List of The Closer episodes

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

This is an episode list for the TNT crime drama The Closer. The series premiered on June 13, 2005. Each season is organized around a central theme, which drives both the murder plot and Brenda's personal storyline. The murder plots expand on the theme, and often parallel events in Brenda's personal life.

The series has currently completed three 13-episode summer seasons, with additional two-hour episodes aired in December 2006 and 2007. The fourth series of 15 episodes began production in late February, 2008, and premiered on July 14, 2008 (a three week delay resulting from the WGA Strike.) Unlike previous seasons, the strike-shortened ten-week summer season will be accompanied by a five-week winter season which resumed on January 26, 2009.[1]

Contents

[edit] DVD Releases

Season Episodes Original Airdate DVD Release Date
1 13 Summer, 2005 May 23, 2006
2 15 Summer/December, 2006 May 29, 2007
3 15 Summer/December, 2007 July 1, 2008
4 15 Summer/December, 2008 TBA, 2009

[edit] Episodes

[edit] Season 1: 2005

Season One opens with the LAPD's new Priority Murder Squad (PMS), soon renamed the Priority Homicide Division (PHD), investigating the murder of a technological genius under the direction of Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson. Brenda has recently joined the force after a long career in law enforcement, including the Atlanta and Washington DC police. We soon learn Brenda is from Atlanta originally, CIA-trained, and was recruited by her former lover, Assistant Chief Will Pope. Brenda is resented as an outsider by much of the LAPD, and seen as an adversary by Robbery Homicide's Captain Taylor, who initially persuades the PHD squad to request transfers en masse in an unsuccessful effort to force Brenda's resignation. Brenda soon wins over her assistant, Detective Sgt. David Gabriel and the grudging admiration of the team when she shows them why she's called a closer, but her battle is far from over. As the season progresses, we see Brenda struggle to establish her authority and earn the respect of her squad, despite the efforts of Taylor and Detective Lt. Andy Flynn to both undermine her authority and hamper her investigations. Slowly, one-by-one, Brenda wins over her team, and by season's end has earned the loyalty of them all, even the hard-boiled Det. Flynn, as they stand united against Capt. Taylor's final attempt to remove Brenda from the squad.

According to James Duff, the theme for Season One is a woman alone largely in a man's world but also in a new city. We see this played out as Brenda attempts to be taken seriously as leader of the PHD, and as she builds a new life in Los Angeles, after leaving Atlanta.

