Kyra Sedgwick in "The Closer"
courtesy of TNT
“The Closer” (TNT)

As a special Christmas treat TNT is giving us new “Closer” episodes on December 7, 14 and 21. This is a little unusual to get a packet of only three episodes. Usually the number is larger but most “Closer” fans will take anything they can get – and be grateful.

It seems to my suspicious mind that we are getting the “Closer” episodes in order to sway us to watch the new TNT series “Men of a Certain Age.” This new Ray Romano series follows the “Closer” episodes every Monday night, and it needs all the help it can get.

On “The Closer” Brenda (Kyra Sedgwick) has lost her kitty and Fritz (Jon Tenney) has gotten a new kitten named Joel. Brenda hasn’t warmed up to it yet but there are signs she is mellowing. These little family touches matched up against the brutality of the crimes she investigates is what gives this series its balance.

Plus the acting is so good. Sedgwick is ideally cast as Brenda Lee Johnson, Los Angeles Deputy Police Chief. As her superior and former love interest J K Simmons makes the most of his time on screen. Plus we have the office “odd couple” played by G W Bailey and Tony Denison. They co-star as two older detectives in the squad and they are rough and gruff and totally delightful.

Everything about “The Closer” is a pleasure and if we have to take the shows in three episode packets then let it be. At least the show is still on the air and still in production, unlike the soon to be over “Saving Grace” and the already terminated “Raising the Bar.” 

Thank goodness we still have this series and will soon have “Southland.” Things are getting sparse on TNT since “Leverage” and “Dark Blue” are not as good as the series that are leaving.

So settle back and enjoy the two remaining episodes of “The Closer” and while you are at it sample “Men of a Certain Age.” It isn’t anywhere nearly as good as “The Closer” but I do think it might grow on us.

“The Closer” airs Monday nights at 9 on TNT and is followed by “Men of a Certain Age” at 10.
 

 

 

 

 

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

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