In case the policy wasn’t clear before: Don’t fish off the company pier. In fact, stay out of the whole damned lake.
I didn’t think The Closer could get anywhere close to the power and perfection of last week’s episode about a sheriff’s kid who raped his high school classmates under the cover of daddy’s badge. But last night the cop shop showed how truly versatile it is, with a fantastic entry that changed tone, showing flashes of humor and nailing the complexities of office romance.
We were supposed to be concerned with the murder of a drug mule—some sad sack who lost his job, turned to a life of crime, and inadvertently captured his murder on video. But who could pay attention, what with Gabriel (Corey Reynolds, pictured) and Daniels (Gina Ravera) sniping at each other in the squad room? Oh, it was hilarious when it started, with the two of them doing a virtual “I know you are, but what am I?” But then my already cold, cold heart grew a degree icier when Gabriel walked into Brenda’s (Kyra Sedgwick) office, and offered up his colleague/ex-squeeze for a transfer. Say what? I’ve always loved Gabriel for his loyalty to Brenda, his flashes of righteous indignation, and his general decent-guyness. So pardon me if I’m dismayed to discover he’s a sumbitch (not quite reaching “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” levels, but still). Good for Brenda for advising her presumptuous deputy as to where he could shove that transfer request.
I tell you what, though, he gets it honestly. Because his bosspulled one cold-blooded move on her long-suffering fiancé last night.Now, now, we all adore Brenda—utterly and without question. But we haveto admit that she can be a four-door bitch when it comes to getting herman. She seems less scrupulous, however, when it comes to keepingone. This wasn’t the first time FBI agent Fritz (Jon Tenney) and Brendahave clashed over a collar. But never before has she been so baldlywilling to shank him to close a case, telling the drug mule’s killer (Friday Night Lights’ Kevin Rankin), that if he took the FBI’s deal, she’d end up watching his murder on video.
Fritz was absolutely right in nailing Brenda for her hypocrisy—ifhe’d muscled a witness away from her she’d scream bloody murder. Thedifference is Fritz would never do that. We don’t begin to question hischaracter, his loyalty, but this was one of those disturbing Closereps that make us question hers. Is Brenda actually a good person, orjust very good at her job? Does she really deserve Fritz? How deep doesdenial run in those prim Southern veins, that she can’t see how trulytreacherous she can be? What do you think, PopWatchers? Did Brenda takeit a stomp too far?
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Love the show! Can’t believe she did that to Fritz. She is going to end up ruining that relationship if she’s not careful. Yes, her job is important but to let a good man like that slip away? Crazy!
Yeah she was wrong and she needs to admit it. I felt bad for Fritz he looked so stressed out. Hopefully they can work it out. Hope he doesn’t start drinking!
I could not believe Brenda could do that to Fritz!! It made her seem more concerned with her “case” than actual justice. That guy could have helped bring down so many other bad guys and if he got killed by them…oh, well that would not be that bad since he was a murderer himself. I don’t know what to think of her at this point…but man I love this show!!
I was really surprised by Gabriel’s attempt to get Daniels transferred but I guess he thought he was Brenda’s favorite so why not try. And boy did Brenda rip them both new ones! I wonder why she is so against office romances…maybe her past experience with Pope? Fritz definitely was in the right here but I hope she can make amends, quick!
You wear homemade shoes?
I love this show, but… It was obvioius in the Christmas special that Brenda cares most about closing a case, so last night was no surprise. Either she fools herself or bottomline doesn’t care about the fallout. She’s one cold woman. Does that extend to her relationship with Fritz? She’d better examine that one closely and very quickly. Tenney did a wonderful job with barely suppressed rage, hurt, and disbelief. I’d like to see her character evolve in this area. She can still be a complex, high-maintenance person devoted to her job, but I’m not sure I’ll stay tuned if she doesn’t gain some self-awareness and make an effort to become a better person. (Maybe mother needs to come and straightne her daughter out. I love her!) The thing I find appealing about other characters like Mike in Burn Notice and Mary in In Plain Sight is that, at times, they can see their weaknesses and vulnerabilities and those of others and act kindly in response. Brenda is usually too selfish to do that.
Brenda actually a good person, or just very good at her job?
V.good at job and good person in context of job (looking out for her team, etc.) Pretty bad with everything else.
Does she really deserve Fritz?
Hellll no, he is way too good and patient.
I was sad to see Gabriel do that, but it does add an interesting character layer.
I continue to love *The Closer,* partially because Brenda is so ultra-shrewd when it comes to pinning her perps while she is blind to the emotional ramifications of her own actions sometimes. The supporting cast here continues to be first-rate (I’m still waiting for the Buzz-centric episode!), and the romantic in me hopes that Fritz & Brenda work it out (even though in real life, a recovering alcoholic would probably be better off without a button-pusher partner like her).
Also could not believe Gabriel trying to get Daniels transferred. Brenda is going to lose Fritz. I think that is the whole point to her character. Nothing really matters but the job. Oh, I love this show. And if this isn;t the greatest cast of characters, I don’t know what is!
I definitely don’t want Fritz to start drinking. It’s a cop show not “intervention”. That last scene though was definitely one of the best scenes ever on the tube.
I love this show and appreciate the different characters in the squad room. I laughed out loud and the ‘medicare shoes’ comment.