Title Writer(s) Director Original airdate Episode
"Pilot"1 James Duff Michael M. Robin June 13, 2005 1 1
When an unidentified woman is found brutally murdered in the Hollywood home of a successful hi-tech millionaire, LAPD's newly appointed head of the Priority Murder Squad, Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson, finds herself challenged not only by the strangeness of the case, but by those who resent her appointment. With her Southern drawl and less than genteel ways, Brenda proceeds to show her skeptical team the skills she learned as a CIA trained interrogator and begins to unravel the mystery behind the high-profile murder. But when she discovers that the accused killer and the victim have a lot more in common than anyone guessed, the case takes an unexpected twist that surprises even the most senior member of the squad.
"About Face" James Duff Michael M. Robin June 20, 2005 1 2
Glamorous former model Heather McCarty seemed to have it all: a movie-star husband, a fabulous Hollywood mansion, every luxury money could buy and she left behind a beautiful corpse. It soon becomes apparent to Chief Deputy Brenda Johnson that foul play is involved — and the victim's philandering actor-husband is the chief suspect. While getting her own Hollywood makeover as she retraces Heather's last days on Earth, Brenda discovers some unglamorous secrets about the former model's marriage. But as the Priority Murder Squad chips away at the perfect veneer of Heather McCarthy's life, the killer's motive hits a little too close to home for Brenda.
"The Big Picture" Nancy Miller Elodie Keene June 27, 2005 1 3
The murder of a Russian call girl becomes a case for the Priority Homicide Division when it's discovered that her clients include some of Los Angeles' most high-profile VIPs. But as Brenda investigates the involvement of Russian mobsters and a crooked customs agent, she meets with opposition from Assistant Police Chief Pope, whose motives are not totally by the book. With the FBI breathing down her neck and her own team doubting her, Brenda finds herself out on a limb trying to bring the killer to justice.
"Show Yourself" Wendy West Michael M. Robin July 4, 2005 1 4
When three members of a notorious Latino gang are gunned down in MacArthur Park, LA's Priority Homicide Division is brought in to investigate. There's little political interest in gang-on-gang violence, but Brenda discovers that the homicides may have been caused by a highly skilled military sniper bent on revenge. As the body count rises and eye-for-an-eye gang violence escalates, Brenda finds herself placing her trust in the father of the alleged killer, who claims he wants to stop his son's lethal mission. But as she zeroes in on the sniper, is Brenda leading her team on a wild-goose chase that will further undermine her credibility?
"Flashpoint" Rick Kellard Craig Zisk July 11, 2005 1 5
While administering an important drug test on a new anti-depressant to help addictive teenagers stay clean, a prominent doctor is murdered in his office. With the billion-dollar drug company refusing to cooperate and a growing list of suspects, Brenda and the Priority Homicide Division have their hands full. When Brenda disagrees with a member of her team over how to run the investigation, she finds her past coming back to haunt her, but as the allegations of her prior misconduct surface in the local press, Brenda discovers a suspect who has a dirty little secret of his own.
"Fantasy Date" Roger Wolfson Greg Yaitanes July 18, 2005 1 6
When the daughter of a prominent Congresswoman is raped and murdered in her home, shocking evidence points to the victim's sexual predilections. Brenda and the Priority Murder squad delve into a seedy underworld of S&M and the case takes a surprising turn. As Chief Pope pushes Brenda for a conviction in the high-profile case, she discovers a secret that could make her the next victim.
