In This Section
TV Guide Spotlight
Also on TVGuide.com
|
« The Closer Blog
We're Back
By now, you're probably well aware that while watching The Closer's third-season premiere, you helped make television history. For the first time ever, a scripted series on basic cable won its time slot in the ratings, and Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson of the LAPD's Priority Homicide Division solved her case in front of a record number of viewers. Thanks so much for putting us first! You can't believe what an energy boost that was for our cast and crew. So, thank you. Thank you very much.
Almost 25 years ago, while having lunch at a New York restaurant, I met with one of the greatest stage actresses in American history. Two-time Tony winner Frances Sternhagen was interested in doing a play I was about to have produced on Broadway. I was thrilled.
But since theater moves at a glacial pace, we ended up doing the show in London first, and by the time we had brought it back to the Great White Way, Franny and I were very close friends. She was genius in the part and I had wanted to work with her again, but time and distance thwarted every design.
A few months after The Closer ended its first season, Franny asked if I'd thought about giving Brenda a mother. In fact, she left a long phone message in the Southern accent she'd recently perfected in a revival of Bobby Harling's Steel Magnolias. It was hilarious. I played the recording for my partners and, as a result, last year she starred in two episodes as the indefatigable Willie Ray Johnson.
One of the benefits of having Franny do the show, of course, is her brilliant performance. But since she stays at my house during filming, I get a chance to catch up on all of her globe-trotting (treks through Turkey, safaris through Kenya). Last night around 8 o'clock, she showed up downstairs in the jungles of L.A., and I carried her luggage up to what we call the "Franny guest room" while she chatted sweetly about the Russian driver who picked her up at the airport (and wants to be an actor). And I thought again: How lucky I am to have this opportunity — to be working on a show that's bringing my professional and personal lives together in amazing ways.
This year, Franny shares the screen with Barry Corbin (of Northern Exposure fame), who portrays Brenda's father, Clay. And though I've never met him before, Barry has a small ranch just 10 minutes from the front door of my parents' house in Arlington, Texas. I've just watched Barry and Franny's first rehearsal with Jon Tenney and Kyra and it was both moving and funny to observe two great pros at the top of their game guesting as family. All together we'll have them for four episodes, and so the "Franny guest room" at my house will be filled with her wonderful spirit, and the dinner table with her hilarious anecdotes, for several weeks this summer.
Look for Clay and Willie Ray later in the season as, in tonight's episode, Fritz does something that makes it all but certain he and Brenda's father will have to meet.
And thanks again to all of you who wrote in your thoughts about our season premiere. Next week, I'll be introducing some of our writers and talking about what happens when we all sit down in a room together to create an episode of The Closer.
|
|
|
|
Jun 25, 2007 4:58 PM
|
I'm delighted I get the distinction of being first to comment on your latest blog. Thank you for sharing the story of how Frances Sternhagen became Willie Rae, and gave us such memorable performances (hear that, Emmy voters?) I've loved her since I can't recall when, and Barry Corbin since I saw him play Uncle Bud in Urban Cowboy. I can't wait to see what he'll bring to the mix - it's bound to be wonderful.
Season Three is off to a great start, and I'm counting the minutes (2:15 as I write) until the next episode airs. Thanks for your insights as always, and the stories behind the show. They add such richness to the viewing experience.
|
|
Jun 25, 2007 6:45 PM
|
Howdy! I'm 30 minutes from Arlington, so I feel an even closer kinship to the show now!
I'm watching the second episode now - it's fantastic!
And I'm really excited to have Frances Sternhagen back - and have Barry Corbin join in! I've been a fan of both for many years and know they will just make the screen sizzle!
Love this show - and I've gotten at least three other people hooked on it!
I'll look forward to your next blog!
|
|
Jun 25, 2007 9:32 PM
|
I cannot tell you enough how much I love this show. It is flat out fantastic and everyone on it is amazing. I want you all to be my new BFFs.
I loved Frances Sternhagen as Brenda's mom and I am a fan of Barry Corbin from his "Northern Exposure" days so I am really looking forward to seeing those two.
Welcome back and thank yew...thank yew so much!
|
|
Jun 26, 2007 8:40 PM
|
|
I have one question regarding Monday's(06/26) episode-which, by the way, was phenominal!! Why did Brenda's daddy send her the letter by a fed-ex type company? And if, as suggested in his letter, that's he forgives her why wouldn't he talk to her on the phone? I was more than a little confused by this. Love Barry Corbin and can't wait to see him!!
|
|
Jun 27, 2007 12:02 PM
|
I cannot express how excited I am to have Frances Sternhagen back this year! Her season two episode were excellent and brought to the show what I thought were some of the funniest moments of the series. (Her taking pictures in the murder room? Awesome!) I cannot wait to see her again and to meet Brenda's Dad too!
Poor Fritz, he got into so much trouble for answering that phone. I was glad Brenda finally apologized to him but I did so enjoy her snippy comments: “Well, I’m just not so sure that your using the phone right now is the best way to do that.” Kyra's delivery on that line was fanfreakingtastic!
|
|
Jun 28, 2007 10:11 AM
|
I started to tune in last Season as my friends at work told me what a great show this is and I am so glad I love the writing the actors its a great action pack show and its fun to guess who the killer is too
|
|
Jun 28, 2007 6:39 PM
|
I know I'm a little late with this, but just wanted to say that the season premiere was brilliant. I realized I hadn't managed to say anything to you about it after I had made a comment on Michael Shanks blog (who played Kyra's husband in Door to Door) about how brilliant the premiere was and how he should look up you guys and see if he can't get a guest spot on your show. After playing the hero for ten years, he seems to be relishing playing the bad guy a few times.
The first two seasons of The Closer were great, but this episode was awesome and you are off to a great start. I can't wait to see more.
|
|
Jul 2, 2007 1:59 AM
|
|
|