I was so mad at Brenda last night. I couldn’t believe she did that to Fritz. I loved how Fritz told her off at the end. She doesn’t deserve him. Her true love is her job.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Brenda, but I was thrilled to see Fritz tell her off for her actions. This man has been nothing but supportiv as well as accomodating to her whims, yet I’ve yet to see her show the slightest bit of interest in returning the favor. Fritz deserves better, and I hope Brenda realizes it before she loses him for good.
Brenda has always been selfish and self-centered and that’s why she needs Fritz to call her out when she does stuff like last night. She only cares about getting what she wants. She has to win at all costs. It would seem that Gabriel has those traits as well. It’s all about him. It will be interesting to see how this season plays out but Brenda getting a dose of humility wouldn’t hurt. You can say she doesn’t see it but that’s not true, she refuses to see it,admit it and change. Just like an alcoholic or drug addict would behave trying to justify her actions. I like Brenda, she has flaws. Her growing through them is on of the things that makes this show more than just a cop drama. Absolutely LOVE the comic relief an last night was the first in my book where Tenney actually stepped up to the plate. Good job.
I don’t think the perp got the fact that he’d every bit as vulnerable, if not more, in a regular prison as in a Federal one. “Accidents” happen all the time, thanks to friends of the people on the outside.
Brenda definitely doesn’t deserve Fritzey, but it’s not as though she’s just now showing her true character. Why he loves her is a mystery, but he has known all along what he was getting himself into.
@Barb – Yes, the Christmas episode, exactly! She’s willing to let someone believe a family member is dead to close a case. Harsh! But isn’t that, to some degree, why we watch? Take last week’s rape episode, for example. I got chills just thinking, “How is she going to do this? How is she going to get this father and son to trap themselves in their own lies, and nail this little creep.” And it’s so satisfying every time! Maybe that’s it: Maybe Brenda, too, gets a bit of a high from closing cases. Maybe Fritz isn’t the only one who needs a sponsor.
Well, well, well, Brenda really acted like a cold hearted snake in this episode. She has no respect whatsoever for Fritz. The amazing thing is that, if the tables were turned, she’d go all southern belle drama queen on the guy and leave him.
Like The Shield, this show is not afraid to explore the dark side of the good guys. I don’t think they’ll go the “Vic” route on The Closer and turn Brenda into a bad cop who rationalizes her actions until it’s too late, but they certainly aren’t keeping her all pure either.
Great episode. Awesome show.
My husband was a little upset last night after the show. He freakin’ loves Fritz and Brenda and is going to be so upset if she irreparably damages their relationship. I have a question for you watchers. Do you think men or women are more invested in Brenda and Fritz’ relationship? Brenda is stubborn, can’t give up and can’t admit when she’s wrong. Brenda needs Fritz to make her a better person. I hope the writers continue writing about these flawed but recognizable people. The characters are the most fully human on any television show.
to RustyT – yes, when will we see more of Buzz? And what’s Lt. Tao’s story? I loved his instant “blowback kit”! And I love how Provenza and the others are always munching popcorn & snacks in the observation room, like it’s a Saturday matinee. I was dismayed that Brenda was so eager to stab Fritz in the back just to close her case. Fritz seems in control of his addiction – it’s Brenda who needs an intervention! One question – what happened to the previous M.E. – the one who was the uncle on Fresh Prince of Bel Air? I liked him.
Brenda’s a b___h. It happens whenever you put a feminist in a position of power. Fritz should get a new girlfriend and flaunt it in front of Brenda until she whimpers “uncle”
I remember seeing Kyra in a movie years ago when her b__bs were no bigger than plum. One hell of a b__b job.
That was my favorite line.
When I saw the promo for this episode, I thought for sure it would be a subconscious, unintentional screwing, but I was startled that she was so malicious about it. We’ve seen that she’s selfish and very high maintenance, but that always seemed to balance well with Fritz’s patient nature. And when Fritz’s back went out, and she put the bottle of wine away, I thought we had a breakthrough. But she was conniving and cruel. I can’t believe she didn’t care if she ruined his career or not. I certainly hope this incident continues into the upcoming episodes and isn’t just swept under a rug. She needs that growth.
Yeah, like the guy wouldn’t have been shanked in prison.
LOVED the way they wrapped this one up. Great acting by Tenney, and about time Fritz called her out. They better work it out though cuz I love Brenda and Fritz together. This ep was better than last week ~ had a bit more humor (homemade shoes! medicare! chief pope scolding the reporter!).
Regardless how abrasive or quirky, each person needs each other. As shown when Brenda tore up the transfer papers, all are necessary for a well-run unit. Brenda, however, is too white-hot in her ambition. As she may be congratulating herself for cutting down on junk food, she’s stunned at the equal heat demonstrated by Fritz. Poor guy, if he weren’t so strong and sure of his manhood, he’d leave her. When will she grow up?
I am so disappointed in Brenda. Fritz is exactly right, if he treated her the same way–she’d change the locks on the doors before nightfall. I feel bad for Fritz, he’s so good to her. I’m afraid the writers are leading up to a Brenda/Fritz split and then a dalliance of some sort between Brenda and Chief Pope–reliving old times. ~eyeroll~gag~two thumbs down!~
I freaking adore this show but Brenda, Brenda, Brenda. When are you going to learn? She was so mean to Fritz last night. I was glad he called her out on it. I hope the writers aren’t going to split them up because she definitely needs him in her life. Can’t wait for the upcoming Provenza/Flynn episode. Sounds like an instant classic.
This show has just gotten better and better. This should be the blueprint for all future procedurals. The shades of grey and complex personalities make this more then just your “average” cop show!