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?
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.