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« The Closer
Episode Recap: "Speed Bump"
Well, that was kind of a waste of nifty guest stars! Of course when I reported on Paul Michael Glaser's Closer gig, I (and probably others) imagined he'd get some tasty scenes to chew on. Instead, he and the ER lady were just big red herrings. Bummer! (For more on Glaser's visit to The Closer, see Cheers & Jeers.)
That was a cute cold open, with Brenda and Fritz enjoying at least one round of wake-up sex. Poor Fritzy wanted another romp, but his back had other ideas. And then Brenda's cell rang: "Yes, I was [vibrating]." Ha! We almost forgot she had a sexual bone in her body.
And the "nooner" came and went.
I like cases where Flynn is not at all sympathetic to the vic. He really speaks his mind. "He was quiet, kept to himself.... The usual homicidal maniac routine." It sucked seeing his friends get pulled in as almost-suspects/"persons of interest."
Tao's "Walk with me" was funny… the first four or five times. But over the course of, like, a whole minute? Eh.
I have in my notes here that it was "obvious" that one of the girl's parents did it, but in retrospect I should have assigned greater value to the halfway house manager's super-beady eyes. Just like last week — the first interview wound up guilty.
Loved this line from Starsky: "Was it a long painful death...? Then it wasn't me."
More subtext between Daniels and Gabriel, though this one line sounded weird/borderline obsessive: "No reason to go home." What an odd disclosure for someone who's trying hard to not disclose.
Overall, I give the episode a 6. I understood it from start to finish, which is rare, and which also means it was rather rote. I just got the DVD for next week's, I have high hopes!
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Jul 21, 2008 11:16 PM
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Great episode! Loved Flynn and enjoyed seeing another side of Brenda. Really touching ending. Excellent performances all around.
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Jul 22, 2008 1:54 AM
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Poor Fritz, left on the hall floor all day by Brenda (who never came home for the promised "nooner")
Interesting that the parents saw Flynn as their friend, and were upset that he didn't protect them from Brenda. Flynn usually is a bit more detached, so that case must have been something special for Flynn.
This episode reminds me of a real case where 2 older women "helped" homeless men, took out insurance policies on them and then killed them. I wonder if this episode was inspired by that real case?
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Jul 22, 2008 7:02 AM
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I called the guilty pretty early on (although didn't know 1/2 house ladies were actually working together)
Thought the case was kinda boring...but that might be due to comparing it to last week's show (and Brenda kept the candles!?!?)
Liked the Brenda/Fritz scenes...and really nice to see Brenda being the supportive one at the end.
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Jul 22, 2008 7:28 AM
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I adored this episode. I loved that Brenda made some small gestures to show her love and appreciation for Fritz - that she ignored her cell phone and got him a bag of cookies when he was on the floor, that she put the wine back and, my favourite, that she layed down on the floor and slept beside him when he couldn't move.  I thought the murder storyline was predictable (I had to double check that I wasn't watching a repeat because I'm sure I'd seen this story before, but it was probably a different show), but the Fritz/Brenda scenes more than made up for that. I hope there is more to come on that front!
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Jul 22, 2008 7:37 AM
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The episode was decent but lacking when compared to last week. For me it was the guest casting. I knew it was the halfway house lady as soon as I recognized her. But I watch too much tv. It's usually the person you recognize. I was hoping it wasn't her for that very reason. I might of thought it was the Father but he was a little before my time.
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Jul 22, 2008 8:06 AM
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Hey Matt I'm a bit puzzled who was the Grey's Anatomy star who guest starred? You didn't mean the mother of the murdered young woman did you? I could be wrong but I dont' think Amy Aquino has been on Grey's unless it was just a guest spot. she did appear in some episodes of ER though I'm pretty sure. I think she was an OB/GYN.
Lucky you to get to watch episodes ahead of time.
I'm hoping Ricardo Ramos will make a return appearance soon. I like what the character brings to the show. I'm a fan of Stephen Martines the actor playing Ricardo which gives me added incentive to watch The Closer!
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Jul 22, 2008 8:59 AM
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Brenda kept the candles!?!?)
I noticed that, too! Maybe she is carrying a little torch, as well!
I'm a bit puzzled who was the Grey's Anatomy star who guest starred?
You are right, Amy Aquino is from ER. Hospital drama, Thursday nights... I was close! - MWM
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Jul 22, 2008 9:06 AM
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when o when will shows stop using obvious guest stars who often play the bad guys be the bad guys!! geeeeesh it gets tiring especially when you are really really looking foreward to seeing a show and say-OMG it is so and so again-bet s/he did whatever the crime turns out to be!!!!!!!
that is my "rant" for the day.
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Jul 22, 2008 9:09 AM
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I liked this episode actually. The last scene was extremely touching -- Brenda taking out the wine and glancing over at a sleeping Fritz, putting it back just as quickly. Then deciding to sleep with him on the floor. Awww.
It was nice to see Flynn take center stage briefly.
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Jul 22, 2008 9:14 AM
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Some fave Fritz moments:
*the funny grin on his face after the wake-up sex
*his elbow getting hit 2x as Brenda was dragging him into the living room.
I, too, was surprised to see the candles still on the table. I thought she'd at least store them away.
Matt, I agree with you. I wanted more of PMG. Oh well, at least he had one of the best lines last night.
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Jul 22, 2008 9:34 AM
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I too think that PMG should have been given a stronger role although he did get in one of the best lines of the night.
Once Brenda mentioned to one of the ladies that she was the beneficiary of the life insurance policy, I knew who our killer was. And yes, I think it was based on the real-life case of the ladies murdering homeless men.
Loved the opening and closing scenes. Maybe now people will understand Fritz's love for Brenda. She may be bossy and demanding but she sure shows her love when she needs to. The smile of Fritz's face when she spooned him was priceless.
Tao's "Walk with Me" was funny the first 4 times...I am with you on that Matt!
I can't wait for the "Dial M for Provenza" Episode. We always need more Provenza and Flynn.
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Jul 22, 2008 10:02 AM
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I actually liked this episode. I didn't mind that the 'caregivers' were the guilty ones. I suspected one of them right away (when they went to inspect his room and she was tidying up). I did think the head lady was a bit cavalier about the guys death - but after a while you can become callused to suffering and it doesn't shock as much - so I wrote her off. I do wish PMG had more to do, but it was just great to see him looking all dapper and what not. As for his wife - I'm pretty sure Matt said she was the ER lady and not Grey's...
My favorite parts this week involved Brenda and Fritz. I'm not a fan of their relationship, but this week was a nice surprise. It is refreshing to see another side of Brenda -- the playful, sexual side. I loved the look on Gabriel's face when she came up behind him and played 'peekaboo' briefly. What a hoot.
All in all a good episode. I'm just glad to have my show back so I'll take what I can get.
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Jul 22, 2008 12:04 PM
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I was a little puzzled about the wake-up sex. Afterwards, Fritz understandably had a smile on his face, while Brenda looked either distracted, concerned or worried. She quickly snapped out of it, though when Fritz was ready for round 2. Not sure what that initial expression was about.
Loved the scene where Brenda's boss was asserting his authority with Gabriel in the room. How many times have I been in Gabriel's position...just wanting to get the heck out of dodge? Why do bosses do that anyway? It's like your grandparent arguing with your parent (in grandparent's house) with you standing right there, then turning to you asking whether you understood.
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Jul 22, 2008 1:43 PM
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i was getting tired of the 'walk with me' too until the 'punchline' when he showed how the killer drove around the block...thought that was effective...good show, but i love starsky and hope he comes back for another episode, but continues as a good guy...
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Jul 22, 2008 2:46 PM
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