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« The Closer
Episode Recap: "Controlled Burn"
I've said it in seasons before, I will say it again: I love The Moment.
The Moment, of course, is the seemingly innocuous happening — usually a comment, and I believe often from Fritz — which turns on a light bulb above Brenda's head and points her (and thus us) toward the resolution of the latest mystery.
The Moment for this season's premiere came when Fritz spoke of "dropping the cat off, and then picking her up later." Ding! And like that, Brenda realizes that the killer/firestarter would be found trying to reclaim the victim's car.
What did you think of the opener? Despite my "rocky past" with his wife (Paige Turco), my fandom of Jason O'Mara is well-known, and he really rocked this guest-star role (and had some great lines, like, "I'm carrying a little torch for you" and, "It's all fuel.") Stephen Martines served nicely as the nosy, overly aggressive Times reporter.
As for the reveal... it was a little "eh," if only because they kind of telegraphed it with fireman's first scene and Brenda's subtle but apparent scrutiny of his story. Still, it's a better outcome than having reporter boy do it, which for a second looked like where we were going.
Catching up with the squad at the start of each season is always fun. For example, Daniels and Gabriel seem to have hit a rough patch, and Brenda is none to happy with how it's affecting the murder room. I liked how Flynn's contempt for Croelich was revisited. Tao relishes his forensic sleuthing as much as ever. Not much Provenza, barely any Sanchez (with whom the writers still don't seem to know what to do). Pope's still cracking the whip.
And then there is the Brenda-Fritz romance, still saddled by niggling. And toilet problems. ("How many more mornings are we going to rush to work to pee?") Er, turns out Fritz has found elsewhere to "go."
And last but not least, mad props to Kyra's banging bod, as evidenced during her strip-down scene.
All told, a solid episode.
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Jul 15, 2008 1:34 AM
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The best thing about The Closer--is when it returns. I've missed the whole crew. While the mystery wasn't that hard to figure out--the interplay between everyone was (as always) terrific. Following the hints between Daniels and Gabriel--especially, when she was talking about a suspect that was needy--(ouch) I was under the impression she was also referring to Gabriel. I also enjoyed Sanchez using the reporter to demonstrate the murder scene--my favorite line from Brenda, "Put him down, Sanchez!"
Welcome back guys! In this dry wasteland of reality dumb-down shows--you are so welcome!
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Jul 15, 2008 2:35 AM
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Great recap, Matt! I was so excited for the return - and it didn't disappoint.
Although I was a bit bummed to figure out the murderer so soon - and what took Brenda so long? But the relationship "stuff" in between takes the sting away.....
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Jul 15, 2008 8:01 AM
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I enjoyed this episode too. I wish we had more of the team though. Jason O'Mara plays the creepy and alluring Bill so well. He has wonderful chemistry with Kyra. One of the great moments was when Bill presents Brenda with his gift which is appropriately candles. Glad to see the writers left his depature from the episode open ended -- so he could pop up again soon.
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Jul 15, 2008 9:09 AM
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Woo Hoo! The Closer is back!
Some highlights for me:
*Kitty!
*Fritz correcting Brenda every time she referred to Kitty as "him"
*Brenda calling Gabriel by his first name - Awww!
*Billy's return - my fave suspect
*Brenda's abs - DANG! Does she do pilates for hours a day?!
*Taylor siding with Brenda (for once) when they learned the reporter contacted Billy.
I was so glad to see Jason O'Mara return as Billy. I LOVE JASON!  Although he said he'd never return, I hope that was just a line. I'd love to see him go head-to-head once again with Brenda.
I didn't catch who the killer was until it was revealed. I was hoping it was the reporter b/c he was gettin' on my last nerve.
I felt it was especially touching when Brenda called Gabriel "David" b/c I don't believe she's ever called anyone in her team by his/her first name.
I totally believe that Daniels was referring to Gabriel when she was talking about a suspect. Wonder what's going on with them? Crazy kids!
Matt, great recap.
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Jul 15, 2008 9:11 AM
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Um, rough patch, I don't think so. To me, it appears that Daniels is pregnant (hence Gabriel not wanted her to carry all that stuff at the beginning). And I am betting everyone will think she is hiding it because she is ashamed or doesn't want it to affect her career, but I bet the real reason is I bet she doesn't want to hurt Brenda's feelings (remembering that Brenda might or might want to and that Daniels is really the only one who has seen Brenda girl vulnerable).