"You Are Here" Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny Gloria Muzio July 25, 2005 1 7
Brenda's love life is put on hold (again) when she is called to investigate an execution-style murder and carjacking of a California state judge with more than a few enemies, and the only witness to the crime is the judge's autistic teenage son. Now to solve the case, Brenda must get inside the boy's head and unlock the secrets that will reveal the identity of the real killer.
"Batter Up" James Duff Arvin Brown August 1, 2005 1 8
Chief Pope comes under intense political pressure when a spree of hate crimes targeting the gay community escalates from robbery to murder. Determined to catch the killer before he strikes again, Pope reassigns the case to Brenda and the Priority Homicide Division, much to the displeasure of Captain Taylor. But when a member of Brenda's team secretly provides Taylor with a lead that could close the case, Brenda must look beyond politics, both internal and external, and focus on finding a killer.
"Good Housekeeping" Wendy West Michael M. Robin August 8, 2005 1 9
When the daughter of a maid in an affluent L.A. household is raped and murdered, the Priority Homicide Division is enlisted to find the girl's killer. Leads point to a registered sex offender, and the case seems open and shut until a cruel twist sends the investigation back to square one. But when Brenda uncovers shocking new evidence, she finds herself compromising a conviction to bring the real murderer to justice.
"The Butler Did It" Rick Kellard Tawnia McKiernan August 15, 2005 1 10
The unexpected death of the young widow of one of L.A.'s wealthiest men and the subsequent suicide of their butler spells double trouble for Brenda and her team. With all the members of the dearly departed's dysfunctional family under suspicion, the Priority Homicide Division must separate the fact from fiction in a complicated who-dunnit. But as Brenda focuses on obtaining a conviction, is she being frozen out by Captain Pope and LAPD brass?
"LA Woman" Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny Rick Wallace August 22, 2005 1 11
When a prominent Iranian businessman is gunned down in Hollywood, Brenda locks horns with the FBI over who will run the investigation. Reluctantly agreeing to work together, the FBI assigns Brenda's boyfriend, Agent Fritz Howard, to the case. But when it becomes apparent that the FBI has its own agenda, can Brenda's relationship with Fritz handle the pressure?
"Fatal Retraction" Wendy West and Roger Wolfson2 Gloria Muzio August 29, 2005 1 12
Story by James Duff. A case of mistaken identity results in the release of a convicted psycho-killer. Now Brenda and the Priority Homicide Division not only have to find the killer, but also the real identity of victim. As Brenda sorts through the complicated details surrounding the bizarre case, she discovers that a member of her team may have tampered with the evidence. But she may have bigger problems when the recently released killer fixates on her.
"Standards and Practices" James Duff Michael M. Robin September 5, 2005 1 13
While the Priority Homicide Division is busy investigating the murder of a Hollywood producer, an anonymous complaint is filed against Brenda that threatens to jeopardize her career. When Captain Pope offers assistance, Brenda is dubious. Is he trying to help, or edge her out? After she refuses to compromise, or temper her attitude, Brenda's team conspires behind her back and seals her fate, surprising everyone - especially Brenda.

