so since she get the franchise next year...

Too bad she's probably the leak. ;)

I don't think she is the leak. The show seems to be leading that it's Chief Pope. Since the promotion fiasco he has had it in for the hero of the show.

Not the worst episode, but far from my favorite. Not helped by my limited tolerance of Fred Willard.

Any law enforcement experts out there who can answer the question as to why Buzz was wearing a badge? He's a civilian tech isn't he? Is it normal for civilian aides to get issued badges for field work?

Any law enforcement experts out there who can answer the question as to why Buzz was wearing a badge? He's a civilian tech isn't he? Is it normal for civilian aides to get issued badges for field work?I didn't notice what kind of badge he had, but I think it makes sense that he has some form of department ID that he can use.

hello all,

anyone else having an issue with TNT-HD? no dolby digital, just 3-channel sterio. the proccessor lights up DD but voices are coming out of the front left and right speakers. i can't be the only one. did anyone notice while listening to the closer?

hello all,

anyone else having an issue with TNT-HD? no dolby digital, just 3-channel sterio. the proccessor lights up DD but voices are coming out of the front left and right speakers. i can't be the only one. did anyone notice while listening to the closer?

I haven't noticed that, but TNT is well known for having some of the sloppiest transmission issues at times.

I didn't notice what kind of badge he had, but I think it makes sense that he has some form of department ID that he can use.

Like what Patrick Jane has for the CBI.

Like what Patrick Jane has for the CBI.Exactly what I was thinking about.

I thought the last two episodes were pretty weak even for the "comedy" interludes the show has, but this week's episode I thought was excellent in every respect. Great acting, clever editing and nicely structured. Knowing who was responsible at the beginning was a smart way to play with the formula. I can't remember if it's been done before on this show.

Like what Patrick Jane has for the CBI.Dexter has one too.

^^We watch practically every episode, even reruns, and I don't recall them ever revealing the guilty party in the beginning in such a way before. I think the idea was to emphasize the necessity to build an airtight case for the maximum possible penalty given the status of the offender and that offender's arrogant belief in their ability to get off lightly due to that status--a belief the offender maintained to the bitter end.

I didn't get to see the 12/19/11 show until last night. I thought it was one of the all time best The Closer episodes. Elizabeth Perkins, who played the police commissioner's drunken, hit and run killer, wife has never been better. I liked the interplay between politics and police work portrayed in the episode. This is something the show has always done well. The Coser has done a remarkably good job of retaining its quality.

I'm going to add some spoiler space here since I think many people may be surprised there was a new episode last night.











I was surprised to see a new episode on 12/26, especially a "finale" that wrapped up the lawsuit storyline. I was disappointed. For a while, it looked like The Closer might be breaking new ground, by looking at its heroine from the viewpoint of those who believe the police abuse their authority. I wondered if this would be the storyline that would lead to the character's departure and the re-tooling of the series.

Apparently not. It was a good episode, lots of drama, but an abrupt closure to the lawsuit storyline and something of a cop-out, I thought, introducing an entirely new character to pin the whole scenario on.

However, they still didn't resolve the issue of the lawyer's inside man...to me, that's the real mystery of this season...

Have they finalized the cast for "Major Crimes" yet? Whoever's missing is the mole. :)

Have they finalized the cast for "Major Crimes" yet? Whoever's missing is the mole. :)

You're probably right.... But.... I don't want to know in advance, I'd rather see it play out! ;)

For quite awhile it has been known that one character won't be returning, that is besides Sedgwick. Whether that person is the mole or not we'll find out when the final episodes air.