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Jul 15, 2008 9:50 AM
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I love the AHA moments too, and have commented before that she often seems to get them when talking to Fritz. I think it's because when they are talking it's seldom about the case, and concentrating on something else allows that little something to slip into her consciousness, and wham she's got it.
I was just so happy to have The Closer back, all of the character interactions are fantastic. Altough the reveal did seem a bit abrupt, it seemed we didn't see enough of the killer for it to have real impact. Of course I wouldn't want to have lost any of the scenes we had with the regular cast or with Bill Croelich. They just should have done an extended first episode as they've done in the past.
I can't wait to see where this season takes us.
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Jul 15, 2008 10:03 AM
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I like this show a lot, but can't for the life of me figure out why Brenda doesn't trust Fritz. Someone help me here....why wouldn't Brenda tell Fritz what transpired between her and Croelich just a moment before Fritz arrived home? She was visibly shaken. I know she blamed in on the fire, but still, I think she should've told Fritzy about what happened.
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Jul 15, 2008 10:16 AM
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My theory on the Gabriel/Daniels “rough patch”.
Theory: She’s pregnant.
Circumstantial Evidence:
a) Gabriel asking to carry the box (pregnant woman shouldn’t carry anything heavy)
b) The weirdness of Gabriel when asked if everything was okay with him and Daniels but Brenda (it isn’t his place to tell her if Daniels is pregnant and it looked like he wanted to but knew he couldn’t)
Anyone else notice where Brenda called Gabriel “David”? I don’t think she has ever called him by his first name in the series. Come to think of it, only Pope and Fritz are called by their first names.
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Jul 15, 2008 10:18 AM
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K - if I remember correctly, Brenda called Gabriel "David" in the hospital hallway right before they interviewed the fireman in his room.
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Jul 15, 2008 10:36 AM
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THANK GOODNESS MY SHOW IS BACK!!!!
I loved the episode, although I didn't catch on unitl the end, and maybe that was because I was so happy to just be watching a new episode! I too think that Daniels is pregnant, and I think that Gabriel wanted to tell Brenda, but couldn't becasue he is the ONLY one on the team who has even a glimpse of some of her personal issues, and didn't want to hurt her. I also agree that Brenda should have told Fritz about their little guest! I do hope he doesn't keep his promise to go away forever!! The chemistry between him and Brenda is a perfect example of why this show is one of the BEST on tv right now!!!
Keep up the good work
And as for Kyra's abs...If I could be so lucky!?!?
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Jul 15, 2008 11:04 AM
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WOOOHOOO! It's been such a long time. Thanks for the recap Matt. I was soooo excited to watch a fresh episode of The Closer -- it was like a mini-holiday...don't get me wrong, it doesn't define me, I just like it .
I too think that Daniels is pregnant and Gabriel doesn't quite know how to broach the subject. Loved pyro-guy. He is so creepy and twisted. I knew he didn't do it the moment they said the girl was dead before she was burned and that inquiring look Brenda gave the firefighter kinda gave it away too.
I'm still not a huge fan of the Fritz-Brenda romance, but I can see why she needs something more in her life than work. Don't know why she wouldn't tell Fritz about her unwanted visitor but I figure it will play heavily into the season finale somehow...just don't think we've seen the last of that guy.
Great to have the gang all back. Would have loved to have more Provenza, but all in all great episode. BRAVO!!!!
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Jul 15, 2008 11:42 AM
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my "rocky past" with his wife (Paige Turco),
Care to explain Matt? I love Paige and Jason - what did you do?
THE CLOSER has always been a show where the current who-dunnit almost takes a back seat to the ongoing relationships that Brenda has with her crew, Fritz and her boss and last nights episode was no different. Wjat a great show!
Jason O'Mara is such a great actor - I am really looking forward to seeing him on a regular basis on LIFE ON MARS.
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Jul 15, 2008 11:43 AM
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Great season opener! Well worth the interminable wait! And now I know that Brenda is a WASP, defined by one wag as "one who gets out of the shower to pee." Poor Fritz...he's got a handful with Brenda!!
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Jul 15, 2008 1:26 PM
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Matt, great recap as always! But I have to ask: is your issue with Paige Turco because she never thanked you for the roses you sent her?
 "> Some people's manners...
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Jul 15, 2008 3:01 PM
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