Note 1: Originally broadcast commercial free. Subsequent airings of the episode were edited to fit a one-hour slot with commercials.
Note 2: Credited as Teleplay by. See summary for story author.


[edit] Season 2: 2006

In Season Two, Brenda is now firmly established as leader of Priority Homicide, with her team firmly behind her.

The theme for Season Two is partnerships. The theme is established as the opening episode centers around an exploration of partnership within the LAPD and in Brenda's life. The theme plays out as the Flynn/Provenza partnership comes front and center early in the season, and as Brenda's relationship with Gabriel grows and strengthens while she forms an uneasy working alliance with Commander Taylor. At the same time, Brenda's romance with Fritz grows serious as they make the decision whether they should live together.

Title Writer(s) Director Original airdate Episode
"Blue Blood"1 James Duff & Mike Berchem Michael M. Robin June 12, 2006 2 1
Brenda investigates the murder of an L.A.P.D. officer while he was off duty, and Fritz pressures her for a decision on whether or not he can move in with her.
"Mom Duty" Wendy West Gloria Muzio June 19, 2006 2 2
When a juror dies during a mob boss trial, Brenda has to finesse her way to questioning the remaining jurors. Meanwhile an unannounced visit put her plans with Fritz on hold.
"Slippin" Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny Elodie Keene June 26, 2006 2 3
The injury of one, and murder of two, USC students has Brenda juggling responsibilities for entertaining her mother and solving the case.
"Aftertaste" Steven Kane Arvin Brown July 3, 2006 2 4
Investigation into the murder of an owner of a trendy restaurant is complicated by Brenda's odd behavior.
"To Protect & to Serve" Adam Belanoff Elodie Keene July 10, 2006 2 5
When Flynn and Provenza put sky box tickets over duty, the repercussions could bring the unit down.
"Out of Focus" Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny Michael M. Robin July 17, 2006 2 6
Brenda investigates the apparent suicide of a "stalkerazzo", and Fritz receives a disturbing phone call.
"Head Over Heels" Wendy West Matt Earl Beesley July 24, 2006 2 7
Brenda's investigation into the murder of a porn star who was subsequently dismembered, brings up emotions that may or may not be related to the case. A pregnancy remains uncertain.
"Critical Missing" James Duff & Mike Berchem Rick Wallace July 31, 2006 2 8
The discovery of the bodies of a Japanese woman and her daughter from an apparent murder/suicide, put the team on the trail of a possible multiple murderer.
"Heroic Measures" Adam Belanoff Nelson McCormick August 7, 2006 2 9
An 8 year old boy dies and his friend blames himself for his death; he is very distraught. The detectives think that the mother was the responsible party for this, but she tries to put the blame elsewhere.
"The Other Woman" Steven Kane Lesli Linka Glatter August 14, 2006 2 10
The death of a meth-head has Brenda looking at the Narcotics division, and a deposition may reveal a deeply held secret.
"Borderline" Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny Rick Wallace August 21, 2006 2 11
A fender-bender while she's on duty interferes with Brenda's investigation into an apparent triple murder with no bodies, that may have ties to illegal immigration.
"No Good Deed" James Duff & Wendy West Charles Haid August 28, 2006 2 12
The shooting of a witness who may free a murderer has the team investigating a Catholic school's Civics class, and a bombshell is dropped in the "murder room".
"Overkill" James Duff & Adam Belanoff Michael M. Robin September 4, 2006 2 13
The death of an FBI informant puts Fritz in the role of peace keeper between the FBI Agent in charge and Brenda.
"Serving the King, Part 1"2 Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny Arvin Brown December 4, 2006 2 14
On administrative leave after the shoot-out in her murder room, Brenda is called upon by an old friend to solve the murder of an Arab teenager with ties to a terrorist cell. Working covertly, can Brenda find the killer before her team is completely dismantled by Commander Taylor?
"Serving the King, Part 2"2 James Duff & Mike Berchem Kevin Bacon December 4, 2006 2 15
After being restored to command of the PHD, Brenda must make good her promise to find a member of the Army of Allah who the CIA desperately wants to interrogate regarding a shipment of missing plutonium. But when it becomes apparent that the CIA has given her misleading information, has Brenda been set up? With the future of the Priority Homicide Division hanging in the balance, Brenda must figure out who she can trust before she becomes the next victim.

Note 1: Originally broadcast commercial free. Subsequent airings of the episode were edited to fit a one-hour slot with commercials.
Note 2: Originally broadcast as a two-hour double episode.


[edit] Season 3: 2007

The theme for Season Three is family.

Title Writer(s) Director Original airdate Episode
"Homewrecker"1 Mike Berchem & James Duff Michael M. Robin June 18, 2007 3 1
The squad investigates the brutal murder of a family, with the drug-addled son being the main suspect. Meanwhile, Brenda fights against budget cuts in the LAPD.
"Grave Doubts" John Coveny and Hunt Baldwin Arvin Brown June 25, 2007 3 2
The body of a long-dead murder victim is uncovered along with Lt. Provenza’s business card, setting off the squad’s search for his identity and killer. When the bullet is traced to a gang weapon that had been turned into the LAPD 15 years prior, Deputy Chief Johnson is forced to contend with political activist Father Jack.
"Saving Face" Adam Belanoff Michael Pressman July 2, 2007 3 3
At a retired cop’s funeral, Lt Provenza and Lt. Flynn discover something quite unexpected along with the corpse. Meanwhile, Brenda has to deal with an irate bride whose wedding was ruined by the investigation.
"Ruby"2 Steven Kane3 Michael M. Robin July 9, 2007 3 4
Story by Mike Berchem. A recently released sex offender is accused of kidnapping a child, and with time running out, Det. Gabriel beats a confession out of him. Deputy Chief Johnson must deal with Gabriel and also get the pedophile to re-confess.
"The Round File" Michael Alaimo Greer Shephard July 16, 2007 3 5
When a senior citizen appears at the precinct, claiming to have poisoned and killed six fellow senior citizens, Brenda is unconvinced as he teases her with mind games and learns that he is off his medication given at a retirement home. After eventually believing him, the man takes back his claim and tells Johnson that the retirement home staff are ones who are poisoning people, leading to the manager who supports euthanasia.
"Dumb Luck" Duppy Demetrius Elodie Keene July 23, 2007 3 6
A personal trainer is murdered while on a date. After learning that the deceased was dating a married woman, Brenda suspects that a possessive husband may have hired a hitman to kill the deceased. However, the only witness to the murder is a valet parker diagnosed with OCD. Meanwhile, most of the detectives are forced by Pope to undergo training dealing with a possible nuclear disaster or the precinct faces budget cuts, forcing Brenda and Provenza to solve the case on their own.
"Four to Eight" Arvin Brown Ken Martin July 30, 2007 3 7
When two Catorce gang members are shot to death, Brenda and her squad must solve the murders before a gang war erupts. Meanwhile, Brenda has her own personal health scare when she finally visits the doctor.
"Manhunt" James Duff & Mike Berchem Rick Wallace August 6, 2007 3 8
It looks to be the return of a serial killer when two bodies turn up dead. With the knowledge that he kills in sets of three, Chief Pope charges Brenda and her squad to hunt down the killer before the third victim is taken.
"Blindsided" John Coveny and Hunt Baldwin Kevin Bacon August 13, 2007 3 9
In an effort to get good PR for the department, Deputy Chief Johnson takes a journalist on a ride-along, but when the Crown Vic is targeted and shot at, Brenda is forced to live under 24-hour police protection, while being the key witness in the case she must solve.
"Culture Shock" Adam Belanoff Elodie Keene August 20, 2007 3 10
When a Chinese business woman is found dead on the tour bus she and her husband operate, Brenda and the squad must dig deep to investigate her past life. Meanwhile, Brenda's parents reveal to the squad that Brenda and Fritz are engaged.
"Lover's Leap"4 Steven Kane Jesse Bochco August 27, 2007 3 11
A car belonging to a Department of Homeland Security employee is found wrecked at the bottom of Mulholland Drive. Priority Homicide is brought in to uncover the details surrounding the driver's death, but the investigation leads Brenda a lot closer to home than she expected.
"Til Death Do Us Part, Part I" Michael Alaimo3 Roger Young September 3, 2007 3 12
Story by James Duff. Deputy Chief Johnson's investigation into a famous Hollywood divorce attorney found floating in his swimming pool is under heavy scrutiny. Meanwhile, Fritz and Brenda are trying to consolidate their bills, but when Brenda discovers a secret Fritz has been keeping will she keep to the plan?
"Til Death Do Us Part, Part II" Duppy Demetrius3 Michael M. Robin September 10, 2007 3 13
Story by James Duff. Under intense pressure, Brenda has forty-eight hours to break a new witness' alibi and get her case back on track. Meanwhile, Brenda's relationship with Fritz is in danger as secrets loom.
"Next of Kin, Part 1"5 Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny3 Scott Ellis December 3, 2007 3 14
Story by Mike Berchem. At Christmas, Brenda and Fritz struggle to find a buyer for their home. But when a violent bank robbery leads Brenda's prime suspect to hightail it to Atlanta. Soon Brenda and Fritz find themselves houseguests at her parents, where Brenda is torn between duty to job and family. Even more unexpected is the arrival of Flynn and Provenza!
"Next of Kin, Part 2"5 Adam Belanoff & James Duff3 James Duff December 3, 2007 3 15
Story by Mike Berchem. Brenda, Fritz, her parents, Flynn and Provenza, and her prime suspect hit the road back to Los Angeles in her parents' motor home.

Note 1: Originally broadcast commercial free. Subsequent airings of the episode were edited to fit a one-hour slot with commercials.
Note 2: Originally broadcast as a 75 minute extended version. Subsequent airings of the episode were edited to fit a one-hour slot with commercials.
Note 3: Credited as Teleplay by. See summary for story author.
Note 4: Original title "Shredded."
Note 5: Originally broadcast as a two-hour double episode.


[edit] Season 4: 2008

The theme for Season Four is power. Producer James Duff has indicated that among the issues of power Brenda and Priority Homicide will confront this season will be challenges coming from the LA City Council, which mirrors real-life LA politics. Brenda will also confront the power plays that come as she and Fritz begin planning their wedding, with a bit of help from Clay and Willie Rae Johnson.[2]

Unlike the previous three seasons, Season Four will run 10 summer episodes, concluding September 15, 2008, and will return in January, 2009 with five additional episodes.

Title Writer(s) Director Original airdate Episode
"Controlled Burn" James Duff & Mike Berchem Michael M. Robin July 14, 2008 4 1
Brenda and the PHD investigate the Griffith Park fire while being shadowed by an LA Times reporter. But things get complicated when a body is found in the burn zone, and the reporter turns into a murder suspect. At the same time, Brenda and Fritz settle into their new home, but have an unexpected, and very unwelcome visitor from Brenda's professional past - one who is connected to the reporter and to Brenda's current case.
"Speed Bump" Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny Arvin Brown July 21, 2008 4 2
When the murderer of the daughter of a wealthy producer is paroled after ten years, her parents initiate a campaign of harassment against the man, now living in a halfway house. When the man turns up dead, Priority Homicide must investigate, with the girl's parents soon their prime suspects. But is the halfway house where the man lived all it seemed to be, or does it keep a secret Brenda and the team must uncover?
"Cherry Bomb" Michael Alaimo Rick Wallace July 28, 2008 4 3
When a young girl testifying in a sexual assault case against the son of a Sheriff Deputy (Daniel Baldwin) is found in her bedroom, dead due to apparent suicide, Commander Taylor calls in Brenda's squad in order to help. The investigation opens up the son's startling hobby known as "cherry picking". This case proves to be one of Brenda's toughest, which eventually leads to a surprising conclusion.
"Live Wire" Steven Kane Elodie Keene August 4, 2008 4 4
A man wearing a wire is shot to death in a downtown alley. Brenda soon discovers LA Times reporter Ramos is involved in the case and a hitch arises when Brenda's PHD and Fritz's FBI fight over jurisdiction since the victim was investigating a drug ring.
"Dial M For Provenza" Adam Belanoff Arvin Brown August 11, 2008 4 5
In a noir-esque episode inspired by Alfred Hitchcock, Brenda sends an unlikely homme fatale, Lt. Provenza, undercover to sting a woman attempting to murder her husband. But when the evidence from the sting is stolen, things get complicated for Flynn, Provenza again, it's up to Brenda and the PHD to recover the evidence and save the case.
"Problem Child" Duppy Demetrius Scott Ellis August 18, 2008 4 6
After a troubled adopted 13-year-old boy disappears, Brenda must decide whether the case should be treated as a runaway or an abduction. The further into the case she goes, the more suspicious the child seems, and Brenda begins to question if the missing boy is a victim or a potential killer.
"Sudden Death" Hunt Baldwin & John Coveny Kevin Bacon August 25, 2008 4 7
A case becomes personal when Sanchez' brother is shot. Brenda finds herself caught between finding the shooter and controlling Sanchez, who appears bent on his own form of justice.
"Split Ends" Ken Martin & Mike Berchem Roxann Dawson September 1, 2008 4 8
In another brush with fame, Brenda and the team must investigate the movie set murder of a hairdresser.

In the meantime, Brenda tries to get her parents out of her hair when they come to town and work her into a lather over her yet-to-be-planned wedding.

"Tijuana Brass" James Duff & Mike Berchem Anthony Hemingway September 8, 2008 4 9
All is not what it seems to be when two Tijuana police officers are found murdered in LA. As it becomes clear the two officers may have had ties to the Cartel, Brenda and Priority Homicide find themselves questioning whether the two men were murdered or killed in self defense.

Meanwhile, the LA Times publishes an article attacking the Priority Homicide Division's caseload forcing Chief Pope to prepare to deploy damage control.

"Time Bomb" Steven Kane Michael M. Robin September 15, 2008 4 10
Columbine comes to LA, or does it. When a teen bomber to be is discovered dead, the PHD becomes involved in the investigation. Brenda's determination to uncover evidence is balanced against her squad's instinct to protect themselves and her.

With the evidence Brenda uncovered, other suspects are identified. Political pressure mounts to call the case closed, but Brenda's instincts tell her the case is not wrapped up. In the last five minutes the squad defuses a lethal situation and exhibits heroism "above and beyond".

"Good Faith" January 26, 2009 4 11
"Junk in the Trunk" February 2, 2009 4 12
"Power of Attorney" February 9, 2009 4 13
"Fate Line" February 16, 2009 4 14
"Double Blind" February 23, 2009 4 15

[edit] References

Personal tools
Languages